78 v20 Checkout

[twhrider2]

Since getting the V home last weekend I have not had time to do much with it, but want to start a thorough check out of the 470/outdrive. I have no knowledge of maintenance/repairs prior to the last 3 years. I am assuming I have the original '78 470 & outdrive (pre-alpha?). Engine starts and runs fine ,starter drags after running awhile (old prestolite) so looking to rebuild or replace. Outdrive seems to work and shift fine. Has the alternater upgrade and 4" exchanger. Today I want to do a compression check, find and check the water pump weep hole for cam seal leaks and see if ignition has been upgraded to electronic. Bellows were replaced 3 or 4 years ago so I am ASSUMING the outdrive was serviced at that time. Now for questions to any and all with experience would you suggest I go ahead and pull manifold, riser/elbow and check. Oh and trim indicator don't work, wires are toast at outdrive. Sorry for the long post but want to get everything in good order between now and next spring. Thanks in advance for any and all info is greatly appreciated.

[Cam]

I would pull them. A set of gaskets is cheap insurance.

[spareparts]

don't waste any money on the trim indicator, they don't work after about a year any way. What manifold/riser does it have? cast iron with front mounted reservoir? Cast iron with rear mounted reservoir? Aluminum manifold with cast rear reservoir? make sure you can get parts for the manifold before you touch it

[twhrider2]

Thanks for the replies guys, I had a chance to check a few things today and here is what I found.#1 water pump seal is leaking out the weep hole. #2 compression checked 145/150/140/135 keep in mind this boat has not been in the water with a good run in 6 months, so just warmed up on the muffs,put a little oil in #4 and it came right up to 150+. #3 pertronics ignition already installed. Manifold is cast with front resevoir, are gaskets available for these? And to Spare soooo happy for your daughters good test results.

[bksah2]

I have always liked the 470 motors despite there bad rep. you need to fix the seals ,,if the inner seal fails the motor is toast ,,its not that hard of a job as long as you have room in front of the motor to pull the balancer off there are some good step by step links on the net out there if you need them i have them marked on another pc and the total for parts is about $100

[spareparts]

the front reservoir manifolds didn't give much trouble, its the rear reservoir, aluminum manifold, cast elbow that has the issues. I think the elbow you have is the same as some of the 3.0L, so after market should be easy. I don't know for sure, post up a pic of the motor so I can tell.

BTW, appreciate the words about my daughter, make sure you read the last entry on her thread I posted yesterday