Starting a Lehman after 6 years of sitting

[whwells]

Well, you got some really fine advise here. Little to add. Change everything and full service now and at the end of every season. I have an old tractor with a small yanmar diesel. We have not let it go for 6 years but every other is not unusual. It never fails us, but we do get it serviced at least every other season.
whwells "Howard"

[RobS]

As an aside, is there a relatively cheap pump available to remove tyranny fluid and oil sump? I'm presuming you suction out both through filler tube?

The Topsider MVP multi purpose removal is well regarded and can be had for ~$50

[Nepidae]

If you really want the definative answer contact Bob Smith (he was one of the developers of the Ford Lehman marinized engine).
American Diesel Corp (google it).
Most engine suggestions are good but he might have something that is unique and I'd want his input.
Worth a phone call.

[rnummi]

So to summarize:

1. New battery(s)
2. Change the oil
3. Change Tranny fluid
4. Check/change impeller
5. Check/change hoses
5. Use fresh diesel out of container
6. Cold bump the engine a few times
7. Check fuel, run it through racors, change filters 2-3 times.

I think I have it.... Thanks all!

[John_Madison CT]

I think you got it. Good luck.

[rnummi]

Thanks to all who contributed. One more question: Do you spray gunk over the whole thing to try to clean the Schmutz off. This thing is caked in grease, dripping oil, etc. It's impossible to see if there are/were any leaks etc. Also all hoses appear to be automotive. Does anyone have a "go to ADC and buy the following hoses: Part # xyz " etc. Etc. All existing are NAPA part numbers.

[jleonard]

Thanks to all who contributed. One more question: Do you spray gunk over the whole thing to try to clean the Schmutz off. This thing is caked in grease, dripping oil, etc. It's impossible to see if there are/were any leaks etc. Also all hoses appear to be automotive. Does anyone have a "go to ADC and buy the following hoses: Part # xyz " etc. Etc. All existing are NAPA part numbers.

I would clean it up.
I would go to ADC and buy a complete hose kit. Cheaper than you'd think and it has all the hoses no fooling around. One or two you have to cut in half, but they are all there.
I paid $66 4 or 5 years ago and they have a history of keeping prices constant for a long time.

[rnummi]

Thanks! I'll do that.

[Sprig1]

Hi what is adc stand for most of the hoses have me stumped. Thanks chris

[jleonard]

Hi what is adc stand for most of the hoses have me stumped. Thanks chris

American Diesel Corp http://americandieselcorp.com/
Founded and run by Bob Smith who is considered the guru of Ford-Lehman engines.
If you have a Ford-Lehman engine, you need to know these guys.
Same day shipping on parts, excellent prices, great advice.

[rnummi]

What do these two black cans do?

[jleonard]

Waterlift mufflers.

[RobS]

Cranking the engine will pump water into the exhaust system. When it cranks a lot without firing, the muffler may fill up with water and eventually flood the engine. If the boat is in the water, you could close the cooling water seacock during prolonged cranking and as soon as the engine starts, immediately open the seacock. Or, if the muffler is equipped with a drain, the drain plug can be removed from it until the engine fires.

[rnummi]

Sacriligeous thought number one: I drive a diesel X5..... You see where I'm going with this right? I've gotta drain the tank anyway (to not overburden my crappy rusted trailer)..... Boat w old diesel, X5 that drinks it like an oil sheik....perfect synergy. Happy boat, happy X5.

[rnummi]

I take it this is your garden variety six year old sludge?