Hi, I asked the same question in boating but there are similarities for cars and trucks so I will ask in both

Hi I am looking to but a boat that has been idle for four years. It is a 1998 sea ray with a mercruiser 3.0 that was winterized in fall 2004. The owner covered the boat and let it sit until now. What kind of damage should I look for from sitting this long. I don't want to buy something that I will regret later

Thanks

If they oiled the cylinders it should be fine.

Before even cranking it, I would pull the plugs and pour in marvel mystery oil into the cylinders and rotate. Also, Find out how the fuel system was preserved. Was it drained?

hi, I asked the same question in boating but there are similarities for cars and trucks so I will ask in both

hi I am looking to but a boat that has been idle for four years. It is a 1998 sea ray with a mercruiser 3.0 that was winterized in fall 2004. The owner covered the boat and let it sit until now. What kind of damage should I look for from sitting this long. I don't want to buy something that I will regret later

thanks

That seems like an awful long time for any engine to sit and still be good.
Have you tried to rotate the engine manually? That would be my first step.
If it rotates freely, you may still have some serious corrosion internally. Here is where a borescope would be priceless.
Expect to find the fuel system in need of attention. Any fuel that sat that long has probably turned to varnish and solidified.