need some advice on 350 mercruiser

[wakina]

If the boat only has 20 hrs on the new motor everything should still be almost like new and there should not be alot of deposits on the valves or rings to make them stick, but the fogging oil is a very good idea, so is a complete new lower unit water pump. If you remove the distrubitor, Just be sure you mark the distributor where the rotor is facing so you don't reassemble 180 degrees from where it should be the RPMs should be 650 at idle and is adjustable with a screw located on the throttle linkage on the carb. If you have never changed boots before there is alot more there than meets the eye and if you are like me some professional help may be required. It may pay you to invest in a remote start button they are available at any discount auto parts stores for a few bucks and you can fog the engine and set the initial timing with out help it makes things a whole lot easier if you need to work alone. Forgot to mention the exhaust boots located on the risers and the exhaust tubes they are most likely just fine but the may need tightened.

[rsfrail]

Sounds like Wakina nailed it....make sure to check your boots/ or BELLOWS- they will sink you, it almost happend to me on previous boat. Move your trim and tilt up and down while looking for tears in your boots. While at that, check your battery status, how its wired to a saftey floater switch to buildge pump, and consider adding a dual battery setup. Safe boating in 2013