New to me 215 Explorer

[ckumpel]

Ran diagnostics, no recent codes, temps all look good.  all injectors fire off and all spark plugs fire off.  I haven't done a drop cylinder test yet, but plan to do that next time I get it in the water. 

I did also rebuild the steering cylinder and put new white rub rail in.  Those aren't helping my motor woes but still fun to do.

[wingtime]

The diagnostic tests with the software are fun.  There is two different ways you can do them.  Running or not running.  Not running you can go thru and test the injectors and listen to them click.  Then with it running you can do a "drop test" on not only the ignition on each cylinder but each injector as well.  Be sure to open up the window showing the tachometer so you can see the RPM drop.  This will also let you see how accurate your tachometer is.  Most of them are off a bit.

[ckumpel]

can you do the drop cylinder test while running on muffs in the yard?

[wingtime]

can you do the drop cylinder test while running on muffs in the yard?

Absolutely can.  Keep an eye on your temperature though.  In particular the EMM temps when running on the muffs for long.  I switched to the muffs with the Y-splitter that supplies water to BOTH sides.  I would get an overheat alarm on my 250 Etec when running on the muffs with a cheap single sided muff. Turns out it was the EMM not getting enough water.

[ckumpel]

Painted up the motor, made decals and slapped them on too.  Need it to cure so i can do a couple touchups.  New motor next year.  I did all the diagnostics on the motor and cant find anything wrong.  I changed plugs and wires.  2 plugs looked pretty nasty, possibly from when my low pressure fuel pump went out.

[ckumpel]

Had a retired lady near us that does upholstery redo the cuddy cushions.  I bought material, she charged 30 bucks a cushion.

[ckumpel]

So the motor lost cylinder last summer, which was a bummer. However, scored a new 2019 250 step with 7 years of warranty for a pretty good deal.  Also, move the stereo up into the hard top, put new antennas on, added a point 1 gps, add nmea2000 network, just changed out all of my above water throughhulls to stainless, installed new brass splash well drain tubes, and i think that brings me up to speed.  Adding a second bilge in the coming weeks, buffing/cleaning it, adding a new voltage gauge and then it goes in a slip.  Will post pics

[Capt. Bob]

That hull should fly with that motor.

[RickK]

Add to your to do list - Add seat belts in those helm seats 

Edit: Hard to believe that the 215 was rated at 300hp (so was every size above 215) - that must have been the biggest engine made that year.