Rolled the dice

I wouldn't call it absolutely necessary, but pulling the plugs and rolling it over for 10 seconds or so with the starter will circulate the oil and you'll see it build pressure on the gauge.

You're taking the plugs out anyways   

I would also check all hose clamps for tightness & also do an alignment.

No reason to change the thermostat, unless info was given that it’s bad.

I would check & lube the impeller put some fresh gas in it hook up a bucket and hose and see if it run's.
Then start with the preventive or necessary maintenance, no sense putting the cart before the horse. IMO

By the way I bought my 2000 Sport with out hearing it run, no big issues and the price was right.

Thanks for the inputs Paul / Pete! The PO had a new impeller (still in package from Nautique Parts) in a box in the boat so I am probably going to go ahead and put that in (that is within my skill level) and then prime it a bit and see what happens with the hose hooked up and running.. Quick check yesterday showed that the oil level was right on and oil looked good. Tranny fluid looked very good and level was right where it should be. The anticipation of how this is going to turn out is all part of the fun.
I sold my 85 awhile back and getting this 84 has just reminded me how much fun the chase, purchase, and messing around with the older (80's era is my sweet spot) CC's can be......right down to the unique smell of taking the cover off.
I know most people on this forum understand those feelings.

Jonny Quest wrote: I know that some may consider this to be over-kill, but oil pressure and cooling problems are 2 of the fastest ways to kill an engine. As such, I would change raw water impeller, thermostat and temperature sending unit. As for oil, you mentioned an oil change. I like the higher flow oil filters -- particularly the K&N. I would also change trans fluid as peace-of-mind. If you don't know when the carb was last rebuilt, that may be a good project to consider. A carb re-build is not expensive and is not very difficult to do.    Cheap insurance in my opinion.JQ

You are correct: Over kill

Over-kill is a symptom of BOD ( Boat Obsession Disorder). I got it bad...

JQ

Drive it like you stole it. !!!!!!!

Finally got some time to play with the 84 this weekend. Put the new numbers on, changed the oil, filter, impeller, new battery and T stats as those items are within my skill level. Went to fire it up and....................turned over but will not fire. Had spark at all the plugs, gas going into the carb when the throttle was pumped (poured gas in the carb before initially turning over. Condition reminded me of a lanyard off type situation that I have experienced with my newer Nautiques. I remember the 85 I had, and sold, had a master power fuse but did not see anything like that on the dash. There was a switch below the Nav switch (pic enclosed) that I could not figure out what it was for. Brochure here on the site did not help me. I got frustrated and called it quits. I am very week when it comes to mechanical troubleshooting and will not pretend otherwise thus would appreciate any / all inputs from the regulars on the forum. as to what I should try next.
Besides the boat not starting it was fun crawling around and messing with it, cleaning it up etc.... The garage in front of the house out on the street was a bit warm at times but not complaining about good weather. For the most part the boat and trailer are all there so it should be fun to play with for a bit (after I get it running) before deciding next steps.
I did take a few pics so I would not catch flack from you guys but I am still working on zipping them down to size to get them posted............will keep trying.

/Users/owner1/Desktop/84 dash switches.png

JQ I have been burned by that (lanyard off) on my 05 before so can relate. I do not see anything like a lanyard on the 84 though. Puzzled as to what that switch below the Nav switch is........see first pic above.

If there was a lanyard or anything resembling a lanyard, it's function is to kill the spark by interrupting power to the coil. (Different from a fuel injected boat that might kill power to the fuel pumps instead) This isn't your problem, since you have spark at all the plugs and there's not a lanyard anyways.

Not being there, I'd guess that maybe you didn't pour enough gas down the carb throat to prime it or..........maybe too much and it was flooded.

If it ran at the end of 2018 and you're getting spark it should at least start.

I'd turn the key in the morning and see what happens. If it doesn't start, pump the throttle a couple of times and try again.

I won't ask a silly question like did the PO tell you it had a brand spankin' new starter or anything like that

When you checked the plugs for spark, were any of them wet with fuel?

When you go to try it, don't pour gas down the carb first, in fact if your accelerator pumps are working, and you said you saw them squirting gas when you pumped the throttle, then you shouldn't need to pour any gas in. Pump the throttle a few times, turn the key and see what happens. Good luck!

David - no wet plugs
Peter - embarrassed to say but will admit I can't answer the question as to direction the engine was cranking

Pete..........Noted on your input and Ken's hint. Will update the group when I revisit later this week.