What tools for a inboard Newbie

Hello all...I want to get your opinions on some tool/supplies purchases (unless you know of a posted thread). I bought a '87 Martinique with the 351w, as far as I can tell stock. I want to do as much of the maintenance as possible on my own. This means I get to go to the store and buy more tools. I switched from outboard to inboard, so I am starting from scratch. I am frugal (cheap), but will spend money where needed. Please recommend brands/preferred tools (level of quality needed), options,extras, etc...I have a fake-a-lake and multi-meter.

My shopping list (add/delete as needed): Timing light (walmart or better?), dwell/tach gauge, vacuum gauge needed?, recommend good engine manual (Ford 351), prop puller(?). The brand "Actron" comes up a lot, is it decent? Some of the dwell gauges state "excluding coil on-plug"...the motor has a coil, is this the wrong gauge or does it matter?

I will also be making a purchase from SKIDM...What should I have on hand for spare parts? Impeller, transmission pump, points, distributor cap, tune-up or general maintenance supplies. I have the cleaning supplies so no recommendations for now.

Treat me with kid gloves...and maybe in a few years I can return the favors.    Thanks for the info

Brett - You are on the right track with your list.   A good set of combination wrenches, a large channel locks & needle nose pliers, #3 & #4 phillips (aka cross recessed) screwdrivers, & a polisher are useful tools that come to mind.   I just use a cheapo 3 jaw gear puller with a substituted short center screw for a prop puller.   It takes 4 hands to make it work but it does work.

Good luck with your boat, let's see some pictures!

Sorry for calling you "keith" SN. Still learning the forum.

I havent run acorss anything on mine that I needed that I didnt already have in my normal automotive/shop arsenal. Well other than some 1000grit paper for the wetsanding of the hull

#1: a patch kit for the toobs

a 5/16" nut driver to keep in the boat for the hose clamps

a knife and diving mask to cut rope out of your prop

spare set of truck keys

whatever sized box end wrenchs to remove and open up the RWP for that impeller swap

Cooler, Beer, Ice (in that order)
Vest, ski rope, ski(s)
Smokin Hot Wife / Girlfriend or equal (if not available bring suntan lotion as a happy alternate)
Fuel in boat and Go!!

PS, in case of emergency always keep enough spare beer onboard to sustain you for however long it will take to drift to the nearest shoreline.

quinner wrote: (if not available bring suntan lotion as a happy alternate)

LMAO!!! Old phone #'s help if you aren't married.   

Great link...thanks

Thanks Rick, Fake-a-lake was the first thing I bought. I'll save the EI for another post...I've heard the debate.

Rick wrote: I didn't see anyone mention a Fake a Lake. It allows you to run the bost on the trailer. Great for tuneups. I would also look into Pertronix electronic ignition. It's about $125 and eliminates all the point hassels.

Hassles? Rick, I think if you did a search, you'll find more problems with the EI point replacement modules than with the original points! Besides some who need to learn how to set gap/dwell on points, you won't find consistent point problems. You must have missed how long I've been running my 64 on points and when the last time I even pulled the distributor cap off! If you have a module conversion, you had better have a spare in the boat just in case. All I would need is my wifes finger nail file. Of course she doesn't boat with it but then again I've never needed it ether!!!

I'm a fake-a-lake guy but it's a imitation homemade from a toilet plunger. I've never had a problem with it but some don't like them.