Official 280 Sundancer Thread

Bama said:
The connections to the pick up and the actual pitot tube do fail for lots of reasons. But you need a speedo so get the gauge (not terribly costly) and hope. I might try blowing out the lines (before you install the gauge) before hooking it up. If they are clogged no gauge will work.
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Note that for the SC speedo, which your '04 would have, the pitot sending unit is attached to the starboard engine...the tube does not run all the way to the helm.
 
JMoberg said:
Thanks for your answers. Regarding the engines, what i'm wondering is if the vortec-labeled 4,3 engines was a factory option or if there should have been Mercruiser 4,3 engines.
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It was not a factory option I am aware of, but I am not sure what may have been different in Sweden. The engines in your boat are basically the same GM engine that was popular in pickup trucks and SUVs in the 90s. It was the standard engine in the GMC Jimmy / Chevy Trailblazer, if I remember well. In an automobile application, the engine was called the Vortec (based on vortex technology employed in the cylinder head) and I believe the valve covers had the word Votec on them.

Where is the Vortec label on your engines? Can you take a pic?
 
themikehyde said:
I believe all the 4.3's are vortecs, at least mine were in 01.
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I would agree, But, what is bothersome is that the engines are branded 'Vortec'. That suggests the possibility that someone re-powered the boat using automotive (GM) and not marine engines (Mercruiser). There are probably more differences, but the biggest one I'd be concerned with would be if they are automotive engines, what ECMs are installed. The ECM software controls how the engine operates and i have to believe the software for a marine engine is what makes the real difference between the two.

Henry
 
Henry Boyd said:
That suggests the possibility that someone re-powered the boat using automotive (GM) and not marine engines (Mercruiser)
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This was my concern too and why I would like to see a picture.
 
Here ya go ImageUploadedByTapatalk1347216330.951165.jpg
 
themikehyde said:
Here ya goView attachment 26625
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If that's all JMorberg is talking about, a stamping on what I am guessing is the intake manifold, then I wouldn't say it is unusual, likely all the 4.3s have it, and not a factory option. The engines in our boats should look like this:

43L MPI.jpg


If they look like the one below, with a big VORTEC on the intake cover, you could have a problem!

Vortec.jpg

That is out of an early '90s Trailblazer, according to the website I found it on.

Same block, but not exactly the same engines.
 
I looked at mine yesterday, I didnt think to take a picture but the valve covers say Vortec. I have owned her since day 1.
 
Can anyone tell me where the low water pressure sensor is on the 4.3's? I believe I am having a fase alarm, but I have no idea where the sensor is to either clean it or replace it. A photo would be a great help.
Thanks
 
It is located in the back of the engine, just above the flywheel. There is a black tube with 4 hoses connected to it(power steering cooler) and the sensor is located on top of that tube.

/Johan
 
Has anyone had problems with their gauges? My 2003 280 has had problems with the tacks, now the trim indicators are not working. The spedometer has never worked. Would it pay to clean the terminals or should I consider replacing the gauges? If so what are the costs?
 
Dm, i constantly have to tap my tach. Have not priced them yet, but based off of the other dash parts, i am sure its several hundred. I just replaced my speedo with a floscan, much more useful to me since i use the gps for speed anyway.ImageUploadedByTapatalk1347324199.460160.jpg
 
DMarcel said:
Has anyone had problems with their gauges? My 2003 280 has had problems with the tacks, now the trim indicators are not working. The spedometer has never worked. Would it pay to clean the terminals or should I consider replacing the gauges? If so what are the costs?
Click to expand...

I have to "hard-tap" my starboard engine tach occasionally too with my finger to get it to display accurately. My speedometer just became clogged again too...

And yes there is something up now with my port side trim position gauge or sender...not sure which?!

Driving me crazy too! I can tell its September as my offseason list is getting long!
 
Tom, i replaced both sensors on my port side this spring. I figured since i had a new transom assy on starboard, might as well have them both new. I hate it that now that everything is how i want it, its time to think about when i am pulling out.
Argh!
 
Anyone seen the 280 on ebay in florida? Interesting how they mounted what appears to be an outboard bracket on the transom. I am presuming it is to store an engine for the dinghy. The speakers seem a little interesting too.
 
Yesterday I removed my fuel sending unit to measure it so I can order a new replacement. I thinking of going with a Royce sending unit (here).

I measured the tank and it is 14-1/4" from the bottom to the sending unit mounting surface. The original fuel sending unit is 13-1/2" in length and is marked "WEMA 13.5".

Royce offers 1" increments. So...should I purchase a 13" unit, or a 14" unit? WEMA recommends "minimum of one (1) inch less than the plastic tank depth", while Royce doesn't say anything. I guess if I go 13", I'll ready empty when I still have 1-1/4" of fuel, but that's probably a good thing!

Tom
 
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