1975 srv 220 questions

[Moorefun]

Let me start by saying I am new to this site(love that it is here) and owning a Sea Ray, but I have had a boat before. I recently bought a 1975 srv 220 with a cabin and 302 mercruiser which I have been getting ready for the water. While cleaning I have noticed 2 things that really puzzle me. 1- when you step down to go into the cabin there is what looks like a threaded drain hole so water from the cabin(if any) can drain. When I look into mine it is full of water. I have tried raising the bow up but it doesn't drain. Any ideas why or what I can do? 2- on the engine it says to use lead gas only. I know there is lead substitute but have read that I don't even need to use it. Some swear by it, others say it's a waste of money. How do you mix substitute? Any help would be great...Thanks!

 

[Newman]

I can give a little insight to the leaded gas question but not the one related to water. Sounds like something clogged and needs cleaned out. Anyway from what I understand running unleaded gas in a motor intended for leaded gas will eventually cause problems with the valve seats. If your motor has ever been rebuilt or the heads replaced you probably have nothing to worry about. The "fix" for this is having the valve seats hardened or replace the heads with newer ones. The leaded gas acted like a lubricated and cushion for the valves and seats. I have a '68 Cougar with original heads that have been ok running on unleaded for the past 15 years. Granted I don't run it that much. I hope that helps.

 

[moparlvr4406]

I would worry less about adding lead and more about using non ethanol... old fuel system components don't like alcohol.

 

[Moorefun]

Thank you. I too have an older car(a 1969) that I have never added lead substitute to. I just don't want to worry about anything if I just pump gas and go. I guess it's not a big deal to mix substitute in just to be safe since boats do run at a more constant higher rpm. Better safe than sorry. Sometime later I will change the heads so I don't have to worry about it anymore. Now I just need to figure out my water problem. Not sure how I would unblock (if anything) whatever it is to get the water to flow back to the bilge pump, May just try to put a long hose into the hole and suck it out with a shop vac for now. Any ideas where I might get a breakdown view of my boat? I have already been everywhere on the internet that I can think of including Sea Rays website with no luck. Thanks for any help!

 

[Moorefun]

Also...what fuel is safe for me to use? I thought all fuel now has ethanol?

 

[moparlvr4406]

Most marina fuel is hi octane non ethanol
you can use land gas if you put an ethanol treatment in it like starbrite

 

[Moorefun]

Just so I make sure I get the right stuff, would that be the enzyme engine treatment? I would hardly ever get fuel at a Marina, don't have one very close to me. I should also use premium fuel too right? Always did with my other boat. Still going back and forth on using a lead substitute....