1976 Sea Ray 240 FB

[Dundee]

Hi I have a classic Sea Ray...1976 233 HP Mercruiser. I have only had this boat in the water for one season. She ran perfect at the start of the boating season....by the end I could hardly keep the boat running to even pull her out for the winter...I only took the boat out about 6-7 times. No long trips..just day trips an hour out then back. What could be going wrong???

 

[NorCal Boater]

The list of what could be wrong could be quite long without some additional information.

Did the engine seem to be missing?
Age of fuel?
Fuel filters?
Prop hub?

I mean this could go anywhere. Try and provide a bit more info and we can try and help.

 

[Dundee]

Hi NorCal,

Yes the engine did seem to be missing. It ran very rough at the end of the season. It lacked power and I couldn't even get on plane the last time I tried to go for a cruise...so I went back to dock for fear I wouldn't make it back. I looked at the cap, points and rotor...all looked clean. The plugs were fouled but I don't know with what seemed like oil and gas to me. I will of course be installing new plugs in the spring and a new fuel filter. I hope this is enough to get to a mechanic. My marina offers no mechanical services.
Thanks,
Dundee

 

[NorCal Boater]

Based on what you just said, I believe a complete tune up is in order for starters. Plugs would be great but unless you are very sure of age, I would also do cap, rotor, points, plug wires, timing adjust and carb adjust. Do not forget fuel filters. Both the water separator and the filter at the carb. Also make sure the spark arrestor is clean and free of gunk.

While the plugs are out you might as well do a compression test.

Good luck.

 

[KRB64]

I agree, sounds like you should start with a major tune up.

What's the boats history? Was it running fine when you got it? Had it been sitting for several seasons? Had it been properly winterized? etc, etc

May have a full fuel filter and may even need carb rebuilding depending. How fresh is the fuel? Is there any ethanol in there?

 

[KRB64]

BTW, I have a soft spot for old yellow Sea Rays... have any more pics?