2003 Searay 176 with 3.0 Mercruiser.... so many questions.

[otgixxer]

I've had many Searays over the years.

My last boat was a 98 185 with a 4.3

My current boat is a 2003 176 with a 3.0

The boat is in great shape, low hours, but some of the mechanics of it, just act weird.

First off the shifter is stiff and difficult to move out of nuetral. It shifts hard into gear like its idling to high.

Second the temp, it runs around 172 ... is that normal?

When you shut it off sometimes it will run on for a second (sputter once before dying)

I've done some basic maint on it (plugs, cap, rotor, fuel pump filter), and paid a mobile marine tech to come and adjust all the valves.

I bought it from the original owner, he didnt use the boat much (which is why he sold it) and said he didn't mess with the idle mix, idle speed, timing...etc.

I just don't know if its me expecting the boat to sound butter smooth like my 4.3, or if the motor/outdrive is off in someway.

Sorry to ramble, but I appreciate any advice.

 

[Drifter85258]

Shifting sounds like you need to grease and / or replace your shift cable / links

closed cooling? If yes, 172 is a good temp

not sure about the shut down. Fixed that issue on a car once but can't remember what it was.

 

[ZZ13]

My 175 sport with seawater cooled 3.0l runs at a temp in the low 170s. So what you are seeing is normal.

Also mine has always been a little rough at idle when warm and noisy at cruise. Seems normal for a 4 banger.

 

[blaster]

If you let it idle a minute before shut down it won't diesel as much if at all. Higher octane fuel will help also.

 

[bigblockcutlass]

shift cable problems and also could be idle to high.