first outing

[the454assassian]

well I dont think it could have went any worse. I put it in the water and she fired right up. took for every to get it off the trailer, The guys at the ramp said next time use a deeper ramp cause the boat is so heavy. We started our voyage out into the lake and she was taking on water faster than the pump could get rid of it, smoking from what I assume is an exhaust leak would not go over 2000 rpms, had no vacuum unless it was at idle, the speedo didnt work and then the pump lost power so I had to hot wire it to the battery, and the steering was really stiff.

 

[the454assassian]

Now if someone can please point me into the right direction to get a shop manual for this thing so I can start figuring out whats wrong I would be very happy. Its a 1974 srv200 with a mercruiser 888 5.0 motor.

 

[SCORPIO]

Where was the water coming in? from the engine or from a bellows? Manuals are available from ebay, Seloc, Clymer etc. Take a good look around for broken, split or damaged hoses, loose clamps and especially the bellows where the drive shaft and shift cable enter the boat.

 

[Rick K]

I believe you need Merc Service Manual #2. Stiff steering comes from a cable that's about ready to seize, no grease where it needs to be, or a host of other things. Sounds like you need to get that boat to a shop and get all the bellows replaced, etc.