Official 1998 Sea Ray Sundancer 290 Thread

No, haven’t seen the mechanic or gotten a bill yet. But we took the boat out Sunday, and used the head and fresh water without any issues. All good, but I’ll keep you posted!
I did notice that all the stuff (extra lines, fenders, etc) in my transom locker was moved to the port side, so I was wondering if they were working on the starboard side, where the dockside water inlet and fresh water hose outlet are?
 
I had that last year, went on vacation and buddy said pump was running, had him shut off pump fuse. came back and tank was empty. Filled tank and saw water coming out locker floor. Was a small crack in faucet line. Unscrewed faucet and cut about a 1/2 off line and reinstall. All fixed.
 
Would normally go to the maintenance forum for this type of thing but it’s a bit specific to “older” 290 Sundancers.
my two bilge pumps both fitted to original SureBail float switches. (Photo shows arrangements after cleaning) the aft/lower pump works when switched on at the dash. I flooded the bilge (we r still out of the water!) but neither pump activated on the float switches. I’ve removed the float switches, they are free n clear but no pump activation when flipped. I’ve now disconnected the pumps and switches then reconnected to check if these had fails, still no action but the rear/main pump still ok from the switch.
From other threads I’m aware that there may be an inline fuse or two but I have no idea where they are and the wiring is well hidden. Electricians are as rare as Rocking Horse Shht around here so any help on here appreciated as to location of fuses or next steps. (I don’t have a multimeter n not sure I’d know how to use one if I had :)
Thanks in advance once again!View attachment 105693
Just to close this one out. Both pumps tested with a meter and getting power. I even jumped them direct to the battery n both run fine. So float switches seemed to be the culprits. Then noticed both float switches had a cut wire so neither of them were connected! I’d already bought a new one so fitted it and rewired the other. Now both pumps work fine, one on the panel switch and auto on the float. The aft one just on the float. I suspect the PO had found them running and just cut the wires instead of cleaning the crap from the floats to allow the to work. You live n learn! At least I now know how to use a meter, Happy Days!
 
Next problem! I stupidly left the rubber welcome mat on the rear seat in the sun. Horrible stain which won’t come off any ideas before I call the shop to have it re covered?
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I had something like that, i sprayed wd-40 on a part and layed on a rag on the seat. Stained a spot. I used some bleach and just let ot sit for a bit and then hosed off, came out. Might be worth a try if your going to re do if its still there
 
Next problem! I stupidly left the rubber welcome mat on the rear seat in the sun. Horrible stain which won’t come off any ideas before I call the shop to have it re covered?View attachment 106930

It might be unsightly now but it will fade away eventually. Not worth recovering unless the cushion is compromised elsewise. If you do find an upholstery shop they might have some recommended cleaners for you to use.

I had some newsprint from a paper on my seat at one time. A generous application of Spray 9 removed most of it..... and then then the rest faded away.
 
Next problem! I stupidly left the rubber welcome mat on the rear seat in the sun. Horrible stain which won’t come off any ideas before I call the shop to have it re covered?View attachment 106930
I’ve been using this Pilot
It seems to work well, I’ve not tried it on a stain like that. You have to follow the directions and let it sit then scrub lightly and hose off. Auto Zone sells it if you don’t feel like waiting for Amazon.


On that note crew, I was enjoying a cigar on the port lounge and dropped some ash on the cushion, now I have a small “hole” anyone have thoughts on a paste/putty to cover it? It’s about the size of a pencil tip. Not on the boat today. I can take a picture tomorrow
 
Hey Crew, I was bilge diving yesterday looking for the trim relays, the port drive won’t go down and is holding us up (I don’t like going out with broken parts) I’m 99% sure it’s the relays so I’m going to pay to have them both replaced. Not the reason for this post though. I’m also going to have the gen set serviced. I found my hard starting (gen set) problem. The entire choke assembly is gone! Anyone know the carb part number? I’ve bought the other service kit parts. I’ll have the tech work the gen tune up/repair with the drive trim solenoids. You have to be the size of a girl elf to get to the solenoids. Which I am not. As always thanks in advance.
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Hey Crew, I was bilge diving yesterday looking for the trim relays, the port drive won’t go down and is holding us up (I don’t like going out with broken parts) I’m 99% sure it’s the relays so I’m going to pay to have them both replaced. Not the reason for this post though. I’m also going to have the gen set serviced. I found my hard starting (gen set) problem. The entire choke assembly is gone! Anyone know the carb part number? I’ve bought the other service kit parts. I’ll have the tech work the gen tune up/repair with the drive trim solenoids. You have to be the size of a girl elf to get to the solenoids. Which I am not. As always thanks in advance.
View attachment 106984

Is your Kohler a 5e?

What part of the choke is missing; just the black element part or the entire choke which is an aluminum housing bolted to the governor assembly.
 
Is your Kohler a 5e?

What part of the choke is missing; just the black element part or the entire choke which is an aluminum housing bolted to the governor assembly.
Thanks for the reply buddy, Here’s what I have. Or don’t have depends on your glass. This picture was from the survey but being a car guy not a big boat guy I didn’t know what I was looking at. And yes it’s the 5E
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I’m also going to have the gen set serviced. I found my hard starting (gen set) problem. The entire choke assembly is gone! Anyone know the carb part number? I’ve bought the other service kit parts.

Please take a look at the link below that says manuals.

I have a Kohler parts manual in there that might be useful for your situation.

If you can find the data plate on top by the breakers it should tell you what model you have.

BTW has your boat ever been under water? That's a good bit of corrosion in there.
 
Please take a look at the link below that says manuals.

I have a Kohler parts manual in there that might be useful for your situation.

If you can find the data plate on top by the breakers it should tell you what model you have.

BTW has your boat ever under water? That's a good bit of corrosion in there.
Thanks Ducky, I’m just being lazy, I have all the manuals, Gen included on the boat. Bought the boat from a guy in FL, PO was not a big maintenance guy, moister readings throughout the boat were good. Only exception is the main ER hatch, it’s got a soft spot, its high on the fix list as it makes the table wobble and the queen wants it fixed. Just wanted to get the carb coming if someone has ordered one before. I’m heading down tomorrow if my daughters boy friend doesn’t need help with his Beemer, I was going to ask him to help with the relays, he’s flexible but he’s 6’5”
 
I think we all have the soft hatch issue.... me included and it isn't even on the list to repair.

I might plate it with a piece of stainless steel on top under the snap out floor covering and through bolt it and call it fixed for a bit.

I know Kohler parts can be a bit difficult to find. A good sea ray parts counter can help but I bet there's a few on ebay with some used parts that could be picked up for a fraction of new.
 
I think we all have the soft hatch issue.... me included and it isn't even on the list to repair.

I might plate it with a piece of stainless steel on top under the snap out floor covering and through bolt it and call it fixed for a bit.

I know Kohler parts can be a bit difficult to find. A good sea ray parts counter can help but I bet there's a few on ebay with some used parts that could be picked up for a fraction of new.
Funny thing is if you search the 5E engine its used in all sorts of things, lawn mowers, tractors, our stuff. The carbs are cheap for the mowers but I doubt there marine safe. I don’t mind paying the price just want get the right one. The tech is not cheap, $145 an hour but so far excellent. So I would like to NOT have a return trip due to incorrect parts.

I’m thinking the same thing about the table BTW. The original weighs a ton, looking at a unit from West Marine
 
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Thanks for the reply buddy, Here’s what I have. Or don’t have depends on your glass. This picture was from the survey but being a car guy not a big boat guy I didn’t know what I was looking at. And yes it’s the 5E
View attachment 106990

It looks like you'll need the complete choke kit. The part number is GM12236. You'll want to take a seat for the pricing on this one... I just went through the same on my own 5e
 
Funny thing is if you search the 5E engine its used in all sorts of things, lawn mowers, tractors, our stuff. The carbs are cheap for the mowers but I doubt there marine safe. I don’t mind paying the price just want get the right one. The tech is not cheap, $145 an hour but so far excellent. So I would like to NOT have a return trip due to incorrect parts.

I’m thinking the same thing about the table BTW. The original weighs a ton, looking at a unit from West Marine

The FD501 engine was produced to Kohler specs and, while similar to other engines used in equipment, are not the same. The major differences seem to be the tapered crankshaft and governor control used on the Kohler gensets. Of course the heat exchanger and wiring harness are Kohler items only. Gaskets are common Kawasaki parts except for a couple on the spark arrestor side.

The Kawasaki carburetor is the same as on the generator; it is only "marine safe" due to the spark arrestor on the generator.

My 1995 290 was also originally salt water but looks pristine compared to the pic you posted. It looks like the PO simply let the elements have their way...
 
Held a gilligans island themed party on the boat yesterday, awesome time and she ran great. As the sun was setting it was a little cloudy, all of a sudden 1 single ray of sunshine breaks through and only hits the freedom tower in NY. Super cool to see coming up on the 20 year anniversary.
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