Official 370 Sundancer thread

Has anyone had problems with Merc 7.4MPI Surging while underway? Noticed it yesterday for the first time. Has never happened before through the 1200 hours on the engines. Not terrible, but my starboard engine seemed to fluctuate about 2-400 rpm while cruising on calm water. It seemed to be more of a 'high' surge then any sort of bog (sync would stay even more often than starboard biased).

Fuel pump or filter issue? Fuel Issue? I still have my pre-winterization fuel in it but did stabilize it.
 
tommyadrian5 said:
Has anyone had problems with Merc 7.4MPI Surging while underway? Noticed it yesterday for the first time. Has never happened before through the 1200 hours on the engines. Not terrible, but my starboard engine seemed to fluctuate about 2-400 rpm while cruising on calm water. It seemed to be more of a 'high' surge then any sort of bog (sync would stay even more often than starboard biased).

Fuel pump or filter issue? Fuel Issue? I still have my pre-winterization fuel in it but did stabilize it.
Click to expand...

Oh yeah. Search for the past 10 years, and you will find my quest.
For me, 2 main issues. First, and the last one really tried was a secondary fuel pump for each engine. Cures the old "won't start when hot and it's hot out, but of course fuel injected engines don't have vapor lock". Turns out they do. I think this just helps with a constant flow.
the other, is fuel injectors. Made no sense, but I found cracked fuel injectors at the connectors, which I can only guess were intermittent.
MAF (Mass Air flow sensor) no change.
Also, change your spark plugs every 2 years whether they need it or not.
 
Received a couple of new units for install this coming Monday/Tuesday, Getting rid of the worn out Raymarine gear and have a new Garmin 840xs and B75M tranducer going in. Looking forward to getting close to today's current electronics. :smt001
 
I have a 1998 370 Sundancer. My cabin lights work everywhere but the in the bath. I figured the bulbs were burnt out, but I've replaced them and they still do not come on. Is it possible the switch is bad? Anyone have this problem?
Thanks!
 
mrmoeller said:
I have a 1998 370 Sundancer. My cabin lights work everywhere but the in the bath. I figured the bulbs were burnt out, but I've replaced them and they still do not come on. Is it possible the switch is bad? Anyone have this problem?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

You are on the right track. I had to replace my switch for the blower in there. Might be an oxidized connection or loose as well. Pull the switch panel and look.
 
I had the same thing happen to me. Searched for months, could not find anyone that had them. They were only used on 1995-1999 370 Sundancers. Probably not enough were built to build up any stock, plus the boats are now 15 + years old. I finally had someone make a mold using the old broken one. It turned out perfect, but cost me $600.00. Goo luck, hope you can find one.
 
Install is finished on my updated electronic unit. Dumped the OEM Raymarine Nav, Depth Finder and transducers and had a Garmin 840xs with a B75M transducer installed. Wow....what a difference, nice to be in the modern electronic world.

Made use of the empty panel for the Garmin unit, and removed the two Raymarine head units from the panel above the wheel. Wanted a new piece of burlwood for the panel the RM units were removed from because of the two big holes, but Flounder Pounder would only sell a complete set, so skipped that. Instead took the panel with the two holes in it to my vinyl guy, and he covered the two holes, put on 1/2" pad, and matched the vinyl from the rest of the boat. Reinstalled and it looks fantastic, and the helm now has an incredibly clean, modern appearance - in addition to a modern unit with more capability than I'll ever need.

Garmin3_zpsjpwi7jw2.jpg

Garmin1_zpstt5iy8ye.jpg

Garmin2_zpsksfhzc1t.jpg
 
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belliswood said:
Hello Everyone,

I am in need of purchasing the plastic cover for the bilge blower on the starboard aft corner. I had a rope catch on it and cracked it. Any where I can go for the piece?

Thanks
Click to expand...
I have a pair made of fiberglass (search back through threads and you will find how they came to be). $400.00 is what they cost me to be made. I'll sell them for same if you want them. I have chosen to leave both off, and finished the flat section with non-skid. Makes a perfect step onto the boat from a stationary dock at higher tides. Bought SS vents at West Marine, bent them around a piling (perfect arc), and mounted them.
http://www.370sundancer.com/By Year/1998/Beach House/files/page214-1016-full.html
 
Anyone know the part number I need from Taylor to replace the gasket at the top of our operating vent window. It's the one shown at the bottom of Fly'n Family's post above.
 
SillyKnot2 said:
Anyone know the part number I need from Taylor to replace the gasket at the top of our operating vent window. It's the one shown at the bottom of Fly'n Family's post above.
Click to expand...

Yes, it is the A-822990 "Hinge cover". I have a full spec and breakdown for all of the windshield seals from Taylor made along with diagrams if you need them.
Order to:
Theresa Havlick
THavlick@taylormadesystems.com
Taylor Made Systems
Customer Service
93 South Blvd
Gloversville, NY 12078
518-773-9449

I cant say whether or not Theresa is still there, but this is the order information I received.
I actually had to order it through my local Sea Ray dealer but they assisted in making sure I had the correct parts.

Here is some more:
ITEM # DESCRIPTION
8338990 SCREW COVER
8338940 GASKET
8337910 GLAZING VINYL
8337920 SPLINE
8233230 WIRE TRACK VINYL
8229900 HINGE COVER
833892 TOP MOUNT
 
Ok...looking for some feedback if possible.

I am asking about the fuel pick up tube on the starboard tank that feeds the generator.
1.Does anyone know if it is welded to the tank and non removable or will it come out after loosening the nut?
2. Is there a screen at the bottom of the pick up tube to filter out gunk OR is the screen located in the fuel line after the elbow in the actual hose at the fitting?

Me genny is being starved for gas and we have replaced the fuel separator and that helped a little but it has been suggested that my screen is clogged in the tank. So, I called a marine mechanic friend and thinks the pick up tube is welded and to be very careful with any "torquing" on the nut. He couldn't remember on my specific boat, but he thought they put the "filter" screen in line.

We have eliminated the prospect of water in the tank by checking/replacing all 3 separators off the starboard tank. Although there were plenty of particles in the filters, no water. The genny has had a complete overhaul short of the impeller which I am doing tomorrow. We changed out teh mechanical governor for an electric one and WOW, that is nice. She runs like a champ now!

So the issue is while at the dock we can run the genny without a problem and actually load it up so that both lines are running at 30 amps...IE Stove burners, water heater, both AC's and the microwave. Not that we will EVER need all of that, but my Genny mechanic wanted to load it up and see how it ran. Upon leaving the dock and cruising for a little while the genny can only seem to run 1 of the AC units and anything else bogs it down...the voltmeter will actually drop as low as 90 volts, then work its way back up after a few seconds. At the dock it does not do this. The general consensus is that it is trying to suck more fuel and can't get it fast enough, so the filters must be dirty or the pick up screen is clogged after 20 years. So my last resort is to check the fuel line feeding the unit.

So, I know that was long but we think we have narrowed it down to the remaining 2 items and if anyone has worked on their fuel pickups or fuel line, some advice would be appreciated.

Tahnks
The wolf.

PS: The boat is for sale so I want to make sure everything is running 100% for the next owner!!
 
TheWolfTC said:
Ok...looking for some feedback if possible.

I am asking about the fuel pick up tube on the starboard tank that feeds the generator.
<snip>QUOTE]

May not be the issue, but something to think about.
The genny pickup tube is shorter than the one for the engine. the idea is to not allow the genny to starve the stbd engine. If you have less than 1/4 tank, you might try putting some fuel in first, just to make sure you are not starving the genny when sloshing around.
I am interested in your electronic governor. Weterbeke? After market? price, p/n?
Click to expand...
 
Does anyone know where to get new curtain slide hooks or something similar? I have the tracks in place but no hooks.
 
370Dancer said:
TheWolfTC said:
Ok...looking for some feedback if possible.

I am asking about the fuel pick up tube on the starboard tank that feeds the generator.
<snip>QUOTE]

May not be the issue, but something to think about.
The genny pickup tube is shorter than the one for the engine. the idea is to not allow the genny to starve the stbd engine. If you have less than 1/4 tank, you might try putting some fuel in first, just to make sure you are not starving the genny when sloshing around.
I am interested in your electronic governor. Weterbeke? After market? price, p/n?
Click to expand...


Yes, the Stbd. tank is full or at least 80% full so that isn't the issue. All of our tests have been done in flat/calm waters. I will be working on it today so we shall see what we learn/find.

Regarding the governor, it is aftermarket. Westerbeke does not offer one for this model. I spoke with Lito Alcatraz at Mayfair power on the East coast and he offered a model by a company named Woodward. This was expensive!!! $1,448.57 plus S/H and then another $100.00 for the harness. So I went to my local generator supply/repair place and learned they have a guy dedicated to marine genny's. He works on any boat in northern Michigan along with our large ferry boats that cross to Mackinac island 100 times a day. This guy is GOOD!!!

The parts only cost $319.34 and I have the manufacturer and part numbers if you would like them. I took the time to remove the old mechanical governor and get a new smaller belt installed before he got there. I took the mounting bracket off and let the shop have it for a couple days so they could rig a new system for the actuator and arm to the carb. Upon arriving at the boat, it only took the tech 90 minutes to wire it all up and adjust it to get a perfect 60hz from the engine. While working on it this week I will get some pics if you would like to see what it looks like.

Thanks
Bill
Click to expand...
 
The parts only cost $319.34 and I have the manufacturer and part numbers if you would like them. I took the time to remove the old mechanical governor and get a new smaller belt installed before he got there. I took the mounting bracket off and let the shop have it for a couple days so they could rig a new system for the actuator and arm to the carb. Upon arriving at the boat, it only took the tech 90 minutes to wire it all up and adjust it to get a perfect 60hz from the engine. While working on it this week I will get some pics if you would like to see what it looks like.

Thanks
Bill

Very interested in the parts and source for this. I'm sure others would be as well.
Rig a new system for the carb throttle arm and choke solenoid? Not following.....
 
Alright, I received my "new to me" 370 a few weeks ago. It came with a really cool automatic lift for a dinghy outboard. The lift lowers and raises the outboard motor up from the engine room for storage and to make it easy to pick up. The previous owner said he had it custom fabricated by a harley fabricator. It's very well built. Solid, smooth, and quiet. I think the thing is really cool, but I just don't need it. No use for a dinghy where we boat. I was thinking i would post in the classifieds but thought I would start here since it's custom to fit a 370 Sundancer. Sorry if that's inappropriate. I also want to put some pictures of it, but it seems I can't post them because of my quota? Maybe because I'm a new member?
Anyway, if anyone is interested just PM me and I'll find another way to send some photos and maybe a video of it working. Or maybe someone can help me with why I can't post pics.

maybe these links will work...
https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47...0160730023957561.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47...0160730023956563.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47...0160730023957304.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
 
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