Official 400EC thread

Plans for the new electronics is progressing . . the admiral really likes the black carbon fiber that jonsm114 did, so that will likely replace all the old burlwood. One question - is there some way to get the Sea Ray led alarm/information panel information into the new garmin displays? The led's are nearly impossible to see in the sun, and don't readily catch your attention. (Should there be an audible alarm that no longer works on mine?) I'm sure the old can be re-used, but would like to upgrade it if that is possible.
 
Plans for the new electronics is progressing . . the admiral really likes the black carbon fiber that jonsm114 did, so that will likely replace all the old burlwood. One question - is there some way to get the Sea Ray led alarm/information panel information into the new garmin displays? The led's are nearly impossible to see in the sun, and don't readily catch your attention. (Should there be an audible alarm that no longer works on mine?) I'm sure the old can be re-used, but would like to upgrade it if that is possible.
You should have a buzzer (probably hanging) under the dash, it may be inoperable. To answer your question, anything is possible. Sometimes it's just not worth the cost and effort. The communication equipment available will allow it.
 
QUESTION ABOUT: Vexing problem changing v-belt on 1994 454CID engine - belt can't be removed from between main engine pulleys - NEED HELP, please

I discovered that the intolerable screeching noise coming from the engine portion of the bilge was slipping v-belts. And I don' think I've seen a more loosey-goosey pair of belts than the ones I saw on my s/b engine.

So, I decided to replace one of the existing belts with a new one. The fuel pump belt is the one causing the problem. It's the one with tensioner pulley in the path. I gave up on trying to tighten it, so I was planning to remove and replace it.

When I got ready to remove it, I was never able to because, no matter how I manipulated the belt, I could never get it to pass between the two (upper and lower) pulleys on the front of the main part of the engine. The belt was completely off the pulleys and had only slack on it.
But the belt seemed to be unable because of its thickness to pass through the outer edges of the "ridges" that form the grooves on the two over-and-under pulleys at the center of the engine. No matter how hard I tried to pull, pry at, stab thru with a big slot-head screwdriver, the belts did not want to be removed from the engine. I desperatly need to get this pump free of issues., Please help if possible.'

All responses welcomed..

Thanks,
Sandy
 
Doug -

Thanks for the quick reply and to any others: I apologize for the long-winded question. I wrote it in an Ambien-induced semi-haze last night. Essentially I want to replace the lower v-belt (see picture below), but cannot get the existing belt out from between the two large pulleys on the front of the engine. The belt I'm trying to replace operates the sea-water pump and apparently a mechanical fuel pump which operates as part (inside the housing???) of the sea-water pump.

Here's the photo: The red rectangle shape shows the general location of the belt I want to replace and the related pulleys. Notice there is a tensioner between the two other pulleys where this belt is routed. The large red arrow shows the location where I can't get the belt through. It cannot pass between the grooves on the large 4-bolt pulley at the top (that also turns the alternator belt) and the other pulley directly under the 4-bolt one. I suppose I could remove one of those two large pulleys, but I've never done that before and don't know how much trouble I could get myself into if I did. FYI: the alternator belt is behind (closer to the engine) the belt I want to replace and will not interfere with the replace I want to do.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Merc 7.4L showing problem areajpg.jpg
 
Got it. Easy solution - Remove the circulating water pump pulley. See the 4 bolts right above your arrow? 4 bolts and that pulley slides off the water pump shaft. You'll have to loosen the alternator belt first.
 
Doug - Thanks for the quick response (again). I wish I had known Saturday that it was that simple. But as I said, I had never done that before and I didn't want to just start dismantling the engine without knowing how complex it would be to reassemble.
 
Doug - Thanks for the quick response (again). I wish I had known Saturday that it was that simple. But as I said, I had never done that before and I didn't want to just start dismantling the engine without knowing how complex it would be to reassemble.

No worries. Also, loosening those bolts before you loosen the pump will help keep the pulley from spinning. If you have a small cordless impact, that will also help.
 
I have researched many davit systems for the 400EC and most will not work due to the configuration of the swim platform, fender storage. So, I am close to pulling the trigger on a new swim platform without the fender storage allowing for the installation of a Hurley davit system. Swim platform: $4,500, Installation, $1,500. A bit pricy, but need the dingy out of the water. I'll post pics once completed.
Completed project pics..
64329468717__0B4608FA-DCF2-4DC4-9AEF-033F32B7B444.jpg
 

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Looks Awesome. How do you like the swim platform without the extra step of the bumper locker? We need to upgrade ours - the platform has some soft spots in it - the fender locker is useless and holds water. . .
We love it. More room to gather, sitting on the platform with feet in the water. Also, has the integrated swim ladder, in the center, so when put away not in your way or exposed. It also, allowed for the davit /tender, barbecue and removable grab poles when coming up the ladder out of the water. I too had soft spots from precious owner not sealing removed davits and I agree, the fender holders were more of a pain than a useful option.
 

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We love it. More room to gather, sitting on the platform with feet in the water. Also, has the integrated swim ladder, in the center, so when put away not in your way or exposed. It also, allowed for the davit /tender, barbecue and removable grab poles when coming up the ladder out of the water. I too had soft spots from precious owner not sealing removed davits and I agree, the fender holders were more of a pain than a useful option.
Probably a 2024 Project for us - new electronics in 2023 after new upholstery in 2022. BOAT ;-)
 
I hear you, not a cheap investment. Send me pics on your electronic upgrades. Thinking about an upgrade too

Will plan to post before and after pics - I think there is a before already.
I hear you, not a cheap investment. Send me pics on your electronic upgrades. Thinking about an upgrade too

I will post pics as it gets completed
 
Plans for the new electronics is progressing . . the admiral really likes the black carbon fiber that jonsm114 did, so that will likely replace all the old burlwood. One question - is there some way to get the Sea Ray led alarm/information panel information into the new garmin displays? The led's are nearly impossible to see in the sun, and don't readily catch your attention. (Should there be an audible alarm that no longer works on mine?) I'm sure the old can be re-used, but would like to upgrade it if that is possible.
I retained the LED board and purchased the engraved plate from Flounder pounder. Black stardust as I recall. I cut a hole large enough in the new panel and fitted the printed board to the new one and mounted it to the dash panel. I also added a red LED to light up the engraving at night. Text me and i will forward photos as I did it. 314-703-9710

There was no way to add this to the garmin displays that I could find. Thinking about that now, I should have called FOX to verify that.

Jon
 
Any tips on raw seawater pump, removal and repair for the 8.1 MPI ?

With a 94, it looks like your boat was repowered, at some point. I would suggest adding some pics of the front of your motors to this post, and maybe someone can help, once they see it.
Also, try the 400EC Facebook group. Very helpful, and knowledgeable owners there, as well. Post those pics there also.
 
With a 94, it looks like your boat was repowered, at some point. I would suggest adding some pics of the front of your motors to this post, and maybe someone can help, once they see it.
Also, try the 400EC Facebook group. Very helpful, and knowledgeable owners there, as well. Post those pics there also.
rondds posted the best, full of pic's and what not to do's, "how to" for the 8.1 MPI, which was an update for this boat. Aproaching 550 hours at this time. Not sure I'm up to it! LOL
 
Got the electronics upgraded. Looks great, just need to get on the water learn the equipment and make sure everything works! Originally was not going to replace the switch panels, but with the new black dash and removing the padded trim, I think updating the switches is in order!

Before:
Before.jpg

In Process:
In Process.jpg


Finished:
Covered.jpg
Uncovered.jpg
Sea Ray.jpg
 

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