Newbie with a problem/question!

[johnnyutah35]

So I have a relative that has offered to give me his 1985 Sea Ray Monaco 207SXL but it has some major engine issues that I'm not sure I'm capable/willing to take on. It has a Mercruiser 260 that two years ago was not winterized at all. My brother said that when he went to fire it up in the spring some mud looking goo came bubbling out of the top of the carburator. He said that it ran fine for about five minutes until he noticed the mud. From what I have read this means a possible cracked head due to it not being winterized. The boat has been sitting for 2 years with nothing else being done. Based on this little info what does it sound like I'm dealing with? Will the engine have to be replaced? Thanks in advance for any information or advice. I have tinkered a little with basic auto and engine repair so my knowledge is limited. I can get more info if needed.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Where do you live? As in what state or country?

Some people on here don't have to winterize them?

 

[1992Marlin3.0lOMC]

Buckle down, buy the manual, get to reading, fix it and love it. This will not be the last problem you will have with an older boat. You can purchase a comperssion gauge and leak down tester that will help in figuring out if you have a blown or cracked head. Also might not be the worst idea to look at the fuel and run it off fresh fuel. Look at the oil and see if its overfilled or milky. I am an automotive mechanic so I am on my own learning curve with the drive and shift cables but the engine side is no big deal. Once you've figured it out you will appreciate it so much more. Videos and pictures help in the forums, almost sounds like rust in the fuel system. Even simpler yet you can remove the plugs and inspect them. Good luck to you, sounds like you might be getting married to this boat, haha. Any pictures of the boat or mud like substance?

 

[thumpar]

Drain the engine oil and see what comes out.

 

[Bondo]

So I have a relative that has offered to give me his 1985 Sea Ray Monaco 207SXL but it has some major engine issues that I'm not sure I'm capable/willing to take on. It has a Mercruiser 260 that two years ago was not winterized at all. My brother said that when he went to fire it up in the spring some mud looking goo came bubbling out of the top of the carburator. He said that it ran fine for about five minutes until he noticed the mud. From what I have read this means a possible cracked head due to it not being winterized. The boat has been sitting for 2 years with nothing else being done. Based on this little info what does it sound like I'm dealing with? Will the engine have to be replaced? Thanks in advance for any information or advice. I have tinkered a little with basic auto and engine repair so my knowledge is limited. I can get more info if needed.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Yer lookin' at a New Long Block 350, 'n I imagine a set of exhaust manifolds, at a Minimum,....

 

[johnnyutah35]

Where would be the best, most reliable place to find a used engine? I am in the Wyoming area and wouldn't mind driving a little to find one.

 

[1992Marlin3.0lOMC]

Finding a 350 shouldn't be hard anywhere......... Craigslist?

 

[redneck joe]

where was it sitting last two years, plus the many before that?

 

[johnnyutah35]

It has been sitting in his driveway the last two years and has experienced two Utah winters. When he bought it 3 years ago it was in beautiful shape and well taken care of by an older gentlemen. My brother doesn't take care of anything and it didn't take long to ruin this boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Welcome aboard.

sorry to hear about the boat.