Difference in Temperatures?

ShoeVeeKnots

ShoeVeeKnots

New Member
Jul 23, 2020
15
Boat Info
2007 Sea Ray 290SLX
Engines
Mercruiser w/Bravo III Drives
Good day everyone!

First time boat owner here, although with some previous experience....This summer I have purchased a wonderful 2007 290SLX that we have enjoyed a lot and is in excellent condition.

I have noticed the last couple of times I went out that the Starboard engine's temperature is much lower than the Port engine's. S is 100 while P is 145-150. And this is on both analog and smart gauges (although it says Temp is ok on both engines...)

Is this normal? Should I Worry?

Thank you!!
 
It could be the gauges. Get a temperature IR gun and shoot various points on the engine, manifold and rises. Our dash gauges read different; but IR gun says engines are both the same.
 
Thank you. So, basically my point is that it is NOT one of the warning signs of anything terrible to happen (e.g. Risers & Manifolds)....right? :)
 
ShoeVeeKnots said:
Thank you. So, basically my point is that it is NOT one of the warning signs of anything terrible to happen (e.g. Risers & Manifolds)....right? :)
Click to expand...
Most likely not a bad sign.
If the thermostats haven’t been changed recently, that’s where I’d start.

Are those manifolds and risers from 2007?

Do you boat in salt water?

Filing in more detail in your profile can help get you better responses too.
 
Espos4 said:
Most likely not a bad sign.
If the thermostats haven’t been changed recently, that’s where I’d start.

Are those manifolds and risers from 2007?

Do you boat in salt water?

Filing in more detail in your profile can help get you better responses too.
Click to expand...

I have no proof, but the previous owner stated that risers and manifolds were done "just before he bought it", which is roughly 4 years ago....To be honest the price was so great and the condition spectacular that I am considering the possibility of having to spend $4k - $8k (right?) on it quite likely over the next 6-18 months. It's a salt water boat in the water from May to October, possibly its entire life. Engine hours are ok at 360. The inspector said the RPMs were supposed to be 300 higher and may be due to larger props, but overall I am extremely happy with it, also considering that current models are really, really expensive and sometimes I have hear (here too....) some horror stories about current Sea Ray quality. I am no expert and my experience is pretty much all related to this Forum, but if I had spent $250,000 - $300,000 on a new SR, I would only accept an impeccable product....So I think I have found my perfect spot with Happy Days (the 290SLX). Thanks again for all the inputs....!
 
IMG_4220.JPG

My money would be on a t-stat that is stuck open. If you boat in shallow dirty water occasionally and stir up sand, that can be enough to cause one to stay open. They are cheap so I would change that one out. The much bigger concern is those risers. They really need to be inspected at a minimum. You are at the end of the expected life depending on how the boat was cared for. Really can't go on what the seller said no matter how well intentioned. Also, the failure to reach the WOT spec is an issue. Fix that right away as you are overloading the engines which is not a good thing. There will be other issues with a boat of that age but the risers and RPMs are the ones that are most important that you mention.
 
ShoeVeeKnots said:
Good day everyone!

First time boat owner here, although with some previous experience....This summer I have purchased a wonderful 2007 290SLX that we have enjoyed a lot and is in excellent condition.

I have noticed the last couple of times I went out that the Starboard engine's temperature is much lower than the Port engine's. S is 100 while P is 145-150. And this is on both analog and smart gauges (although it says Temp is ok on both engines...)

Is this normal? Should I Worry?

Thank you!!
Click to expand...
I would bet on a bad Temp Sending unit
 
I had the same issue with my twin 5.0 efi. Like all are saying. T stat. I pulled mine and found there was crap at the lip causing the t stat to not close all the way. Easy fix. While down there i would also swap out t stat temp sensor. Another easy fix and can be telling guage bad info. And finally..another boater that has learned a heat laser gun is a must on a boat....
 
Thanks everybody for your inputs. I am definitely less worried right now and will be able to enjoy the last few days or weeks better.
 
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