420 DA Thread

Does anyone have anything similar?... If so can you post a pic of the location of the rod holder
Something like these?
IMG_0185.jpg
 
Under the heading "You learn something new everyday".....

Today was re-commissioning day! Typical laundry list of things to do: replaced engine anodes, Racor filters, engine fuel filters, grease and exercise sea-cocks, all in preparation for firing up the 6CTAs, including pumping on the lift pump for what seemed like forever. Checked all oil and coolant levels from last fall. All systems GO.

Attempt first start on port engine. Run starter for 5-10 seconds....we have life....wait...I released the starter a bit too soon. Wait, try again. A bit more progress, but engine stops when starter released.

Move to starboard engine. Basically same behavior. Hmm. Engines feel fuel starved. Maybe we got some air in the lines. Let's bleed Port engine. No improvement.

In an attempt to get something running, move to generator. Go through statup proceedure, but something seems funny. The lights were not what I remembered during pre-heat. Held switch for about 30 seconds with no joy. All three engines won't start. Trying to keep my cool on the outside, but I'm a wreck on the inside.

Make my way toward Service Dept. Looking for any tips, advice, or help.

Has anyone solved the mystery yet? Anyone? Bueler?

Well, as I prepare for my Vessel Safety Check in a week or so, I was having my Halon bottle pulled and inspected as my "tag" expired at the end of March 2018. Little did I know that there is an interlock (my word) connected to the fire suppression system which gets disconnected when the bottle is removed. There is an override switch at the helm on the fire system gauge. Flip the switch to "override" and you hear a beep. The engines fire up instantly!

My error was not knowing about a system on my boat. I'm mad (at myself), embarrassed, and relieved all at the same time. On the good side, I'm now comfortable swinging wrenches on the fuel lines!

I hope this little anecdote can be of use to someone in the future. I thought I had read everything there was to read, but alas.....

Now we await the 5-8 inches of snow they are calling for this weekend!

C'mon Spring!

Jaybeaux
 
too funny! About an hour before you wrote this I was reading an article in Passage Maker about generator running issues, mentioned the fire bottle interlock explicitly. I "knew" about this but it's not always the most obvious thought.

Boy I miss living in MD, I have at least 2 weeks before I pull the cover, never mind get started.
 
JAy at the helm there is a switch under the knee pad. To the left of the drop down service door under the helm . move the switch to the left. U should have heard a loud buzzer otherthen the normal starting buzzer. Anyway move the switch to the left. Leave it there for a few weeks . Then move it back . She will start. Having a brain fart as to what its tagged. I think its the fore suppression bypass. Again its a round blk control with a little toggle switch . ( near where the hand held vhf plugs in )

Rob
 
JAy at the helm there is a switch under the knee pad. To the left of the drop down service door under the helm . move the switch to the left. U should have heard a loud buzzer otherthen the normal starting buzzer. Anyway move the switch to the left. Leave it there for a few weeks . Then move it back . She will start. Having a brain fart as to what its tagged. I think its the fore suppression bypass. Again its a round blk control with a little toggle switch . ( near where the hand held vhf plugs in )

Rob

SEA-FIRE
override system

?

20170629_084307.jpg
 
Robiski & Importmonkey.....thanks for your help. I've been at the boat for two days and just say the two replies.

To add to this "brain fart", and I didn't think of it until I read your post, but at the time, I did think that the "buzzer/beep" seemed different. I couldn't put my finger on it. I sort of passed it off....

That is exactly the "toggle switch" that overrides the fire suppression system. Mine was fairly corroded to the point that a Tech had to remove the whole thing and perform some magic on it. I need to put something on it to prevent further corrosion.

Thanks for the help guys. By the way, my Halon bottle was reinstalled while I was there Thursday. Went back to the override switch, flipped it back to the normal position. Turned on the ignition system, GREEN light! Later, I started the engines. They started as smoothly, quickly, and effortlessly as ever! Now I need to cut a few lines and take her out!

Jaybeaux
 
I couldn't get my port side motor to start one day last season. Heard it "energize" and everything seemed normal. Was about to call my mechanic, and as I was dialing noticed my gear shifts weren't even. So, me needing to have everything on its place I lined them up. ring ring...wait a second...ring ring. I hang up and try again - clug clug clug clug clug! Silly me!

Wish they were all this easy, but just goes to show you...you have to have a level head and enjoy the fact that you have a boat for things to go wrong on. -sometimes. ;)
 
I couldn't get my port side motor to start one day last season. Heard it "energize" and everything seemed normal. Was about to call my mechanic, and as I was dialing noticed my gear shifts weren't even. So, me needing to have everything on its place I lined them up. ring ring...wait a second...ring ring. I hang up and try again - clug clug clug clug clug! Silly me!

Wish they were all this easy, but just goes to show you...you have to have a level head and enjoy the fact that you have a boat for things to go wrong on. -sometimes. ;)
I’ve done this and thought the day was ruined. My buddy stopped by after “I tried everything” and they fired right up. Day saved
 
Jay , Ur welcome . Always listen to ur boat . She will tell u somethings up... then u come to us for help lol. Glad it all worked out .
Importmonkey thanx for pics ...

BLUEONE . love the shades.

Rob
 
Ok, you experienced 420 owners...I have a 2005 model under contract. At the helm to the left of the wheel is a control that the owner says he has never used and has no idea what it is. It is a horizontal rectangle with 3 buttons. The outer two buttons are recessed and the middle what is raised. What is that critter? Thanks!
 
Ok, you experienced 420 owners...I have a 2005 model under contract. At the helm to the left of the wheel is a control that the owner says he has never used and has no idea what it is. It is a horizontal rectangle with 3 buttons. The outer two buttons are recessed and the middle what is raised. What is that critter? Thanks!

My guess is the Sea Ray Navigator mouse.

-Tom
 
Hi All,

I'm starting to do some hard research into a 390-420 HARD TOP. I'm looking to make the jump sometime in the coming season / year. But my biggest question is Gas or Diesel and performance wise which is better. I'm looking for reliability mainly. I've had my share of 8.1 Version 1 gas motor issues last year with my 360 and did a TOTAL REPOWER on it OUCH!!! I'm going to be in this next boat for quite a while so I want it to be right what do you guys think?

And any other tips or pit falls if you have them would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
 
Hi All,
I'm starting to do some hard research into a 390-420 HARD TOP. I'm looking to make the jump sometime in the coming season / year. But my biggest question is Gas or Diesel and performance wise which is better. I'm looking for reliability mainly. I'm going to be in this next boat for quite a while so I want it to be right what do you guys think?
And any other tips or pit falls if you have them would be greatly appreciated.

If I had to do it over again I would have gone straight to the 480DA. Then in your case you don't have to wrestle with the Gas/Diesel decision. We looked hard for a 390 Diesel and ended up going with our current 420. I am glad we did for the extra room (length/Beam). What we didn't anticipate is the number of overnighters we have had...mostly the kids (and their boy friends...don't forget about them... they take up a ton of space and eat/drink everything in sight) and two couples who are close friends. The 420 is tight with 6 overnight ...the 390 would have been too tight. That's why we will move up to a 480 in the next year or two.

It would be my preference to go diesel with the 420. As long as they were well maintained to the point you take over... I would think you would be trouble free for a long time. Its been said on here enough times that resale is going to be easier with a diesel 420. I think a gas 390 is fine based on not many diesels around. Performance wise my boat is a solid 1mpg. at 25mph.

Good luck with your search
 

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