New Sea Ray owner

Socks

Member
Jan 7, 2019
45
Boat Info
1983 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer.
Engines
Twin 5.0L (305 ci) Mercruisers
I did an introduction in another forum, but given the year of my boats, I am probable better suited for this forum. My name is Terry (called Socks by many- long story, ask me sometimes and I will explain) I live in Alabama. I recently purchased a 1983 270 Sundancer. Cosmetically she's in excellent shape. Interior is really good. Outside upholstery is great. The outside wood trim is showing some weathering. She has twin Mercruiser 5.0 (I think) GM engines.I know they are GM's but how do I determine if they are 305's or 350's?

The boat was on a trailer at the time of purchased so no sea trials were possible. Mechanically she has a few issues. The Port engine has water in the oil. It's milky. Engine runs, sounds OK but I didn't want to run it very much. Hour meter shows 1025 hours. Starboard Engine seems to be fine. Cranks OK sounds good etc. However, I went to winterize the starboard engine using a muff and container of antifreeze. After cranking and turning on water, I noticed no water being exhausted. Not wanting to do any damage, I shut it down.

The milky oil was known at the time of purchase and the price reflected that. So I go into this project knowing I have a lot of work ahead. This isn't my 1st boat, I've owned a couple of inboard cruisers, but it is my 1st I/O.

Now, with all this said: I do have a few questions.

1. Starboard engine not exhausting water -- Where should I start?
2. Water in Port engine. I realize worst case scenario is a cracked block. I also realize it could be a number of other factors. My plans are to pull the intake --- then the exhaust (riser etc) then the heads --- Any suggestions, ideas, comments?

Thanks in advance.
searay1.jpg
 
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Water in the oil could be as simple as a head gasket. Restoring old boats is getting to be popular but the cash outlay can never be recovered. Boats have not reached the status of a 1969 Road Runner yet. Still we have several folks with older boats at our dock that for one reason or another have chosen to put real money into them. So if you are looking for “I can get this done for a grand” you may get over your head real soon. Good luck with your decision.
 
Welcome. I would suggest, before you dump a lot of money into engines and outdrives, that you have the boat surveyed by a Professional Marine Surveyor. I would have them pay particular attention to the transom, stringers and fore deck. The purpose of this is to ensure there is no rot in these areas. A surveyor will know what to do and to look for.

It will cost you a few bucks but its better to do this now than to dump a lot of money into engines and outdrives only to have the transom fall off.

If the motors are 5.0L they are 305s....5.7L are 350s.

Good Luck
Shawn
 
Dancer, the head gasket is what I have my fingers cross for. As I mentioned, cracked block is the worst case and I am hoping that's not the case. I understand the value (or lack there of) of sinking money into an older boat. I spent 5 years rebuilding a 36" Chris Craft and spent way more money than I would ever want my wife to know :) -- Now, I'm almost 70, retired and like to have a demanding project on going. This sea ray is going to fill that bill :)

Thanks for the reply
 
Shawn, thanks for the advise. I know the value of a surveyor. It is money well spent. What I was asking about the engines and I realized I wasn't real clear. I said they were 5.0L but my question was --how do I determine if they are 5.0L or 5.7L. To the untrained eye both engines look the same.

Thanks
 
Shawn, thanks for the advise. I know the value of a surveyor. It is money well spent. What I was asking about the engines and I realized I wasn't real clear. I said they were 5.0L but my question was --how do I determine if they are 5.0L or 5.7L. To the untrained eye both engines look the same.

Thanks

Casting numbers on the heads should tell you. If not, you can measure the bore once you pull the heads from the bad engine.
Been a while, but I think the 305 is about 3 3/4” while the 350 is a hair over 4”.
 
Shawn, thanks for the advise. I know the value of a surveyor. It is money well spent. What I was asking about the engines and I realized I wasn't real clear. I said they were 5.0L but my question was --how do I determine if they are 5.0L or 5.7L. To the untrained eye both engines look the same.

Thanks
I believe the 5.0/305 motor has a 2 bbl carb....I think.
 

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