1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

[mtbr00x]

Has anyone seen this acronym on the side of a sea ray. It a 21' open bow with a omc 5.7 I/O. Ok now the real question(s). We bought this boat at an auction and to our surprise the thing started right up. When we leave the marina for the first time we take it slow. after putting around for a little while we decide to give it some gas, everything is fine up until the half way point on the throttle when it bogs down sometimes it wil just die and others it will just bog way down sounding as if it is missing real bad. I changed out the plugs and fuel filter. also when we make a sharp turn it slows the boat down and takes it a while to get back up the the speed it was before the turn. anyone have anyideas on what would be causing that. next, I noticed when i run the bilge it seems to take on a bit of water so while the engine was running i looked inside the engine compartment to see if i could see a leak. facing the rear of the boat on the bottom left side of the engine block there is a fitting. It almost looks like a brass fitting used in plumbing aplications. anyway there was not a hose hooked up but it was shooting water out at a steady pace. anyone know if there should be something attached to that or not? sorry for the long post and I hope you folks can help me out. Thanks!

 

[superpop]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

Sounds like a fuel issue, I would start out with a complete tune up and change all fuel filters and get some fresh gas. The fitting is a petcock used to drain the block of water during the winter months. If you take a wrench and turn it clockwise it should shut and the flow will stop. I would take a basic boaters class and also buy the manuals for your boat and read them or you will be in for some very expensive repairs or you can pay a shop to do all of the work but that is very spendy as well. A tune up for example will cost you around 400 bucks at most shops or you can do it yourself if you have some basic tools and a general understanding of motors for around 100 bucks in parts.

 

[mtbr00x]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

I have been told that it sound like a carb issue. If it is a carb issue most of the shops tell me i need to have it rebuilt and a regular "quadrajet" off of a old car wont work! Is this true? I changed all the plugs. going to take a look at the distributor today. thanks for the info on the petcock valve hopefully that will make a difference.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

You cannot use an automotive carb for a marine application.....
While it will bolt right on there is the possibility of explosion.....
Don't do it!........​

 

[Coors]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

Sounds like you need to raise the front of the boat and siphon the water out from the bottom of the tank.

 

[mtbr00x]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

we have almost run all the gas out of the boat funny you say that though. It seems to run better when we first get on the lake then when we get below a 1/4 tank it runs real bad. "anit-syphon valve". does this mean i cant syphon the gas out? As far as the petcock goes. it was as tight as it can be, so I took it out and as stated before it looks like a brass fitting used in plumbing applications.

 

[mtbr00x]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

This is what the piece looks like. I am guessing it is not the right part as it is hollow. and there is no valve. anyone know what is missing?

 

[stevieray]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

Those should be either solid plugs or drain valves (petcocks). There should also be one on the other side of the engine block - what is in that one?

 

[Windykid]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

That picture is a hydraulic type fitting. You need a brass petcock or plug.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

Those should be either solid plugs or drain valves (petcocks). There should also be one on the other side of the engine block - what is in that one?

YUP!........

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

facing the rear of the boat on the bottom left side of the engine block there is a fitting. It almost looks like a brass fitting used in plumbing aplications. anyway there was not a hose hooked up but it was shooting water out at a steady pace

That's one of 4 places where you drain the water out of the engine for the winter- look in the glove box - you'll probably find the piece that belongs in there.

 

[mtbr00x]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

After going to buy a new valve and installing it I found the missing part only because I now know whatg i was looking for. Any one know what kind of boat this actually is. I cant find a picture of it anywhere

 

[Coors]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

It starts running bad with 1/4 tank because the bouncing throws the water in your tank at the pick-up. Pull off the fuel sending unit to siphon it out.

 

[Coors]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

When winterizing, also drain the power steering cooler, and the bottom large hose to the water pump; also lower your drive.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

Hey Buddy, Welcome to the wonderful world of boating, I was exactly were you are now when I got my boat last season, Don't get too discouraged, you have a lot to learn like I did (still do). Find the manual for your boat (good one) and start doing your home work ,first thing I learned was identifying what it was I was looking at ,then start off with the basics ,What proper spark plug, gap, proper oil & filter etc...your basics I have been to many auctions and one thing I have learned is ,They will do what ever they need to do to have it sound good right then and there, thats it..I have done every thing my self,winterized,de-winterized,tune-up,oil,manifold,etc...I learned every thing here
with the IBOATS MEMBERS and a manual in hand...GOOD LUCK !! you came to the right place...PAT
If it wasn't frustrating, I would feel like I haven't accomplished anything.

 

[mtbr00x]

Re: 1985 sea ray SXL 21'??

Thanks, I appreciate the welcome. I am sure I will use the forums alot. Now on to start a new thread!