Unfortunate end to the season

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Kellyg

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exMember
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Dec 21, 2005
RO Number
19800
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467
While coming back from an extended weekend on the 3780, I noticed a lack of performance. WOT was decreased to 22mph, not sure of rpm since both tachs are also not funtioning properly.

History:
Boat purchased new in 2001 with Merc 7.4L Horizons, with no major problems until 2005, where the starboard engine ingested water and pulled a valve on cylinder #5. I had the engine removed and replaced with reman long block, along with risers and manifolds on both engines. I attribute this to my lack of dilegence in looking after the risers/manifolds. They were going to be replaced at the end of the season.... too late.

Spring 2006, upon doing routine tune-up along with compression test, noticed port engine #5 cylinder with decresed compression of 85lbs, along with both intake manifolds and risers showing extreme wear and salt deposits. I had the heads pulled and replaced along with risers and manifolds again.

Once back to the marina, I removed spark plugs from both engines and found the port engine cylinder #1 with a broken injector connector. Not a season ending problem, just a few hour repair. I then performed a compression test, and all cylinders were at 135-140. So far not too bad, and certainly not a sufficient reason to account for the total lack of performance.

I then removed plugs from the starboard engine (1yr old with 35hrs) and performed a compression test, and found once again Cylinder #5 with compression of 60lbs. I performed both a wet and dry test with similar results. Once again the heads need to be replaced along with man/risers (once inspected, I haven't dissambled yet).

I am hoping Regal or my dealer can offer advice on a course of correction, possibly adding 6" spacers or identifying a problem area. I have an excellant relationship with my dealer and hope they can offer some insight as well.

Thanks for space to allow me to vent !!
 
Sorry to hear about the constant problem with the engines. I believe Regal had a little talked about problem the the 3260. The engine placement from the factory would allow water to enter via the exhaust. I learned about it from a previous 3260 owner who had his engines replaced by the factory.

Its interesting that you are the only 3780 owner with this problem. Pehaps there are more and it is an issue Regal can assist with.

Good luck.
 
It is unlikly to be the problem but check for sticking valves before pulling the head.
 
Bruce, I don't understand your statement. It is obvious that it is caused by sticking valves. I have heard of ways to reseat the valves without disassembly, and will attempt this this weekend.
Each head I have pulled had severely corroded valves/stems. What else could be causing the valves to leak after only 1 season and approximately 35hrs? You can taste the salt on the valves.

Nautical - The dealer I purchased the boat from informed me that I was the only one to purchase Mercs. All other boats were either Volvo or diesel. They have no reported issues with Volvo, but they do have many instances with similar problems with Mercs on other models with inboards.
 
Sorry to hear about your issues Gary. That really sucks. There's got to be an underlying reason for the problems. Sure sounds like the riser to waterline height just isn't high enough. I'm sure someone has measured it but worth re-checking and with a full load AND half load. I've noticed a def. lean to starboard on my boat as the fuel tanks empty because the tanks draw at different rates. I wonder if it's just enough to put you underwater so to speak?
 
A more likly cause would have been frozen rings. It is great that you got off with only valves.

In addition to what rommer says a lot of people gathered aft can cause the problem as well. Can you fit taller risers???
 
Yes, I plan to install them this weekend. The only difficulty will be on the outboard side of port engine. The manifold, 6"block and riser will have to be installed as one unit due to limited deck clearance.

Where can I get specs on min/max heights along with proper degree of pitch? I am hoping Regal will get back to me as I left a voice mail today.

John, how severe is your starboard list? I am off around 2-3" which is around 300lbs to achieve level. I haven't noticed it on the newer models, I wonder if things were corrected. I will see this weekend on the 2007 4080, I am driving one to the Norwalk boat show and will be working it this weekend.
 
yikes...

check in your boat documentation for the paperwork from Merc, it shoudl include installation information including heights. If not, you shoudl be able to find it on line on the merc site...
 
Gary,

I have to say that you certainly take these set backs well.

On the merc issue, ( not to harp on them or start a merc /volvo war)I do recall the Regal 32 owner with the water ingestion problem had Mers as well.
 
My only question/comment is why trouble free for what approx 4 years???

Seems rather odd & that something has changed since new....
I hope you can pinpoint a cause/solution Gary..
 
Joe,

I have been thinking the same thing, and only now do I realize that the boat has been loosing power and speed since the end of season #1.
Each year I push the boat to WOT at the beginning and end of each season to compare results. Well, I have ignored the fact that the boat has been srteadily loosing top end speed. When I questioned the dealer, they said it could be caused by bottom fouling along with multiple layers of bottom paint. Not questioning their response, I took this as acceptable standards.

Season #1 I could reach 38mph in perfect conditions, and could always achieve 36mph. By the end of the second season, I was lucky to achieve 33mph, ultimately dwindling down to 30-31. I was assured by various mechanics that this is normal due to increasing age and changing conditions of the vessel along with increased weight of fuel, water gear etc.

I now realized that this was probably due to a loss of compression in the engines and should not have been overlooked. I guess you should always trust your gut instincts. So for now, the boat will be repaired, hopefully with a full correction then hopefully enjoyed for the remainder of the season.
 
Hi Gary,

Thanks for your post and your update... when we bought our 280, the previous owner said it would top out around 42-43 mph. I never believed him, as we could never achieve that top end speed... I assumed it was because we had a full load of fuel and we're loaded up with all our summer time necessities, etc..

then one day towards the end of the season, we had a nice little ripple on the back bay, so with that full load of fuel and other stuff, I was able to obtain 43-44 top end.. once I trimmed it out... that was the day I learned that properly trimmed, we could easily gain almost 10mph.. not bad for an old girl...

We don't run her at WOT often, but we do like to clean the carbon out once in a while.

As for your boat, it sounds as if your gut instincts were correct. I hope that taller risers corrects the issue for you. Keep us posted..
 
Kelly: IIRC the spec is 12" to lowest "flow over" point in the riser. A cocpit party can change that clearance quickly.
Dont forget the antisieze on that one side or it wont ever come off again.
 
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