1977 GM V8 280TRS what would you do?

EMTJEEP

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 30, 2014
Messages
31
I have been working on trying to a 1977 Formula 20-cl running and water worthy. The boat has been sitting since '93 in a drydock. Water built up over the years and got to the bottom of the alternator. Drained out all the water and got some new oil/filters/spark plugs in. The starter worked after a little tap of the key on/off. The motor turns over but still need to adjust the carb and replace the belts, alternator and water pump impeller. The prop turns and does not seem to be seized or anything. The trim does not work (need some guidance to what to for this) and started to leak around the drive after we tried to tilt it up manually.

Trying to work on the trailer to get it to my shop and start to remove the outdrive. The driveshaft seal I believe that is what it is looks cracked in the gimbal so that is what we are going to try to replace and check out the u-joints and other seals.

My question is what would you do next after what has been stated? What would be an area that may need to be looked at? If something is damaged, so it be repaired or just replace with something newer?

Not trying to get answers like just rip out the whole engine/drive and replace with new since the engine is still in good shape and the drive seems to be well also. Thanks
 

Volphin

Lieutenant
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
1,405
If the starter has been submerged, it will need replacing soon. I'm surprised you got it to crank! I's be looking at the gimbal bearing very closely and the manifolds as well. If you can crank her, go ahead and do a compression check to check the overall health of the engine. You may also want to consider new points and condenser, or dig an old Thunderbolt IV out of a boneyard boat and retrofit it.
 

EMTJEEP

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 30, 2014
Messages
31
Is thunderbolt IV a ignition? Why would I need to retrofit one of those? Do I really need a new ignition?
 

thumpar

Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
I would keep it points or convert to a Pertronix. Are the stringers solid?
 

Volphin

Lieutenant
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
1,405
Is thunderbolt IV a ignition? Why would I need to retrofit one of those? Do I really need a new ignition?

It was just a suggestion to get rid of the old points setup. I've always found them to be reliable, but checking the gap and dwell get to be a pain. Just trying to simplify things if this is a boat you want to run for years.
 

EMTJEEP

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 30, 2014
Messages
31
There are no soft spots on the floor and around the engine. But haven't fully checked the stringers. What is the best way to check the stringers?
 
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