1979 Mercruiser 898 Basic issues

[sheardc]

Just inherited a '79 SeaRay V220 Cuddy Cabin with a MercCruiser 898 I/O (Chevy 305 ci) drive. Looking for basic control info and engine maintenance information like:

-Trying to understand the tilt unit control operation (3 button control unit on dash) I understand that it has basic ops but also a trailer option. The motor runs ,but how high should the unit tilt in both states? What type of oil does it use?

-Going to do an engine oil change. What grade oil to use? Can one use a car oil filter on it? Heard rumors that one cannot drain oil from oil pan and have to suck oil out dipstick (sounds half baked to me). Looks like one could dump oil out of oil pan into a small container and the use an oil extraction unit to suck it out of container. Thoughts?

I have looked thru the forums and have pulled down the manuals for the 1979 898 unit but did no see this info there.

Thanks in advance for you help,

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: 1979 Mercruiser 898 Basic issues

Welcome aboard, I have the same boat and engine package and can give you some tips. first have a look at this link and downlaod the service manual for your mercruiser.http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288430 Thank Don S
My SRV220 has the trim buttons on the shift control lever. Trim up and down are used while underway and the drive will only raise to a certain point to keep the prop from coming out of the water. The trailering position is full up and you may have to push the trim up and trailer up at the same time to fully raise the drive. The trim pump should be located aft starboard side behind the panel under the jump seat and have recomended oil stamped on it ( try to get a sample of what is in it now )
I rigged up a pan with a drain hose to change the engine oil on the trailer and use a hose through the transom drain plug to a container to catch the oil. I also use a plastic baggie to remove the filter to catch any oil spill. A good quality (auto oil filter) can be used .I use the better Fram filter from NAPA which also carries a line of boat parts. I boats has great prices on parts as well. See your oil recommendations for the area (weather conditions) where you are. Not given in your profile. And good luck. It is a great boat.

 

[sheardc]

Re: 1979 Mercruiser 898 Basic issues

Okay I found the engine oil info in the one manual I downloaded. Looks like it wants 40W or 20-40W.

Thanks for the tip on draining thru the thru hull under the I/O unit just need to find the pan & hose.

Also found the manual for the Trim pump I have
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6C5R3.PDF

But still trying to understand the operation of the 3 buttom switch mounted on dash. See last page of manual above; wiring diagram.
The switch is marked as follows
Top switch marked UP
Middle switch is marked UP and OUT
Bottom switch is marked IN (do they mean "in the water", what about DOWN)
Must be having a bad day not to understand this. Unfortunately not near boat to play with the buttons and see what they do.

 

[carcraze]

Re: 1979 Mercruiser 898 Basic issues

My switches are labeled a little different but for that unit I believe that

In = down

up / out = This has kind of 2 functions. Pressing by itself activates the OUT part which is trim up but is limited by the trim limit switch so the prop does not come out of the water while under way.

Up = UP This button when pressed WITH the center button overrides the limit switch and allows for full up for trailering Ect.

So the buttons are layed out to worm kind of like pairs the bottom and the center is used for trimming while running.

The center and the top is used for lifting all the way up for trailering and such.

If the out button does not function by itself it normally is a faulty trim limit.

It has been a while since I have had this type of labelled trim system but if memory is right that is the functions.

 

[John_S]

Re: 1979 Mercruiser 898 Basic issues

Since you are new to tilt/trim, make sure you only run the engine when the drive is down and somewhere in its trim range. Damage to the u-joints can occur if you run when it is in the trailer position mode. Damage can occur, even when in neutral,because the u-joints are still turning.

 

[sheardc]

Re: 1979 Mercruiser 898 Basic issues

Thanks for the input on the switch operation.

As for the U joints. Not to worry as I'm not running the engine when doing the tilt testing. But will need to recharge battery.

Also getting some very interesting info on the tilt oil spec. From the link in the earlier email in this thread, this unit will take either Quicksilver Power Trim/Steering fluid (what spec), 10W-30 OR 10W-40! Yikes that is quite a mixture!! I will check it soon before topping off and look for a label on the pump itself. I was thinking of draining/replacing it. Suggestions as to what to use will be considered.

Last minor issue - what oil spec is used on the trim tabs?

Thanks again for all the info.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: 1979 Mercruiser 898 Basic issues

The reason I mentioned taking a sample of the trim fluid is to see what is in there, some people used trans fluid which would be red in color, some used power steering fluid which has a distinct odor and others used motor oil. I would suggest the same be done on the trim tab actuator.