2007 Chris Craft Lancer Woody, 5.0GXi, SX-A Issues/Questions

pjriccobono

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Jul 22, 2012
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Thank you all so far for some of the great knowledge I've picked up from browsing this site (I've sifted through a ton of trash too)

I have a 2007 Chris Craft Lancer Woody, 5.0GXi, SX-A with 150 hours of saltwater use, i purchased it in Feb of 2012 from the original dealer who sold it new, it was a hamptons boat, was meticulously maintained and shows it. It has been extremely reliable but I'm starting to notice some issues i want to nip in the butt before they turn into something larger but I have been at a loss. I am extremely mechanical and have no issues with any engine repairs/ maintenance but am unfamiliar with the drive components, I grew up with an inboard. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated...

1) I noticed from the first time I put her in the water and almost on que every time as soon as i hit rough water, after about 10 minutes the boat will sound and act like i am experiencing mild cavitation. This happens only after riding in a pounding surf and will only subside after running in smooth water for at least 15 minutes, regardless of my trim position. Turning the engine off and on gets me nowhere. I am not convinced i am actually cavitating and thought i could be getting air mixed with my fuel and also checked my engine oil level, I have read if it is overfilled the sloshing could cause it to foam and hurt engine performance. Any ideas?

2) Again, starting from day one, I noticed rubber deposits from my belt after every outing, I changed the belt (what a stupid design, you need to remove the water pump which is below water line) Same thing with the new belt, upon further investigation I noticed my steering pump was completely out of alignment with the alternator pulley. I attempted to shim the entire pump assembly by placing a stainless steel washer in between the 3 mounting bolts, I got in lined up with the alternator pulley perfectly but the belt rode off a 1/4" from the water pump pulley so I put it back to square one. I have read one other thread complaining about this misalignment on this same engine (07' 5.0 GXi) The belt doesn't appear to be wearing super fast, I put 40 hours on the original belt before I changed out out of frustration of having black dust and hairs all over the bilge. Does anyone else have this issue?

3) Are there any internal grease fittings on this boat for the drive? I am familiar about the gimbal bearing grease tube and issues with how fragile it is.

Thanks again for anything in advance,
 

pjriccobono

Banned
Joined
Jul 22, 2012
Messages
2
Re: 2007 Chris Craft Lancer Woody, 5.0GXi, SX-A Issues/Questions

I should be more descriptive, the "mild cavitation" is a very noticeable vibration throughout the whole boat and my normal operation RPM to speed ratios are off as well. It will continue to operate like this on completely calm water after the rough water is well behind me and then slowly taper off.

Thanks in advance,
 
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