Engine/Drive Questions

[NCCamper]

Hi Gang,

This is my first post, though I have been around a while, trying to learn what I can, while we are going through the process of finding the right boat to fit our needs.

I am looking at a 1993 Sea Ray 200BR, with the intent to buy it. I have a couple of questions about the engine:

1. The engine is a Merc 5.0LX, with a Thunderbolt ignition. Does this mean it has a 4bbl carb, and that it has electronic ignition? Has this engine been a good performer?
2. Engine serial number is 0D831615. Does this number match up with the year of the boat? If i go the 'Adults Only" post, it seems to be correct.
3. Transom serial number is 0D784872. What, if anything, does this tell me?

I am sure I will have more questions. I will also try to post a link to some pictures.

Thanks,
NCC

Link to some photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/NCCamper/1993SeaRay200BRSS?feat=directlink

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine/Drive Questions

The engine SN us used to ID the engine for getting the right parts, and service literature. It is also used to ID an engine during it's warranty period.
But it doesn't indicate things like which carb, it has or rather it's a raw water cooled or FWC engine, or if it has Thunderbolt 4 or 5 ignition. But looking at the parts lists and the SN ranges can tell you which ign. system it has.
The drive, SN basically tells you the same thing, and that it's an Alpha I Gen II drive. There are some differences between the different SN ranges of the outdrives and transom shields.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Engine/Drive Questions

The engine is a Merc 5.0LX, with a Thunderbolt ignition. Does this mean....that it has electronic ignition? Has this engine been a good performer?

Welcome aboard!

Yes, it does have electronic ignition instead of points.

The engine is a tried and true Chevy small block. With a boat of that size it should do great. That is a subjective thing of course - only you will be able to tell if it performs well enough for you... but then engine itself is a great engine and will last a long time with proper maintenance.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Engine/Drive Questions

From the pictures, it looks to be a boat that has been well maintained - especially for a boat that is 16 years old. It also appears to be used in fresh water instead of salt - a big plus when buying a used boat.

 

[NCCamper]

Re: Engine/Drive Questions

Thanks for the input. Another question:

When I try to get manuals for this engine, how do i download separate sections? I go to manual #17, and it stops after table of contents.

Thanks,
NCC

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Engine/Drive Questions

You will have to download each section individually. When you open the link, go to page six - the outline or table of contents. When you move your mouse over each section you will note the cursor changes - each section is "clickable" and you can open and save the sections you want.

 

[NCCamper]

Re: Engine/Drive Questions

Ahh...that explains it. I was running the cursor over the numbers on the right, not over the description. Working fine now...everything I ever wanted to know about the engine and drive! And then some.

Talked to the folks at the marina where the boat has been stored since new. They said not only was it stored on the dry stack, it was at the very top of the stack, and always covered. Said the folks only took it our for one or two hours at a time, on Lake Norman near Charlotte, NC. Said they were very timely with all maintenance. Nice. Can't wait for the trial run.

Thanks for all the help, and all comments are welcomed.

NCC, aka John