Restoring 1980 255 Freedom Cruiser
 

Hull number is for 1979 but registration is 1980.
Does anyone have any of the manuals or brochures that came with these boats I called formula and they were not able to help.
I should name this boat "brother in laws revenge" He would not sell it to me but gifted it to me instead. He is a retired Marine Colonel and I am a retired Navy Chief, name of boat is currently "Semper Fi" but you know that has to change!!
I have already pulled and checked the fuel tank, (had to cut huge hole in deck to pull the tank), pulled the engine to replace the dry rotted firewall bulkhead, replaced all bolt on components on the engine (carbureted pre 1990 350) rebuild with a pre alpha drive.
Getting expensive and a lot of work but really fun working with a great guy.

Did a really bad thing I think. The shift cable from the transom housing to the plate on top of the engine is pinched between the bell housing and the exhaust manifold. I downloaded a manual but there is no picture of how the telex cable is supposed to be routed. Can anyone explain where the cable should be routed and how to correct the problem? Will have to find a cable tomorrow. thanks for any help you can provide.

The cable route on yours goes to the starboard side of the Transom Assembly inner plate. It connects to the power steering ram from the starboard side. Take the original cable out and measure it. You won't have any problem finding the correct length.

With a single engine you should have plenty of room to work in the bilge and shouldn't have anything in a bind.

Check your PM but here is the link to all of the old Formula Brochures:

http://www.formulaboats.com/vintage-brochures

Have fun and post some pics. The Freedom Cruiser is a great boat with a great ride and lots of room. It's the "Day Cruiser version of my boat.

shift telex
 

Thank you. It is pinched on the port side, We lost track of it during the process of setting the engine back in on the mounts! I has been fun so far and yes, I will get some pictures up. By the way, the only way to get the fuel tank out is cutting the deck all the way from the forward step to the engine hatch. then had to cut the engine firewall bulkhead so the tank could slid back far enough to clear the forward bulkhead. Fun!

OK...I just realized your talking about the shift cable...not the steering cable duh...my bad.

You can buy a manual that explains this at any major book store or marine supply house or you may be able to download one for free if you look around some. You need to get that cable out and get a new one...it's never going to shift properly.

In any case you need this part: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...ND+SHIFT+CABLE

This is Mercruiserparts.com which is part of BAM Marine's web site...ton of good info here.

New problem guys! Started the engine this afternoon and the power steering kicked back and forth really hard. Runs stop to stop. Perhaps it air in the lines? can't find a bleeder valve? Suggestions?

Put the boat in the water last Friday! No leaks, YEAH!! Motor really sounds good, and runs out well. Unable to get up to the top end because of the power steering being unhooked and was manual steering. Talk about torque! It was a very successful "A" trial! Happy Birthday to me! My birthday was Sat. so this is my present to me. Discrepancies include, Bennet trim tab motor jammed, fuel gauge inop, and of course the power steering is not operational. Still in all it was a wonderful day on the water. Question, Anyone ever had the power steering problems described above? your solution suggestions?

I forgot Pictures coming soon!

I am working on restoring my 1980 FC also. mine came with the twin 470 inline 4's. I still have yet to launch my boat its a very slow process but im redoing EVERYTHING inside of my boat. cant wait to see some pics of yours.