I would check the exhaust systems for leaks. I had a 29 ft. formula with the same engines and the stock cast iron exhuast system. If there are water stains between the riser and the manifold, then water is leaking into your cylinders on the inside of the connection between the riser and manifold. I took mine apart and could see where water had drained toward the center two cylinders and built up a calcium deposit of sorts. Replaced my stock exhaust with stainless marine (or any other high performance would do) and picked up 4 mph. The important thing is to insure the connection between the manifold and riser is externally plumbed so water does not pass through the seal between the two. That way water can't leak from the riser back into the cylinders. Also, look into dry exhaust or a long riser where the water joins the exhaust as close to the transom as possible. That way if you ever decide to up the cam, you won't have to worry about reversion of water back into the cylinders. My thoughts, anyway. PS I'm re-building three 454's on my formula 419 where the CMI headers cracked and leaked water back into 4-5 cylinders per motor. Yikes!

You have gotten some great advice here so far and it is right on the money. If you haven't found it yet - www.mercruiserparts.com has illustrations of all the different motors including your (possible) 420's. You may be able to compare parts and see if you have similar in your engines (looks like they came with roller rockers for instance) . BTW, they also provide great service if you need anything. And I can't believe no one has said it yet-


This thread is worthless without pictures :drink:

You guys are awesome. I'm learning a lot really quickly and wasting all kinds of time at work researching and looking for parts all over the internet :)

Apparently this thing was purchased new by Rusty Wallace, ex NASCAR driver. Amusing that it's found its way back to its home town I think.

Pics? I'll get some up soon, I didn't want to impose my new hobby on everyone like that. But since you asked... :)

Some pictures...

Engine bay is a bit nasty for my liking, after this summer both engines are coming out for a general tidy up and clean up some of the wiring in the hull, etc.

Its definitely getting a subtle vinyl wrap below the rub rail to get rid of the dated color scheme. Besides, the CPA says my company name has to go on the sides...

Curious as to if you think I did ok buying this at $23.5k? My goal is to see if I can turn it into a boat I'd be content with for about another $10k spent. Not that there's any set budget. Lol... flame away :)

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/z.../Fountain9.jpg
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/z...Fountain16.jpg
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/z...Fountain15.jpg
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/z...Fountain18.jpg
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/z...Fountain22.jpg

Welcome to the family! You didn't do bad at all at 23.5K so just enjoy boating and have a great summer.

That's great, you have good exhaust on there and the boat looks pretty unmolested. Those very well could be 420's with that exhaust. I think you did very well at 23,500, it has about 5 grand worth of steering on it.

I change out my impeller atleast once a year (usually in March) before the season really starts. One thing you might also want to check is the drive. Split the upper and lower case so you can see the vertical shaft to check to see if the shaft is straight or twisted and IMO (In my opinion) that will give you some indication as to how the boat was driven before you owned it.

Also, you mentioned running Amsoil in your boat, I run it in my engines and drive (as well as my tow vehicles, etc) and love it. Bob Teague, Teague Custom Marine, recommend using the 75-110 Severe Gear diff fluid, so that's what I'm running.

Shameless plug: I also sell Amsoil, e-mail me at [email protected] if your interested in purchasing.