Just picked up Formula 311 sr1
#1
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Hi all,
I just purchased a 1988 Formula 311 sr1 with 330hp 454s and bravo drives. She was maintained well by the previous owner for the past ten years but needs some work. Unfortunately I’m going in for surgery tomorrow for a torn bicep tendon and won’t be able to do much maintenance myself for the next few months so I’m hoping to gather some direction from you guys that I can pass on to whoever I have do the work.
Two main issues now are the port outboard side exhaust manifold blew the manifold gasket so it’s got a loud exhaust leak. PO says this likely means a riser is leaking and the whole thing should be replaced.
About ready to purchase this today, just need to double check one last time the correct part.
The Starboard engine is running super rich and the plugs were fouled so bad it wouldn’t start when I went for a test drive. PO had his mechanic come over and change plugs and she was good to start and drive 2 hours home but still running very rich.
PO recommended carb rebuild, I’m considering just ordering new since I can likely swap it one armed with the help of a friend.
anyone know what carbs should be on this thing? I haven’t seen any markings on it yet.
Otherwise, pretty much everything on this boat works besides the speedometer. Factory air conditioning works along with most other items. She has a newish JL audio system that I haven’t taken even to half volume yet. It’s loud.
She needs new vinyl on all the seating and trim. It’s worse for wear, I just need to find someone in south Florida that’s trustworthy to redo it, which may prove difficult. Any recommendations here are appreciated.




I just purchased a 1988 Formula 311 sr1 with 330hp 454s and bravo drives. She was maintained well by the previous owner for the past ten years but needs some work. Unfortunately I’m going in for surgery tomorrow for a torn bicep tendon and won’t be able to do much maintenance myself for the next few months so I’m hoping to gather some direction from you guys that I can pass on to whoever I have do the work.
Two main issues now are the port outboard side exhaust manifold blew the manifold gasket so it’s got a loud exhaust leak. PO says this likely means a riser is leaking and the whole thing should be replaced.
About ready to purchase this today, just need to double check one last time the correct part.
The Starboard engine is running super rich and the plugs were fouled so bad it wouldn’t start when I went for a test drive. PO had his mechanic come over and change plugs and she was good to start and drive 2 hours home but still running very rich.
PO recommended carb rebuild, I’m considering just ordering new since I can likely swap it one armed with the help of a friend.
anyone know what carbs should be on this thing? I haven’t seen any markings on it yet.
Otherwise, pretty much everything on this boat works besides the speedometer. Factory air conditioning works along with most other items. She has a newish JL audio system that I haven’t taken even to half volume yet. It’s loud.
She needs new vinyl on all the seating and trim. It’s worse for wear, I just need to find someone in south Florida that’s trustworthy to redo it, which may prove difficult. Any recommendations here are appreciated.




#2
Nice find!
I can't help with specifics, but if it's been running rich for a while, check the oil to see if it smells like lots of gas in it, and it may have washed the cylinder walls.
If it's a new problem, rebuild or replace the carb and have fun.
I ripped a tendon off my bicep a few years ago, a couple weeks in after surgery, it was feeling so good I had to be conscious to not over do it.
I can't help with specifics, but if it's been running rich for a while, check the oil to see if it smells like lots of gas in it, and it may have washed the cylinder walls.
If it's a new problem, rebuild or replace the carb and have fun.
I ripped a tendon off my bicep a few years ago, a couple weeks in after surgery, it was feeling so good I had to be conscious to not over do it.






