1980 Voyager 3326 ... Update

[Austinorson]

Since I have not posted since we bought the boat, I thought I would give a update.
We bought it in June. We have used it quite a bit. Almost every week.
We did replace three batteries so all four are the same type and age. Also replaced the waste pump and the shower pump.
The built in air conditioning and heat work well as we have used both.
Everything functions as it should, however there are some of the original gauges that are not working, at the lower helm. Most upper gauges work. So that is something to look into. A few other items, but over all satisfied with the boat and operation.
Motors are twin Crusader 270's going into a Velvet drive transmission @ 1:1 ratio. Then into Walter V-drives. With 19" props.
Hull speed is not too bad gas wise, cruise speed likes the gas.
Starboard motor uses oil and has blow by, port not too bad.
Bow thruster works well.
Took our longest trip, about 30 miles one way, to Put in Bay on South Bass Island Lake Erie. Took it easy most of the way. The former owner installed a engine synchronization system and it seems to work well also.
Thx

[bud37]

Good stuff, looks like you found a gem.....regarding the blow by.....just check and maybe replace the PCV valves....sometime they can mess with the internal pressures if they are the wrong ones or not functioning right.

Good luck with it....

[Austinorson]

Yes thanks I will try that but it does burn oil. Just did two 3 and 1\2 hr runs with total run time of about 7-8 hrs. This motor is about quart low. Port motor maybe 1\4 of a quart.

[Viper]

How much blow-by are we talking about? Have you done a leak-down test to confirm how much you're leaking through the rings? If it's bad, there are a few undesirable consequences that will affect engine longevity. One of the symptoms is power loss but that will be the least of your worries.

[Austinorson]

I havent got that far yet. Both motors seem to have good power, though. And operate well and sound good. But I will keep checking.

[Viper]

The power loss may not be that noticeable unless it's really bad. If that pressure is lost through the rings, then it's not transferred to your crank. That engine may burn more fuel, how much will depend on the severity of the issue. Keep an eye on your oil, blow-by will dilute it which can cause serious problems and engine failure if left unchecked.

[Austinorson]

Ok i will keep a eye on it. Thx for the info.

Our club has a work shop, with all manner of tools. I will start to check on rebuilding the motors.

Thx for the info.

[Austinorson]

Update on my starboard engine. I rechecked the oil level and it was the at the same level on the dipstick as the port engine.
It seems I didnt allow enough time for the oil to drain back to the pan.
Both used about the same, just under 1/4 inch down from the full mark.
That seems to be not as bad as I thought, I will keep an eye on it though.
Thank for the input.

[Viper]

BTW, don't fill right to the top mark, keep it just below that mark so you don't cause other issues. Half way between the two marks is okay, in fact you may find that she burns less oil when she's at that level.

[Austinorson]

Ok thx for that tip. I will try that. Less than the full mark.
I am carefull not to over fill, any engine, does that cause excess oil pressure?