Recent content by ugbandtulsa

  1. U

    ARRGHH!! What part is this???

    Ok. Searched ALL MANUALS and info for this. Apparently, Merc does not want anyone to buy/know what the heck the part number is for what they call the: Trim-in limit insert It goes in the elongated trim pin hole in the drive where the trim cylinders mount. Its a little crescent shaped piece of...
  2. U

    Is it possible?

    On a alpha 1, gen 1 to splice the wires on the trim sender when you replace the sender? Fishing the wires looks really nasty!
  3. U

    Power Steering leak?

    Ok captains, i need your best tricks for tracking down an ATF leak. Really the difficulty is that the boat's a twin, so space is very tight. Other than the obvious "run it and look", which could be dangerous, do you have any tips on how to locate a leak? Do connections on the cooler go bad...
  4. U

    Merc wiring diagram

    Don you sent me the link to a wiring diagram once for pretty much the entire merc thunderbolt system, with wiring colors and all..any chance you remember where that was? Thanks again!!
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    Shift interrupt question

    Hellooooooo, the Don S. fan club has a couple questions, lol **Merc Alpha one, gen 1** 1. Why does the shift interrupt system only work in the water? 2. Why does Mercury not make the old-style roller switches anymore? Has anyone successfully located a direct replacement, with no mods? (Part #...
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    Sterndrive force?

    On a "normal", well-used alpha one gen one, how much rotational force should it take to turn the driveshaft by hand with a) the prop taken off, turning the u-joint by hand with a rag wrapped around it -- and b), in gear, with the drive off the boat, obviously. 1. Spins like a top 2. Bout like...
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    Hinge Pin

    Is it possible to remove the upper transom hinge pin and replace it on an alpha one Gen 1 without pulling the motor? I believe this is the proper term for the pin, but if not its the one at the top of the transom assembly, that allows the side to side movement of the drive. It's worn out and...
  8. U

    Vortec drain plug?

    I have 2 newer 350 vortec chevy's. Can anyone say with certainty how many drain plugs are on these motors? 4 each? Thanks, Mike
  9. U

    Mercathode?

    So am I correct in assuming that if you have the mercathode system, that you don't need a sacrificial anode on the alpha 1? Are the sacrificials only for boats that have no mercathode? Thanks, Mike
  10. U

    Steering cylinder?

    Ok guys, I'm having trouble finding a clear breakout diagram of my power steering cylinder...85 mercruiser 350, with alpha 1. It's mounted to the transom just to the side of the starboard engine....Anyway, the large (maybe 1") single nut that I believe holds the steering wheel cable input seems...
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    Transom hinge fix? A myth?

    Ok, has anyone heard or used the kit that (allegedly) will repair a worn out outside transom hinge bushing on a Gen 1? I heard you had to drill a small hole in the side of the transom? Scary. My engine is great, and don't want to remove it, but the top bushing is getting dangerously worn out...
  12. U

    Fuel water separator failure?

    Wow, i didn't know the fuel/water unit on a merc could just "fail", and I'm not talking about the filter, I'm talking about the actual unit! I haven't had time to dissect it, but my darn formula 272 would absolutely NOT run over 2000 rpm, and was losing fuel spray around that rpm into the...
  13. U

    Merc alpha 1

    Can you replace the lower shift cable on an alpha one without pulling the drive, and / or motor? Sorry it's a stupid question I know......my drive is OK i think but sometimes hunts for forward gear. Always finds it tho...
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    Alpha one question...

    Hi boaters! 85 formula 272ls, twin 350 mercs: One drive is completely shot, so I'm going to get one of those complete SEI drives, and then purchase a new upper or lower for the other bad drive I have now. My problem is this? Which section contains the "clutch" mechanism? Bad drive will go...
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    Alpha One question...

    Hi boaters! 85 formula 272ls, twin 350 mercs: One drive is completely shot, so I'm going to get one of those complete SEI drives, and then purchase a new upper or lower for the other bad drive I have now. My problem is this? Which section contains the "clutch" mechanism? Bad drive will go...
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