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  1. K

    ATF in my trim system??? Is this correct?

    Just replaced a leaking trim cylinder hose on a 1978 Mercruiser 165hp I/O. I noticed the fluid that leaked from the hose was red. Looks like ATF. Read through my shop manual and it indicates my trim system should be filled with 10W-30 or 10W-40. Should there have been ATF in the system to...
  2. K

    Battery cranking amps...Is more better?

    Shopping for a new starting battery for my boat. I plan on just getting an automotive battery strictly for starting the boat. It's a 165hp I6 Mercruiser. Should I choose a battery with the highest CCA/MCA rating? I figure more is better....or will too much damage the motor in any way? For...
  3. K

    RPMs way below recommended WOT-advice please

    17' bowrider, 12 degree deadrise, 1978 GM Inline 6, 165hp I/O, drive gear ration 1.65:1, current prop:15 1/2" x 19 3-blade aluminum. 2 people and gear puts the total boat weight between 2400 and 2500 lbs. Max RPM at WOT: 3900-4300 Ran the boat on the river and got these numbers: (GPS speed...
  4. K

    Prop manufacturer and pitch recommendation

    My current prop has been on the boat since I bought it used. I rarely run it at WOT. I usually cruise out to my fishing spot at about 30 mph and anchor most of the day, or troll at very low speeds. Have used it a couple seasons to pull kids in a tube on kneeboard, and the fastest I would pull...
  5. K

    Boat/trailer weighed, is this correct?

    I took my trailer to a local truck scale. The attendant was nice enough to weigh it for free. I pulled onto the scale so my tow vehicle tires were just off the scales, checked weight. Then I unhooked the trailer so it was completely off the hitch, checked weight. The weights were 2780lbs and...
  6. K

    Fuel line same as brake line?

    I'm replacing my fuel line on a Mercruiser L6 from the fuel pump to the carburator. I've read several posts mentioning using steel fuel lines or brake lines readily available from any auto parts store. Is there a difference between fuel and brake lines? Is one easier to bend than the other...
  7. K

    Fuel line 90 degree fitting

    Is it ok to use a 90 degree brass compression fitting on the fuel line from the fuel pump to the carb? I was making the last bend in the steel fuel line towards the carb with a tube bender, but the line kinked. I guess the radius of the bender is too small. I'll have to purchase a better...
  8. K

    Bugs and boat lighting

    I plan on installing some LED rope lighting under the gunwales of my boat to light the deck. Anyone have any input on whether or not the bugs will be attracted to the red or blue lights? I know I'm not going to use white lights. I want to make sure I use a color that doesn't attract bugs. I...
  9. K

    Which outdrive do I have?

    1978 Mercruiser, 165HP Inline 6 Stern drive serial number 4939023 Just so I know which threads on this forum would apply to my outdrive...Is my outdrive considered Alpha? Pre-Alpha? Bravo? Thanks
  10. K

    How connect fuel pressure tester

    165HP Mercruiser, Inline 6 How would you connect a fuel pressure test gauge to test a low volume Carter fuel pump? Its connected to the carb with a steel line. I don't think I want to cut that line in order to hook up the test gauge. The connection at the pump is a compression fitting. Am I...
  11. K

    Hard start warm, pic of carburetor (leaking?)

    165 HP, Inline 6 Mercruiser, Rochester 2GC carburetor: I thought I solved my warm start difficulties but seems like its happening again. Engine starts up fine when cold. Starting up when warm IMMEDIATELY after shutting of engine is no problem. Let the boat sit for a few minutes and starting...
  12. K

    Trim control question

    1978 Caravelle with 165HP Mercruiser inline 6, I/O. I currently have the dash mounted 3 button trim control and a throttle lever with the neutral safety cutoff switch (I think that's what its called). Is it possible to swap out my current throttle with one that has the trim button built in to...
  13. K

    When to change impeller

    Mercruiser, 165hp I/O Is it a good idea to change the impeller EVERY year regardless of how many hours the boat has been used since the last impeller change? What if it sits idle more than actually running throughout the year. Does that make any difference? The last time I changed my impeller...
  14. K

    Where to put blocks under boat

    I've read the many posts on how to raise and block up your boat in order to pull the trailer out. My questions are: 1) Does it matter "where" you put the blocks under the boat? I plan on using railroad ties cut to about 16" lengths and stacked as needed between the strakes (I think that's what...
  15. K

    Transom construction

    I just enlarged a hole in my transom above the water line so my new sonar transducer twist lock fitting could fit through. I'm just curious if what I'm seeing through that hole is how the transom is built all the way down to the bottom of the boat. The first 3/8" of the exterior looks like...
  16. K

    Transducer cable help

    I just removed my old transducer cable and am installing the new transducer for a new Lowrance HDS-5. The old transducer twist lock connector was able to fit through the 7/8" hole through the transom. The new connector is just a tiny bit bigger than my old connector and won't fit through the...
  17. K

    Sonar/GPS fuse

    I'm installing a new Lowrance HDS-5 sonar/gps unit. The inline fuse it comes with is a blade type fuse with an "E" stamped on it. What size fuse is this? I've never seen one of these. How many amps in case I need to replace it? The specs in the owners manual doesn't say what size fuse to use.
  18. K

    Drilling holes for transom mtd transducer

    I have a fiberglass boat and am about to install a new transducer. I've read several threads on how one should drill and attach the transducer. One method, which seems to be the "correct" way, is to drill oversized holes, fill with epoxy, then drill pilots in the epoxy for the smaller...
  19. K

    Sonar/GPS power connection question

    Going to install a new HDS-5 unit. With this sonar or any other unit for that matter, is it best to connect the power directly to the battery? I was looking at my switch panel that has toggle switches for the navigation lights, anchor light, blower, horn, and 3 more unused switches labeled...
  20. K

    Hard starting warm - carburetor problem???

    I've read many posts trying to solve my problem and think I've narrowed it down to the carburator. I have a 1978 165HP Mercruiser I/O that starts just fine cold and also starts fine right after shutting off the engine as long as it's restarted within a minute or two at the most. Let it sit for...
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