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    engine efficiency

    I was told by my marina mechanic that my 4.3 L MPI Mercruisers will run more efficiently at 180 degrees compared to 160 degrees. Does that make sense?
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    thermostats

    I just had new 160 degree thermostats put into my 4.3 L MPI Mercruisers. My temperature guage after warming up at idle registered just a little shy of 180 degrees. Is this an accepted variation in range? My raw water impellers were just replaced as well. Before I changed thermostats the guage...
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    drain valve leaking

    I had my boat winterized by my marina and my Mercruisers were filled with antifreeze. I have noticed the the orange rubber exit drainage tube on the bottom of my engine is leaking antifreeze. The blue valve on the top forward part of the engine is closed with no red showing. Any suggestions as...
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    bonding system

    I'm thinking about using a grouper anode on my boat. The instructions are to clamp it onto the bonding system. Is the negative terminal of the batteries considered part of the bonding system?
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    Mercathode replacement zincs

    I need to change the zincs on my boat. My boat has a Mercathode system. There are two rectangular zincs in the center of my transom that I believe are part of the mercathode system. Do they just screw into the transom or is there a special connection behind them that I need to be aware of?
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    heat shrink butt connectors

    I have to splice some wires together for an upcoming project. What is the best method to heat shrink the butt connection? I do not own a heat gun and there is no power on my boat right now whille on blocks. Can I use a cigarette lighter to do the job? Is it safe? Doe the flame actually touch the...
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    Interstate Marine batteries

    Has anyone had any postitive or negative experience with these batteries? I will be changing out mine this year. I staying with lead acid batteries. I hear Trojan makes a very good deep cycle but they are expensive.
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    LED bulb replacements

    Can LED bulbs be used to replace incandescent bulbs without modifying any fuses? The West Marine catalogue discusses the need to do so. Does anyone have any experience doing this?
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    OEM part number

    How do I find out the part number for a flame arrestor on a 2004 4.3 L MPI Mercruiser? Thanks
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    flame arrester cleaning

    I read somewhere that the flame arresters on the Mercruiser 4.3L MPI should be removed once a year and hosed clean. Is this usual maintenance and is hosing them down the proper method of cleaning or is there a filter inside that needs to be removed or replaced. Thanks
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    Quicksilver oil filter

    I noticed that the oil and fuel filters on my Mercruiser 4.3L MPI engines were replaced with the Quicksilver brand. My original filters were black Mercruiser brand and the replacement Quicksilver brand is white. Is this brand comparable to the original? I noticed that my Mercruiser manual...
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    synthetic teak and holly flooring

    Anyone have any experience with synthetic teak interior flooring? Any suggestions as to best brands, Plasteak vs. Nuteak etc.?
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    Throttle position

    I noticed that my throttles were positioned in the idle neutral position after the sterndrives were removed for winter storage. After cleaning out the boat for winter, I instinctively moved them to neutral. I remember reading something on this forum about the need to have the throttle engaged...
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    battery charger manufacturer suggestion

    Anyone have a suggestion for a good brand for a onboard battery charger? I am thinking about replacing my Protech 4 1240. RK
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    battery charger

    I have a Protech 4 1240 battery charger on my boat. It is made by Promarine. The LED lights do not work and I heard this model was discontinued. Is there a way to test if the LEDs are just not working or if the charger is shot. I run my boat almost every day so that the batteries are probably...
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    continuity tester

    I am trying to replace my AFI brand windshield wiper motor. I hooked it up but it is not working. My dash switch has a light which goes on when the switch is turned on. The light came on so I have power going to the switch and I assume that means the fuse is OK. I have a continuity tester and I...
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    tef-gel

    I am in the process of changing my windshield wiper motor. Is it OK to use tef-gel on the electrical contacts to prevent corrosion? RK
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    windshield wiper motor

    I am going to replace my windshield wiper motor. The new motor came included with a fuse on a wire and the instructions were to have the 5 amp fuse placed on the hot leg. I assume the original motor was hooked into a fuse on the fuse panel. Do I need to include the fuse that came in the box or...
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    gear lube resevoir

    My boat has been winterized and the sterndrives have been removed and stored for the winter. I noticed that the resevoirs that hold the gearlube for the outdrives are full. I thought this fluid would drain out when the outdrives are removed but obviously I am mistaken. Part of the service...
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    snap stains

    I have noticed that when it rains I get stains that run down the hull from the snaps that fasten my canvas to the hull. The stain runs vertically down just below the snap. Any suggestions as to how to stop this? It cleans up but keeps on re-occuring after each rain. It looks like dirt, not rust.
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