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    looking for a new boat - do i really need a 4.3?

    i know this is more engine related than anything, but where do I post a non repair engine topic? anyway. I currently have a 1997 20' with 4.3 engine I'd like to get a newer more reliable boat 70% of time its just the wife an myself 25% its with another couple (4 ppl) and we will tube...
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    Prop moves at idle

    Is this normal? I have a 1997 merc 4.3lx I don't ever remember when the boat starts, on trailer, and in neutral, that the prop moves - even when I stop it, it moves again perhaps this is normal (been a year) - thoughts? another thing, I don't remember exhaust ever coming out of the end of the...
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    Winter storage - master drain plug

    Hey all Last year when I stored my boat, inside(non heated) storage - I covered it, threw bounty sheets all over and in every compartment and I left the master drain plug out, to maybe help vent (less oil, gas, smell?) makes me wonder - should I leave the plug out? or in? only negative I...
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    winterize - thrermostat - antifreeze

    so... last year when winterizing(my first year) I pulled all hoses and plugs and drained EVERYTHING. so I had no cooling - THEN! I hooked up muffs connected with antifreeze bucket and ran until it filled up I didn't have a thermo stat problem but, *!!! yes, I started my engine /wo any cooling -...
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    Just a little throttle makes the engine sputter and die

    Just a little throttle makes the engine sputter and die (reverse too) - but jumping on the throttle it runs great Then, after a good half hour on the water - the light throttle is just fine and no issues :( this never happened before the mechanic took the engine out to replace the timing cover...
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    Gas tank capacity?

    is there anyway to know what my gas tank capacity is? I've went through the manual but doesn't say anything 1997 Sylvan V196
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    white goo under oil cap

    went to top off oil and I have white goo all under the bottom of the cap - first time I've ever seen this dip stick looks good, removing the chute and looking in looks good this stuff is like melted gum 4.3 merc
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    RPM dropping too far when shifting into gear. 4.3LX (Gen +)

    1997 - 4.3 Merc LXgen+ I did not have this issue until a mechanic took my engine out of my boat to fix an oil leak NOW, even at idle it was starting to sputter I had him tune the carb up, so now when in N and idle, its around 900 rpm - which is good and strong - no signs of sputter HOWEVER...
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    Front/Bow gets to high with low RPM - engine sputters

    Front/Bow gets to high with low RPM - engine sputters Trim was up a little to high, front got really high, (while going super slow, almost idle)...then engine started to sputter with front high in the air I brought it back down quick gave it some gas and it never stalled it happened again...
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    Can you help me find my replacement oil pan?

    I believe the part number is: 809980 1997 Mercruiser 4.3LX gen+ Can't find a new sierra replacement - looking to get a steal one, as the aluminum one seems to be defective w/ the timing cover. hoping one of you could help guide me to a part sties , Iboats have the OEM (809980) but out of stock
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    Engine hole? patch job? leak

    I have oil in my bilge I don't know much about engines, but this is very strange to me. This is the front of the engine, right under/next to the largest circle gear of the belt The silver looks like a cheap glue/weld job - but also, it looks like a seam is fully exposed, almost like it doesn't...
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    Oil Chute

    should this oil chute really be this loose? it also easily turns, and I can remove it, looking into the engine (which looks good :) ) https://youtu.be/nw-3J3yauPQ
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    power trim reservoir - mustard yellow :(

    power trim reservoir - mustard yellow :( I thought it was like a chocolate brown, so I decided to extract it to find its a mustard yellow (and has been for a while, whole reservoir is tinted yellow, I haven't even owned the boat for a full year) was even thick and hard to extract now what...
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    Merc engine + Bilge area

    1997 Merc 4.3 LX Gen+ New boat owner here.... Typically....when I take my boat out, when I return...should my bilge be spot clean and 100% dry? should there be ANY liquid, even a drop in the bilge area, under the engine? curious if there is an over flow, or....anything I guess.
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    Recomended motor oil?

    I don't need the quick silver oil right? do I need a "boating oil"? I want to have some on hand for spare and buy in bulk for winterizing. Any recommendation of grade? 1997 - Merc 4.3 LXgen+ Northern michigan
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    Fluids

    Fluid question here - I own a 97 sylvan open bow, 4.3L Merc just bought it, end of last year - I don't think it was very well maintained. My power steering fluid reservoir, as well as my trim pump reservoir - the fluid seems BAD, like dirty brown, almost black When I grabbed a can of the trim...
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    fluid question

    Hello - I know oil will get a rainbow color when it drips onto say a driveway/pavement with water Will other fluids in my boat (power steering, trim fluid, gear lube) have the same look? or is that distinct look only oil? guess I got a small leak :(
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    power trim pump - fluid - cap

    So....going through my manual (just bought the boat last year) and it said "If not previously done, unscrew fill cap and remove cap plug from fill neck and discard" I remembered seeing that red plug from last year - not sure why its even in there in the first place I guess but it was still...
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    Help me find a new prop. Results

    1997 19.6 sylvan open bow Merc 4.3 lx gen+ Current prop is old and I think pretty dinged up 14.25 x21 Aluminum WOT 47 mph but at 4900 rpm Water a little choppy but not too bad 320lbs worth of gear and people I like to cruz but I'd like to tow tubes too
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    Bilge Replacement - and what is this?

    New boat for me - my bilge pump doesn't run, turning it on always pops the 5 fuse, increasing the fuse power goes but nothing turns on. I'm thinking I should just replaced the full pump? who knows how old it is Also, I can't find the float - could it be here (on the right of the yellow bilge...
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