Search results

  1. tpenfield

    4.3L Mercruiser Milkshake

    Scales of rust flaking off the cylinder side walls reducing its thickness and eventually the pressure inside the cylinder breaks the weakened area. First example that I've seen happen, but it certainly can & does. that is one of the reasons why raw water cooled engines in salt water have a...
  2. tpenfield

    Exterior vs interior plywood

    Why? Because, that's why :ROFLMAO: Actually, you want the plywood to have little/no chance of delaminating. Fiberglass/resin encapsulated wood does absorb moisture (water) over time and the higher levels of moisture could lead to ply separation.
  3. tpenfield

    1990 Bayliner 2651 resto

    You may want to get an idea of how long (front-to-back) the fuel tank is in order to judge if the tank will come out via the engine bay by pulling it back once the bulkhead is cut. Worst case is having to cut away part of the aft berth base & bulkhead to gain the clearance needed.
  4. tpenfield

    Lighting questions - Chaparral 347 SSX

    You had a 327 and then upgraded to the 347 ??? Basically the same boat except a bit more swim platform (right?) I don't recall exactly what brand/model, but they may have been 'ITC' brand 'tricolor' LED - water resistant. (about $44 on Amazon) I had to pry off the stainless steel bezel...
  5. tpenfield

    Lighting questions - Chaparral 347 SSX

    Welcome to iBoats . . . I have a similar boat with the same sort of lights on the arch. I found that when they get out of sync, I needed to shut off (and then back on) the accessory power circuit breaker at the electrical panel. Seems like a nuisance, but that's how some of this new stuff is...
  6. tpenfield

    Fuel tank

    Welcome to iBoats . . . You should be able to get a glimpse of the fuel tank via a smaller hatch in the floor or even looking forward from the engine compartment. It would be either plastic or aluminum. (probably aluminum) there should be a certification label on the tank stating the...
  7. tpenfield

    Battery low alarm

    Not necessarily. Check the voltage with the battery 'at rest' nothing turned on, etc. It should be at least 12.6 volts. If, so then fine. If not, then maybe the battery is low. Maybe it is best to turn the Humming Bird on after you start the engine, since the battery voltage does drop...
  8. tpenfield

    Replacing a fuel tank 1989 Baretta 200 success

    I did find a few 'Baretta' threads by doing a search directly here on iBoats (1984 restoration - the one you posted to - plus a few others). Looking at those threads, you probably already know what you may be up against (complete rebuild :unsure: ). Anyway, it looks like there is a small...
  9. tpenfield

    Replacing a fuel tank 1989 Baretta 200 success

    Welcome to iBoats . . . Based on a quick Google search there is not much out there for guidance. I see from web pictures that the boat has a carpeted floor. So, it would be a fair guess that there is not a hatch or anything that can be easily removed to access the fuel tank. Usually, there...
  10. tpenfield

    5.7L MerCruiser Bravo III under water...repairable?

    In terms of learning, this boat might be the Special Education section of the School of Hard Knocks. :eek: As the others have stated it looks like it had been sitting in the water in a neglected state for quite some time (months). Not sure if it was sunken the whole time (or not), but...
  11. tpenfield

    Digital Throttle/Shift (DTS) Shift Adjustment ???

    As I'm gaining familiarity with the joystick through use and testing, I am seeing that not only is there shifting consideration, but also engine RPM. I was using the joystick yesterday to spin the boat around and noticed that one engine was going faster than the other. My thoughts were due to...
  12. tpenfield

    1999 Bluewater Mirage Swim Deck

    Welcome to iBoats . . . Probably a needle in a haystack odds of finding one. Looks like it is made of Teak Wood? Time to hone up on your carpenter skills? :unsure: Maybe use Starboard (HDPE) 'boat board' as an alternative. If it is just the center piece missing, a tape measure can get you...
  13. tpenfield

    Chaparral Engine Compartment Insulation

    Welcome to iBoats. . . You could contact Chaparral, but the material is probably a common insulation used in marine applications. iBoats sells it . . . . . Is this for the engine compartment or elsewhere?
  14. tpenfield

    Guys, help with a weird fishbox on my new (to me) Robalo

    Is there a screen on the drain fitting in the 'fish box'? If not, then there may be a clog that cannot go out past the thru-hull fitting. You could try to force water (garden hose nozzle) in at the thru-hull fitting, or apply suction at the drain in the fish box.
  15. tpenfield

    Gauge making me crazy

    Your starboard exhaust manifold is 165. What about all the other parts of the engine? Top of elbow Recirculating pump hose Bottom of thermostat housing were it meets the intake manifold Water duct in the front of the intake manifold Any chance you are using a European sender and a USA gauge?
  16. tpenfield

    Gauge making me crazy

    There is an overheat alarm and it will use the obnoxious buzzer. See if you can find the 210˚ F somewhere around the engine. Make note of the temperatures at different spots. Where you are holding the IR gun in the picture is right where cold water comes in from the outdrive, so you are not...
  17. tpenfield

    Digital Throttle/Shift (DTS) Shift Adjustment ???

    Quick Update . . . It has been difficult to find some time to do some additional tests on the Axius Joystick the shifting. I did find some time today . . . I 'undressed' the engines so I could see the shift actuators in action. Both engines/actuators appear to have identical 'throws' of the...
  18. tpenfield

    1980 Gamefisher

    I found a parts list online that indicates water cooled. Maybe the OP can verify. I'd actually like to find an air-cooled 7.5 myself :LOL:
  19. tpenfield

    1980 Gamefisher

    Small outboards seem to have a mind of their own. Most problems are fuel delivery (carburetor) and cooling (impeller). I usually run a high concentration of curb/injector cleaner in the first tank after a layup (winter) to make sure the carb is not getting gummed up. Mercury Powertune (spray)...
  20. tpenfield

    Towing a boat with 9ft beam...

    Congrats on the new boat. (y) For future considerations, I would not be overly concerned about towing a wider boat, if you decide to go bigger in the future. It depends on how often you tow and what you are comfortable with. If you tow a lot, you can always get an annual permit. If you...
Top