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  1. tpenfield

    7.5 Merc. Cooling system issues? What is this tube?

    The copper tube feeds the water from the water pump to the powerhead. There should be a phenolic washer where the arrow points. Maybe it came up with the powerhead, check to see if it is there. Also be sure the water pump has the larger plastic tube that mates with the copper tube during...
  2. tpenfield

    New Boat Launch Ramp

    Our local boat launch ramp is getting replaced. It seems like they are re-grading it to make it steeper by the looks of it. The stones are placed over the existing ramp. I'm not sure on the construction method so far; it appears that more than stones will be needed to re-grade . . . perhaps...
  3. tpenfield

    Quit My Job . . .

    New Tires . . . $1,000 Alternator replacement . . . $1,000 Brake job . . . $600 etc. Often comes up to $300/month, but never any consistency, so the money does not get allocated.
  4. tpenfield

    Quit My Job . . .

    The Admiral has the steady income of the household. Mine is here and there. She does a monthly budget, but tends to underestimate or not include all of the costs (things like . . . auto maintenance, house maintenance, boat maintenance, etc.), so there is a constant 'dream' vs 'reality' going on.
  5. tpenfield

    Winterizing questions

    First Pic . . . Sea water pump and sea water strainer. Water comes from the outdrive (or a thru-hull fitting) and goes to the sea water strainer first (where marine life/debris is captured) then onto the sea water pump. Third picture . . . that is a flush adapter. It allows you to get water...
  6. tpenfield

    8.1 GXI-J Cranks but No Start w/ Diacom Logs

    No . . . usually it is the exhaust riser gaskets.
  7. tpenfield

    Those with MPIs what do you do with your leftover storage gas mix?

    I have the 6.2L versions, similar to the new 4.5L. The fogging mix is about 10:1 as specified in the manual, IIRC. Since I don't like disconnecting the fuel line to run the fogging mix from an Aux tank, I empty the main fuel tank and add about 5-10 gallons of the 10:1 fogging mix then run the...
  8. tpenfield

    . . . and I Thought Hi-tech Boat Engines Were Bad . . .

    I like some of the tech, be it on cars or boats, but it seems like it is less than bullet-proof.
  9. tpenfield

    . . . and I Thought Hi-tech Boat Engines Were Bad . . .

    Yes, using the existing profile. If I get a new battery, I'll have to register it to the car computer as 'new'.
  10. tpenfield

    Most stable hull design for trolling in rough water

    There may not be any good solution to the issue you described. Would you really go out and buy a different boat just to resolve a tipping issue? Decent sized wakes against the side of the boat is definitely going to be a rocky ride. Wider beam can help, but maybe not all that much. The whole...
  11. tpenfield

    99 Monterey 276 Transom Replacement

    We are going to need lots of pictures as you go, as it will help with responses.
  12. tpenfield

    1993 Baja 24 outlaw stringer question

    Also, as you join the wood pieces of the structure together, put a layer of fiberglass in between where the pieces meet. This prevents moisture migration through the structure.
  13. tpenfield

    1993 Baja 24 outlaw stringer question

    Use polyester resin . . . epoxy and PL are not going to be compatible with the resin you are using for the re-build. If you want to make the stringers wicked strong (and rot-resistant) put a layer of 1708 cloth along with the resin in between the 3 layers of plywood
  14. tpenfield

    1993 Baja 24 outlaw stringer question

    I would use an exterior grade plywood (what ever you can get) and double/triple them up to get the thickness needed for the stringers. You'll probably make it better than it ever was. Post some pictures when you can, it will help with responses.
  15. tpenfield

    Long shaft for dinghy

    I've had to run my dinghy with a long shaft motor while the short shaft motor was under the wrench. Not ideal, and it tends to be less efficient because the propeller was too far under the water. Transom load was not a huge concern, more so - I did not win a single race with the long shaft. :LOL:
  16. tpenfield

    Merc 3.0 Sterndrive Winterizing Question

    A few things to keep in mind about the winterization. Alcohol-based AF is not recommended for engines vs. PG-based AF. I have used both on my engines, but prefer to stay on the recommended course. The temperature rating of the anti-freeze is not a freeze point, but rather a burst rating. The...
  17. tpenfield

    1995 Chaparral 2550 SX Refit and Restoration

    Nothing like flat water. Me want some :D
  18. tpenfield

    Pa escaped prisoner

    I heard about it, but maybe all the news media is focused on hurricane Lee . . . :unsure:
  19. tpenfield

    . . . and I Thought Hi-tech Boat Engines Were Bad . . .

    Quick Update . . . I have not used my car in about a week or so. Yesterday, I got in, started it, it complained about the battery. So, maybe like the boat engine, it is very sensitive to voltage issues which lets the gremlins out of the cage. Next stop . . . a new battery. :unsure:
  20. tpenfield

    Doing lack of maintenance repair on Ariens 1128 snowblower.

    The Ariens should be pretty straight forward on replacing the axle bearings. I re-built an 824 Ariens a few years back. It was pretty easy to split open. Sold it for some good money. I also have a Toro 1128 OXE PowerMax in the garage awaiting my attention. It has a new 404cc engine waiting...
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