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  1. tpenfield

    Is it possible to put the upper half of the sterndrive on first? Or do I need to put the whole drive on together?

    No, I have Bravo outdrives, so they go as one. Not sure of the advantage of doing an Alpha the way you described. It is nice to know you have the outdrive together properly before you install it to the bell housing.
  2. tpenfield

    Is it possible to put the upper half of the sterndrive on first? Or do I need to put the whole drive on together?

    It is often tricky to get the gimbal bearing to align (pivot) so that the drive shaft meets the coupler properly. I often grab the u-joints (to the extent that I can reach them) to help the drive shaft find its way.
  3. tpenfield

    New Cobalt 23LS

    It sounds like the only thing left to do is go get your boat. :)
  4. tpenfield

    New Cobalt 23LS

    I never understood what the LX signified . . . The 7.4L engines 'shine' coming up on plane . . . probably better than the 454 MAG, since those engines are more suited for the top end of the RPM range.
  5. tpenfield

    New Cobalt 23LS

    Serial # 0K147398 comes up as a Gen5 7.4L https://www.perfprotech.com/mercury-marine-parts-catalog/search#/diagrams/folder/24554328171979
  6. tpenfield

    New Cobalt 23LS

    No difference . . . Bravo 1 outdrive, 7.4L MPI engine. In the 1996-97 time frame the 7.4 and 454's were the GM Gen6 version, which used roller cam/lifters. Better than the Gen5 IMO.
  7. tpenfield

    New Cobalt 23LS

    OK, so the video in the advertisement is not the exact boat, but similar. :unsure: Usually in Mercruiser 'speak' the Magnum engines are labeled and referred to in cubic inches. So, a 7.4L Magnum is usually referred to as a 454 MAG. So, it is a good assumption that it is the standard 7.4L oval...
  8. tpenfield

    New Cobalt 23LS

    EDIT: The engine is a V-P 7.4 Gi as shown in the video. . . https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi15vPXmNT_AhW-L1kFHcTHCZwQFnoECA0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpubs.volvopenta.com%2Fpublications%2F7740288&usg=AOvVaw2XOhAZWTuqIFKBKEkaFBmW&opi=89978449 Be careful...
  9. tpenfield

    Water in Oil (Again) Head Scratcher

    I might have missed it, but when the engine was rebuilt, did the shop put a new camshaft in the engine? Just wondering if there is too much valve overlap.
  10. tpenfield

    Mercruiser Spark plug broken

    IDK . . . I think they used to be around $100. Probably more now.
  11. tpenfield

    Mercruiser Spark plug broken

    This is my go-to tool set. Crescent 100 piece tool set.
  12. tpenfield

    Replacing Carpet with Laminate in salon

    I did the cabin floor on my 33 foot Formula (330 SS), pulled up the carpet and replaced with vinyl laminate flooring. I'd say about a 6 on a 10 scale, if you are handy. When you pull up the carpet, you will be able to determine the condition of the sub-floor. That's when a can-of-worms could...
  13. tpenfield

    Yamaha 4 HP, cranks, runs, but fails to come back from idling down to shift gears

    I have the Yammy 3 HP, which is pretty much the same thing. Finicky motors for sure. I think the reason is that they are 1 cylinder engines and as such not really designed to go low RPM. After much fiddling with the carburetor and using carb cleaner, I've found that I needed to shift into...
  14. tpenfield

    2003 Crownline 180 flooring question

    IIRC, there is a fair amount of wood in Crownline boats. If you can get a glimpse of the flooring edge, maybe in the area around the engine bay, that might tell the story.
  15. tpenfield

    Water inlet hose replacement on Bravo 3

    When I replaced the water inlet hoses on my twin Bravo drives, it seemed like you had to do it from the outside (bell housing removed). If the hose (and insert) has already started to collapse, you may be able to get needle nose pliers (from the inside) between the hose and insert to further...
  16. tpenfield

    Extra cost(s) breakdown of storing boat in a saltwater marina?

    I keep my boat on a mooring in salt water, just like @Lou C . . . Extra costs . . . Bottom paint $400 (DIY) Outdrive anti-fouling - $75 (DIY) Can of fogging oil $15 (if it doesn't move and it should) Duct Tape $7 (if it moves and it shouldn't) Anodes $75 . . . maybe double that if you keep the...
  17. tpenfield

    97 23 ft Larson Bilge Pump replacement

    Any of the Attwood or Rule (non-automatic) pumps of about 500 gph capacity and 3/4" hose fitting should work. This video may help . . .
  18. tpenfield

    My boat is being a boat . . .

    OK - the starboard engine is going all-in on the cooling system woes. Not only is the water pressure an issue, but coolant reservoir is overflowing. I also noticed the coolant temperature would go a bit high and then recover back to normal. I'm thinking that either the H.E. cap (radiator cap)...
  19. tpenfield

    My boat is being a boat . . .

    Quick update: Per the service manual the raw water pressure should be at least 20 psi at 4000 rpm. I took the boat out today and ran it up to 4200 (ish) rpm. Port engine was at 27 psi Starboard engine was at 17 psi Engine temperatures are fine (165) So, I’ll be doing the backflushing next...
  20. tpenfield

    Vintage Mercury Cooling Issue

    Ignition System Update . . . I went through the ignition system the past few days. Coil resistance is about 1 ohm each . . . maybe a bit less. The cam levers on the points were a bit worn and getting only about 0.010 gap. So, I set those to the 0.020 spec. I also cleaned up the the...
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