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    Dual Cable Steering very tight

    Hello, Is it normal for dual cable steering to require substantial effort to turn the wheel? I've been told that it's the "nature of the beast," but this seems excessive. It's on a 1999 Mercury 150 EFI. Any suggestions on how to loosen it up without sacrificing safety? Thanks, John
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    Bilge pump running in reverse??

    Hello, I just re-installed my bilge pump and didn't mark the wires--a dumb thing to do. The pump runs in automatic and manual mode, but it appears to be running backwards. Any advice on which wires to switch? Thanks, John
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    Auto bilge pump wiring

    Hello, Just picked up a used boat with an automatic bilge pump. The automatic feature was not working (only the manual) so I set out to fix it. The wire colors at the switch are different than at the pump; I tried to trace them back but no luck. I ended up getting the pump to work with the...
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    1999 GS 180 outboard

    Hello, I'm looking at / considering buying a '99 GS 180 outboard (150 Merc EFI). I've posted some questions about the motor in the Mercury forum, but I'm wondering about the boat itself. Did Glastron still use wood for this vintage? Anything else I should be aware of? Thanks for the help. John
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    1999 150 hp

    Hello, I'm looking at a boat powered by a 1999 Mercury 150 2-stroke. What problems were common with that year, and what's the best way to check for them? Much appreciated. Thanks John
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    bellows replacement interval

    Hello, How often does one have to replace the bellows on a 1998 Mercruiser 4.3L / Alpha 1? Fresh water use only, if that makes a difference. Engine / drive is a 1998 with 52 hrs. on it, and I'm considering buying it. Thanks, John
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    1998 Chaparral 1830ss / 4.3 v6

    Hello, I just looked at a Chaparral '98 1830SS powered by a 4.3V6; it has approx. 52 hours on it and has only been in fresh water. Other than some blemishes on one of the hull stripes, the boat appears to be in great shape. Is there anything I should look for or be concerned about? Did they...
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    No alarm sound

    Hi, I looked at a 1992 115 Merc last night. Does this motor have an alarm that beeps when you turn the ignition on? I'm used to my Evinrude that chirps when I turn the key. Thanks, John
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    Water stopped while running on earmuffs

    Hi, We looked at a 1992 115 Merc last night; the seller hooked it up to the earmuffs, turned on the water, and the motor started right up. Good strong flow out of the "pee hole" but then as it continued to idle I noticed it stopped pumping. It ran that way at idle for probably a minute or 2...
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    1994 Merc 135--what to look for?

    Hi, I'm considering buying a used '94 135 Merc. It's a one-owner, fresh-water motor that has seen seasonal use in northern New England, and professionally serviced. Is there anything in particular I should look for? I've heard bad things about Merc's oil injection system (I've heard bad things...
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    How soon after rebuild do I decarb?

    Hi all, 1990 Evinrude 90 hp. Powerhead rebuilt, VRO disabled, running premix. I ran double oil for the first 10 hours, varying speed etc. and it runs great. I now have a total of 26 hours on it, and it continues to run well. The only additive I've put in the gas/oil mix is Star Tron to help...
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    starter gear not meshing w/ flywheel teeth

    Hello all, 1990 Evinrude 90 hp E90TLESB I just had a new starter put on. I think it's a Sierra brand. Anyway, the starter motor works, but when the gear on the starter pops up, it lines up with the teeth on the flywheel, but the teeth don't completely mesh together, causing a terrible grinding...
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    Fair price for a Sprite??

    Hi all, We are selling a used O'Day Sprite, minus the spars, rudder and rigging. The hull is watertight but in need of some TLC, and we also have a complete set of sails, which are in very good condition. If anyone can give me some guidance on an asking price, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.
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    Is it safe to run after seizing?

    Hello, I have a 1990 90 hp Evinrude, which I paid a shop to rebuild. After less than 10 hours of running time, it locked-up at approx. 4,000 rpm. The bottom starboard cylinder overheated and locked-up. There were small metal filings on the spark plug. Both the owner of the shop and his mechanic...
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    powerhead rebuild standard procedure?

    Hi all, 1990 90 hp Evinrude Is it standard procedure to bore the cylinders when rebuilding the powerhead? Thanks.
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    rebuild or replace?

    Hello all, I have a 1990 90 hp Evinrude that is tired. I paid to have it rebuilt 2 years ago, and have since then had major problems with it--back to the shop 6 times, lock-up etc. I took the motor to another shop and they pulled the powerhead apart and told me it wasn't fully rebuilt the first...
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    What to look for in used Yamaha 90?

    Hi all, I have a tired old 1990 90 hp Evinrude and am debating whether to rebuild the powerhead on that for about $1600.00 or pay the asking price of $5,000 on a 2006 Yamaha 90 2 stroke with controls. It has approx. 2 hrs. running time on it, according to its owner and the dealer who sold it to...
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    low-compression head gaskets--do they work?

    Hi all, 1990 Evinrude 90 hp Still having a difficult time getting this motor to run right. It ran ok all summer, other than starting hard when warm and not idling. I took it to another shop; the tech took the powerhead apart to see how bad the cyl. that locked up was. (see post from last...
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    water pump change frequency

    Hi, I just serviced my in-laws' outboard, a 2000 Yamaha 25 hp 4-stroke. I changed the oil in the crankcase and lower unit, including filter and seals, and ran fogging oil thru it as well. From the looks of the oil, I doubt any maintenance had ever been done by the marina where they store it...
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    changing lower unit lube

    Hi, I took my boat to the mechanic for winterizing. When I went to pick it up I looked at the repair bill. There was no mention of gear lube, so I asked him if I owed him money for it. He said they don't change the gear oil every year; instead they look at the oil by removing the bottom plug...
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