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  1. Lou C

    Hard plane after switch from points ignition

    Not sure what Merc’s spec was for this engine but the OMC version with the Prestolite points distributor was set to 6* BTDC and got 12* of centrifugal advance for a total of 18*. Why they were set up to get less advance than any of the V8s I don’t know but that’s how it was. Engine runs fine...
  2. Lou C

    Water in bilge while on muffs

    I get the pain of trying to work these problems out yourself, but water in the bilge, not knowing for sure where it's coming from, that would always be in the back of my mind.
  3. Lou C

    1996 Four Winns Sundowner with 5.0 Cobra engine and drive

    I think you're going to have to find a wiring diagram for your trim system because it's different than mine. If you can't find an OMC Cobra one, remember the Volvo SX of same year should be the same. A couple of odd things that have happened over the years, and solutions.... when I first had the...
  4. Lou C

    Trailer axle capacity/sizing

    that's why I say it's prob a 3500. https://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/shop/category/axles-running-gear-spring-axles-galvanized-trailer-axles-galvanized-trailer-axles-5200-plus-522 this if you need it fast but has to fit the hub width and spring center dimension if a spring axle If you can wait...
  5. Lou C

    Fresh water corrosion and anode choices…

    Something there is VERY wrong! Never seen this in 20 years of salt water use, not just use, but mooring an outdrive in salt water. You need a marine electrical expert.
  6. Lou C

    Trailer axle capacity/sizing

    If you’re going with a 21’ boat I think a 3500 likely will be overloaded. You could buy a 5200 already made (Trailer parts depot sells them) or have one made by a place like Champion Trailers. That’s what the did. Took about a month and they did a great job!
  7. Lou C

    Trailer axle capacity/sizing

    The 2x3 axles usually come with #42 spindles. They can be made in 5200, 6000, and 7,000 capacities. Same axle & spindle & same size inner bearing for all 3. What changes is the outer bearing is larger when you go from 5200–>6000 –>7000 and the & hub (drum or disc) is made to take a larger outer...
  8. Lou C

    Wont rev past 4k -ESA issue?

    True I heard that was an issue with some Faria tachs
  9. Lou C

    Wont rev past 4k -ESA issue?

    I had a similar issue with mine about 10 years ago. What I found was that the little buttons on those switches can wear and stick on. At the same time the ESA seemed to go bad not stumbling the engine. I replaced the switches and the ESA using CDIs 123-9898-P as you had and it’s worked fine ever...
  10. Lou C

    1996 Four Winns Sundowner with 5.0 Cobra engine and drive

    Best way to trouble shoot the trim system is to use a wiring diagram for your model. Mine is older & uses the large relays that are like an old style Ford starter relay. There will usually be an up and a down relay. These will get power from the battery via the engine wiring harness. The trim...
  11. Lou C

    1996 Four Winns Sundowner with 5.0 Cobra engine and drive

    Sounds good! No major issues only the trim system which might be the switch on the remote control; relays and reiated connections. If it has the small style relays those can have corrosion issues. Clean with contact cleaner spray. Sometimes the wires inside the remote control break because of...
  12. Lou C

    Time for Riser & Manifold > VP or Barr?

    I have an IR temp gun I leave on the boat just for that. I’m on season 5 on my OMC/Volvo Barr exhaust and they are still running nice and cool.
  13. Lou C

    1996 Four Winns Sundowner with 5.0 Cobra engine and drive

    PS an even better way to set up the alternator wiring which I might do in the future: The alternator has a ground terminal; while it’s grounded to the engine corrosion & resistance can cause voltage drop. So an 8 gauge ground wire can be run from the ground terminal to the ground stud on the...
  14. Lou C

    New boat, and new headache (paperwork)

    The only experience I have had with this is trying to register a 10’ Walker Bay that was given to us by a relative. I wanted to register it because we were going to use it as a water taxi with a Suzuki DF2.5 and in NY state if you put a motor on it it has to be registered. So I went to a local...
  15. Lou C

    1996 Four Winns Sundowner with 5.0 Cobra engine and drive

    The issues with the fuse box (old fashioned glass fuses) I have had due to oxidation and salt air where my boat is moored. What I do is clean the contacts at the start of each season and spray with corrosion inhibitor. The over charging problem I also had. The solution I learned from ARCO marine...
  16. Lou C

    1998 4.3 GL Head Replacement

    The thermostat functions as a gate valve allowing water in the block to exit but it will only do that if the engine generates enough heat so that the water stays above the set point of the 'stat. And on a cool fall day idling with cold water coming in via the water hose that may not happen.
  17. Lou C

    4.3 LX water in the oil...

    I’d wonder why the exhaust seats were hammered? Low octane fuel? Lean fuel mix? Too much spark advance? Boat is not reaching specified max rpm with current prop? All those should be investigated to avoid a recurrence…. BTW I know some think that 87 octane fuel is fine but my old OMC Cobra...
  18. Lou C

    Starter for V8-300-C-A

    Could you just use the normal nut on the starter solenoid stud? Not seeing why there is a need for a spacer unless something is mounted on the engine that interferes with the normal mounting.
  19. Lou C

    1998 4.3 GL Head Replacement

    Go onto west marines' website, they have a tech article on antifreezes and tell you what to use for your climate. Here -60 would be adequate, because we never get below 0*F, but if you get below zero, -100 is the only thing to use, IMHO. I have a refractometer and mix up my own Sierra PG...
  20. Lou C

    1998 4.3 GL Head Replacement

    Better yet add a half closed cooling system. If I keep my old boat long enough to need a repower there is no way on earth that I’m leaving it raw water cooled. At 68 years old I am done with pulling out the rear seats to get at the block drains. That’s the right way to do it but after 20 years...
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