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  1. Lou C

    Fuel water separator and fuel filter on 3L

    The last time I checked the price of a Racor for my filter mount (OMC) they were about $35, the Sierra ones are about $10 each, and the BRP ones are about $30, only a bit cheaper than the Racor. The Racor full kit filter + Bowl for the OMC mount is $73 currently.
  2. Lou C

    Water penetration in Alpha 1 sterndrive

    When you took it to the mechanic did he actually pull the drive to check the D/S bellows?
  3. Lou C

    Fuel water separator and fuel filter on 3L

    Whenever I dump my filters I have never seen water probably because all we can get is E10 fuel, so whatever water is present is passing through with the fuel and not enough to cause phase separation. I've used both Sierra and Evinrude/BRP standard filters with no problems over the years...
  4. Lou C

    Fuel water separator and fuel filter on 3L

    if you want it all you need is the complete Racor for inboards that fits the Mercruiser filter head. they are a pain to take apart, but they can hold a lot more water than the standard style ones.
  5. Lou C

    Fuel water separator and fuel filter on 3L

    Yep they have always had the metal bowl for the inboards.
  6. Lou C

    What to look for before reinstalling a 4.3 engine

    Carefully check the exhaust Y pipe and power steering actuator for leaks. You want to fix that now when you can easily get at them! If access for the starter isn’t good with the engine installed, install a new starter on the engine when it’s out. Check the coupler carefully & replace if in doubt.,
  7. Lou C

    Fuel water separator and fuel filter on 3L

    They absolutely do make them for boats; they make them in sizes to fit the Mercury, OMC or Volvo filter mount. The only thing is that it has to be the one that is UL certified for inboard engine compartments, with the metal bowl instead of the plastic bowl. The filter element (the bowl is...
  8. Lou C

    Fuel water separator and fuel filter on 3L

    Everyone might not agree but I have heard from some mechanics that the only “true” water separating filter is the Racor. They do cost a LOT more but if you’ve had a water problem it might well be worth it esp with EFI.
  9. Lou C

    Oil dipstick question for 4.5 owners, which way around?

    Interesting point about the measurement marks supposed to be facing the rear toward the flywheel. Looking at the parts diagram for the newer Merc 4.5 they changed the design of the tube; instead of attaching to the outside of the pan it goes into the the pan more like an automotive design. I bet...
  10. Lou C

    Oil dipstick question for 4.5 owners, which way around?

    The oil drain systems where you have the dipstick tube that goes to the bottom of the pan are tricky that way. It is best to leave the stick out for a few minutes to allow the level of the oil in the tube to equalize with the level in the pan. What I've found is that if the boat sits overnight...
  11. Lou C

    Better muffs for Alpha One drives?

    I’ve run my V6 Cobra on those for like a half hr with no issues. Runs right at the temp it should, so I think it’s OK….
  12. Lou C

    Better muffs for Alpha One drives?

    that's how I've done it for 20 years, just back fill, it's easier, less stressful and probably uses less AF. However, the OP has the new 4.5, it has a complex easy drain set up, with lots of hoses..... when I winterized my brother's 2020 4.5 I got a long thin funnel and put it in the vent for...
  13. Lou C

    1992 four winns OMC

    Yep if it’s a Cobra the bellows is easy as long as the drive comes off. I usually get 10 seasons out of an OEM one. You bought an old I/O, they are high maintenance machines and if neglected will make you hate boating. An old salt water mechanic I knew here on Long Island referred to them as...
  14. Lou C

    Better muffs for Alpha One drives?

    I tried several of the rectangular ones I think the rubber is just a bit too stiff, the rubber on the Merc/Quicksilver ones is softer and it seems to fit better plus the clamp allows you to get it really snug.
  15. Lou C

    Better muffs for Alpha One drives?

    these
  16. Lou C

    98 4.3 Mercruiser Engine Removal Advice

    remove the outdrive first take pictures of how everything was before you remove stuff for example brackets for the alternator and P/S pump, label which bolts went to what. label wires for sensors, etc set up a system for organizing parts, so you can keep lifters, pushrods, rocker arms organized...
  17. Lou C

    Overhauling my 1988 MerCruiser 4.3 ltr. engine

    Congrats it sounds & looks great. Comp test results can vary depending on how you do it, engine should be warmed up with throttle wide open. When I did the cyl heads on mine after the top end rebuild my comp test results were #1 160, #2 160, #3 175, #4 165, #5 160, #6 165 before I replaced the...
  18. Lou C

    Another winterization question

    Do no have to pump in af. What I’ve done for 20 years: Drain engine & manifolds & poke drain holes to make sure it drains Disconnect bottom end of large J hose at bottom of front circulating pump Disconnect raw water intake hose at thermostat housing, hold it down in the bilge to drain Then get...
  19. Lou C

    Another winterization question

    Think back a few years about what happened; unusual freezing weather & thousands of boat engines ruined! At a minimum drain the engine, manifolds & raw water intake hose. Put the drive down so it drains. No you don’t have to add AF and in fact in freshwater it might not be that necessary. Merc...
  20. Lou C

    Anti-freeze Question . . . Change of Color ???

    this is a great tool to have, measures both PG and EG antifreeze concentrations. I use it to mix my own PG antifreeze to winterize the boat, cheaper than the West Marine -100.
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