Search results

  1. Lou C

    91 Four Winns 285 express winterizing question

    Under the thermostat is the intake manifold, yes this drains when you remove both block drains AND the bottom end of the big hose at the front circulation water pump. How I do it on a Cobra: warm up engine, change oil & filter run engine again, fog engine through carb let engine cool off that...
  2. Lou C

    Mercruiser 6.2L Coolant Loss

    One of Merc's lousy ideas, that and all the other plastic in the cooling system. It gets hot & cold and gets brittle then you see what happens. I would not risk losing an engine over their cheapness. Replace all those plugs with metal the next time you replace coolant. BTW I have brass (I think)...
  3. Lou C

    Upgrading, or downgrading?

    If you want to feel like you really upgraded then go to at least a 20’ with an outboard. A 20’ with an I/O might not feel that much bigger than what you have. I have an old H-200 with the 4.3 V6 which were bigger than later models (20’9” including the small swim platform), it has the full width...
  4. Lou C

    91 Four Winns 285 express winterizing question

    The drain & back fill method is better even if you remove the thermostat…because… You use less AF No issue with the impeller wearing because it doesn’t pull in the AF fast enough Your drain plugs get removed regularly so they won’t seize in place Same with hoses, if never removed they can get...
  5. Lou C

    Compression Test Readings

    I used ARP bolts & used a thread chaser to clean the cyl head bolt threads in the block.
  6. Lou C

    Compression Test Readings

    Before spending more money I’d take a mechanic’s straight edge and measure the block deck surface for flatness (less than .003”). Due to suspicion of a past overheat get the heads checked out by a machine shop. Mine were cracked in the exhaust seats & I just bought a pair of reman 4.3 heads...
  7. Lou C

    introduction

    Hello there, buddy we know each other from THT and 4.3 V6 trials lol. As far as batwings, the OE Mercruiser ones were problematical because they could not get consistent wall thickness, prone to cracking and water intrusion. However, I had the OMC version of the same design, maybe whoever cast...
  8. Lou C

    Compression Test Readings

    Looks like one is a GM original gasket and the other looks like an aftermarket, could be Fel/Pro. Someone might have been in there before you...how do the mating surfaces of the cyl heads and block deck look? Judging by the gaskets looks like an overheat, at least once, evidence on both gaskets.
  9. Lou C

    Wandering heading at slow speed

    Agreed my later model OMC with the Cobra system does the same thing pretty much. As for the trailer, I wouldn't buy anything BUT a galvanized steel trailer here, mine is a '94 still in good shape, just upgraded the axle (to 6000 lbs) and brakes (12" surge) last year. It has a very long tongue...
  10. Lou C

    2012 VP 300 C-A Exhaust manifolds getting too hot - DTC 441 & 442

    Wow that’s really interesting! I’m going to get one of those!
  11. Lou C

    Boat Ear Muffs?

    these
  12. Lou C

    2012 VP 300 C-A Exhaust manifolds getting too hot - DTC 441 & 442

    I would try using one of these, they work well on systems that are hard to bleed, but even so I'd be concerned about air being trapped on the top end of those manifolds. Must be a way to bleed that out. Here I'm using it on my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.7 Hemi.
  13. Lou C

    Steering actuator

    https://www.volvopentastore.com/Steering-System/dm/cart_id.636789053--session_id.833195726--store_id.366--view_id.789313 the steering stuff is hidden in a section called TSKs which I think is Volvo speak for transom mounts...
  14. Lou C

    Hydraulic Lifter Volvo Penta 4.3 Vortec

    I have spare sets of 4.3 intake gaskets & exhaust gaskets in the garage…
  15. Lou C

    Proper way to place engine compartment/bilge fans?

    I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at the gas dock and see people with inboards & I/Os just start up after fueling no sniffing to make sure there isn’t a gas leak. Your nose is actually more sensitive than a gas vapor fume detector…
  16. Lou C

    Steering actuator

    You have to look in the transmissions section. You won’t see a parts breakdown for individual parts because Volvo says they are not rebuildable. However depending on which seal is leaking they can be rebuilt. Check out 5 Starr marine in Fla. If yours can be rebuilt and aren’t using the boat now...
  17. Lou C

    Removal of broken head bolt

    Depending on your experience & skill set it may be better to take the boat to a machinist….
  18. Lou C

    Hydraulic Lifter Volvo Penta 4.3 Vortec

    It definitely sounds better than before. Aren’t these engines nice & simple to work on?
  19. Lou C

    4.3 GXI - Fluid Recommendation

    20/50 is becoming scarce around here, but 15/40 is pretty common because it is dual certified for gas and diesel. I am curious about the Lucas 20/50 Marine and also Valvoline VR-1 20/50, both might be good choices if you run hard often.
  20. Lou C

    4.3 GXI - Fluid Recommendation

    You can also use the Merc 25/40 oil if it's available and not too expensive. Lucas also makes a heavy duty Marine 20/50 but it is as expensive as the Merc stuff and harder to find. The oil filter, it depends on if you have the standard mount way in the back of the engine (port side) or if you...
Top