Search results

  1. Lou C

    Mercruiser 140 Points to Delco EST results in low RPM at WOT

    Interesting, I looked at the specs for the 4.3 (262 cu in) and they list it at 26* total at 4000 rpm, with 8 degrees of base advance that means that 18 degrees of electronic advance versus the 12 on my mechanical advance (+ 6* base timing for a total of 18* @ 3200 rpm) Prestolite. I know that...
  2. Lou C

    Trailer Tires

    The longest I ever used any trailer tire was 8 years no failure but there were small cracks in the tread starting. Over 15+ years of using Kenda bias ply Load Star tires I have averaged about 7 years between replacements. No failures not even a flat. Current set is from 2019 with a spare that is...
  3. Lou C

    Mercruiser 140 Points to Delco EST results in low RPM at WOT

    One reason I stick with the old points distributor was the advance curve specified by OMC on the pre Vortec 4.3 V6. These engines got 6* of base advance with 12* of centrifugal advance at 3200 rpm. This total of 18* is a good deal less than what you see on any of the V8s. Not knowing how the...
  4. Lou C

    Trailer Tires

    Was the tire that blew wearing unevenly? If so the leaf spring mounts might need to be re-aligned. Also you might want to get the boat & trailer weighed, it may weigh more than you think. I weighed mine and found that the boat & trailer weighed 1200 lbs more than I thought based on manufacturer...
  5. Lou C

    Mercruiser 140 Points to Delco EST results in low RPM at WOT

    If you ever buy a classic car it’s a useful skill to have. Here’s a data point for you: I drove cars with points from 1972-1980, had exactly one breakdown due to points. 1965 VW Bug with a points distributor easily fixed by the side of the road with simple tools & a feeler gauge. The...
  6. Lou C

    4.3L OMC Cobra Conversion From Points To Electronic Ignition

    If you have the original OMC ESA then I think either you have to use the diode fix or get a new ESA from CDI electronics that will work with your Petronix system.
  7. Lou C

    Mercruiser 140 Points to Delco EST results in low RPM at WOT

    There isn’t much to how points work. You set the gap with a feeler gauge and verify with a dwell meter. Then check base timing and idle speed. You can also inspect the centrifugal weights & springs under the points plate and lube them with a bit of oil. An advance timing light can be used to...
  8. Lou C

    Volvo Penta 3.0 GLP-D Choke/Starting Issue?

    And keep in mind this is a Holley carb you can also ask questions about their auto choke system on Holley’s own website tech forum. I guess it would more properly be called an un-choke system since the choke technically is always closed till it gets power to the heater coil. The older GM system...
  9. Lou C

    Fuel filter and hose questions

    Ideally you want metal line between the fuel pump & carb or EFI, and yes a canister fuel filter between the tank & fuel pump. If you can’t use metal line between the pump & carb/EFI Sierra does make a flex line that is approved for this use.
  10. Lou C

    88 Capri Restoration (Splashed 08/2022)

    Wear good personal protection equipment fiberglass dust is very bad for your lungs. You’re a patient man I did a partial job like this on my ‘88 Four Winns about 15 years ago but never again. Was it worth it, yes but once inside the tyvec suit was enough for me…
  11. Lou C

    Bilge Blower replacment

    From Chapman's on my boat the directional vents on the gunnels were facing the wrong way so I switched them around so that they will work as in the above set up. the one connected to the blower facing aft, the one bringing in fresh air, facing fwd. and if you don't have one, get a gas vapor...
  12. Lou C

    Thermostat Replacement in 1992 OMC cobra

    Nothing needed on the ring I do use gasket sealer on the gasket for the housing though.
  13. Lou C

    Upgrading trailer tires and rims - need advice

    The idea of using LT tires can work provided that they have enough load capacity for it to work for you. The issue is this: most 225/75-15 tires are standard load and limited to approx 1850 lbs which is like 1000 lbs less than a good E load range trailer tire in the same size if you go up to an...
  14. Lou C

    Upgrading trailer tires and rims - need advice

    So do I. The public was told the advantages of radials (better ride, better cornering, longer tread life and cooler operating temps) but not of the dark side, that is, cheaply made radials are dangerous. More dangerous than a bias ply tire IMHO. In fact one of the states highway patrol depts, I...
  15. Lou C

    Upgrading trailer tires and rims - need advice

    Variable quality control as I said And, very few people ever weigh their loaded trailers so don’t know that they are overloaded Cheap skate trailer companies sticking to 15” rims that max out with a 225/75-15 Load Range E tire giving 2830 lbs max. If a six lug axle & hubs were used you could go...
  16. Lou C

    Upgrading trailer tires and rims - need advice

    Go over to The Hull Truth trailers forum you’ll find plenty to read about steel radial trailer tire problems. To sum up, there is a long history of problems with steel belted radial tires going back to the mid 70s with the Firestone 500 debacle & recall and then again in the early 2000s with the...
  17. Lou C

    Spare Stern Drive

    lol yep, missed that. Well the one in the pix is from a 3.0 seeing as how the engine is right there, and here are the gear ratios from my old OMC manuals: 2.3 liter Ford: 2:1 overall, upper 21:21, lower 13:26 3.0 liter GM: 1.71:1 overall, upper 21:18, lower 13:26 so the question really is, would...
  18. Lou C

    Spare Stern Drive

    What engine do you have?
  19. Lou C

    Spare Stern Drive

    It’s most important to get the correct drive ratio for your engine and, from 86-89 the 4 cyl models used a smaller lower unit; the 90-90 all used the same V6/V8 lower unit. So you can use a 90-93 on an 88 boat as long as your overall gear ratio is right for your engine, and get a stronger lower...
  20. Lou C

    Newer Mercruiser Cooling System Questions . . .

    Interesting, I wonder if you’ll see more consistent temps in all parts of the engine & exhaust system? The only engine I ever saw with a crossover like that was a horizontally opposed Subaru flat four
Top