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  1. Lou C

    Alpha 1 Gen 1 Mercruiser power steering

    On modern boats with some you might have to pull the engine to do this job.
  2. Lou C

    Alpha 1 Gen 1 Mercruiser power steering

    PS, if you need the cylinder and can't get one, or can't fix the one you have, I have heard (but am not sure) that the newer style actuator for the Alpha 1 Gen 2 can be used, the hydraulic fittings could be different, but I think probably one of the Merc gurus around here would know. Same thing...
  3. Lou C

    Alpha 1 Gen 1 Mercruiser power steering

    I think the control valves on those (my Cobra has the same thing) were the same as the Corvette and Ford Unit body models (Mustangs, Fairlanes, etc) but the hydraulic cylinders were different, however the seals might be the same. I wound up being able to find some NOS parts as spares but picked...
  4. Lou C

    Boat trailer rusting at welds galvanized

    Agreed my old Load Rite is galvanized but all bolted together. Very little rust and it’s a 1994. What little rust there was I took care of with cold galvanizing paint.
  5. Lou C

    A few questions from a learner

    Agreed I like to prop mine to the upper end of the range given, esp in my boat with the little 4.3. I'm a lot more worried about that gas tank, however! The water pressure speedo needs the tube cleaned out every now and then. I took mine off blew it out with compressed air and it started working...
  6. Lou C

    A few questions from a learner

    yes, I can't imagine that a boat company would install a gas tank that extends UNDER the engine pulleys. If an engine mount failed with the engine running that would put the pulley right into the top of the gas tank which is plastic with disastrous consequences! If the Coast Guard inspected your...
  7. Lou C

    A few questions from a learner

    SEM sells paint that can be used to rejuvenate vinyl seats you might check out their website. That alu prop I’d probable replace but get that one fixed & keep for a spare. I’m more concerned about the fuel tank than anything else. I can’t imagine that the boat was built that way, it looks like...
  8. Lou C

    New DP-M outdrive install: need advice

    OK Bruce so it doesn't work on the Volvo, I got it....
  9. Lou C

    New DP-M outdrive install: need advice

    that jack is the same one I have, it works great and when I bought it they were around $175 or so. the screwdriver in the u joints trick works just fine. as far as the 'stupid' water pump, yeah that's the one where you can change the whole thing for $45 in 15 min, not like an Alpha where you...
  10. Lou C

    New DP-M outdrive install: need advice

    Agreed if you are going to own the boat a long time the tools will pay for themselves in one season basically, and your boat will be better maintained than otherwise. I've been doing this in salt water with a moored boat 6 months out of the year which is probably the hardest use of an I/O power...
  11. Lou C

    Towing and Launching

    Definitely put brakes on the trailer, the Outback has good brakes but even a light trailer can push you through a red light.
  12. Lou C

    New DP-M outdrive install: need advice

    Sounds like that might be it, that you bought it from a different dealer, but it’s really not a hard thing for any marine mechanic. When reinstalling you want to check alignment as mentioned and make sure the driveshaft bellows is in good shape. There are a few tricks to make it easier such as...
  13. Lou C

    4.3 volvo penta flywheel problems

    I'm wondering if could it be that the studs were not tight in the threads in the flywheel even though the nuts were tight to the coupler. Might have to double nut the studs to get them tight enough. OMC used this exact same way of attaching the flywheel to the crankshaft and the coupler to the...
  14. Lou C

    4.3 volvo penta flywheel problems

    What about the difference between automatic transmission flywheels and manual transmission flywheels? Did you use the flywheel from the original marine engine or the truck? I think with the VP style coupler the same bolts that hold the coupler on hold the flywheel on, unlike some Mercs.
  15. Lou C

    How to Switch to Antifreeze Cooled Engine

    The 4175 is a spread bore carb, the 4160 a square bore. Right now I think the Edelbrock 1409 is still on back order. Keep checking to see when it will be available, some of the Holley carbs are available, some you have to order & wait. PS looks like you can order the 1409 now...
  16. Lou C

    How to Switch to Antifreeze Cooled Engine

    Well your only options for a spread bore (which is the pattern for the original GM cast iron intakes) is a Quadrajet which has not been made in many years and good ones are very hard to find (but is an excellent carb) and the Holley 4175 which was intended as a Quadrajet replacement). Everything...
  17. Lou C

    How to Switch to Antifreeze Cooled Engine

    The bottom line is that boats that size if still running a small block should have a 383 stroker; the extra displacement makes a big difference. MPI on a boat like this where you are adding it on is a lot of extra cost and complexity for very little gain. It’s not the same thing as if you bought...
  18. Lou C

    How to Switch to Antifreeze Cooled Engine

    There is just no need for EFI on an old boat just use a good 4 bbl carb properly jetted for that application and it’s going to give you the most you can get from a big boat with a small engine. EFI conversion is just not cost effective on an old boat. Don’t make your life more complex than it...
  19. Lou C

    How to Switch to Antifreeze Cooled Engine

    My big “lake” is Long Island Sound…it’s only about 12 miles across to southern Connecticut…
  20. Lou C

    How to Switch to Antifreeze Cooled Engine

    I have it propped to hit 5,000 rpm wide open (15.5x15 prop) so I’m only getting approx 35-40 mph wide open but due to typical choppy conditions in the local bays where I boat low speed responsiveness and acceleration on plane is more important to me than wide open top speed. IMHO this boat...
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