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  1. Lou C

    Quick Fuel 600 Carb, excessive accelerator pump arm lever play?

    That never made sense to me because the Holley branded marine carbs all have the nipple on the air horn for the pump overflow hose…. I actually prefer the Quadrajet it’s a more efficient carb than either the Holley or Edelbrock
  2. Lou C

    Antifreeze circulation through engine

    It does not matter, at all if it’s closed. To fill the engine after manual drain you simply disconnect the top end of the big hose at the thermostat housing and put a funnel in it. Then fill the engine via that hose till the AF spurts out the neck of the stat housing. Engine is full; reconnect...
  3. Lou C

    Second Happiest Day . . .

    I found this was true with aftermarket seats. Wise seats used to be good quality, but they started using thinner vinyl and staples that rust like crazy.
  4. Lou C

    Antifreeze circulation through engine

    Merc says that they want you to leave it in; that’s the only way it can fulfill its intended purpose (corrosion protection). They say you drain to prevent freeze damage and add AF (& leave it IN) to reduce corrosion. Putting in AF and draining it is just a waste of money! Merc says to replace...
  5. Lou C

    MerCruiser 8.2 big block 2014 — shuts off after 5-7 min of running

    If you can run it on the battery that does accept a charge, and see if it does not cut out then. When it dies have you seen the voltmeter dropping?
  6. Lou C

    Any concern using a boat in saltwater that has always been in freshwater?

    Having boated in salt water nearly 20 years I can say I think you're worrying about nothing. Flush it when you can, use the right anodes, etc. Almost all the boats in my harbor, sit on moorings and none get flushed ALL SEASON. Most are older boats, some have been repowered, but year after year...
  7. Lou C

    Loud, intermittent "knock" when at cruising speed

    https://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=778&p=10868&hilit=gas+tank+mounts#p10868 here's what I could find. Could be this or something else moving. Do you have the battery boxes with that strap that always gets loose? I wonder if so one might be banging against something. I hated...
  8. Lou C

    Loud, intermittent "knock" when at cruising speed

    One single loud knock suggests that something is moving around. I recall some time back hearing about loose fuel tanks on these models making noise. With the plastic tanks they use a metal tab that is screwed into the stringer and presses on the tank to hold it. Might want to check that out, I...
  9. Lou C

    new surge brakes installed

    maybe post up a pic, there is a difference in the orifice size from drum brakes to disc, disc requires a larger orifice size to allow the fluid to flow back to the master to release the brakes. This is because disc brakes only have the square seal in the caliper to release the brakes while drum...
  10. Lou C

    Quick Fuel 600 Carb, excessive accelerator pump arm lever play?

    I don't think Holley's quality control is particularly good. I had a problem with a brand new 4160 that I eventually traced to loose clutch bolts on the secondary metering plate.
  11. Lou C

    If you need to replace your Cobra power steering actuator here are a few tips…

    Yep its is not an easy job, mainly because of the fact that the big cotter pins fit very tightly. I think on a lot of modern boats you'd have to pull the engine. After looking it over it appears that the leak was from the actuator valve not the power piston, because there is an oily mix of...
  12. Lou C

    changing exhaust flappers on land or sea

    I would not if you’re in a location with any boat traffic or wind. What will you do if water starts flooding into the boat? The bilge pump should take care of it but that’s like having two 3” holes in the hull, a lot of water could come in!
  13. Lou C

    If you need to replace your Cobra power steering actuator here are a few tips…

    Just had to do this on my 1988 4.3 Cobra, it was the original unit so I can’t complain too much. A small leak turned into a big one dumping p/s fluid in the bilge. I was able to pick up a good condition used one and NOS actuator and hydraulic cylinder. There are 2 issues with this job: Access...
  14. Lou C

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    I would not do a junkyard engine but that's just me. I want it taken apart, everything measured, and put together by a machinist. If you put this together yourself and do something wrong, imagine how mad your wife will be. I'm not saying that you can't find a good junkyard engine but I think if...
  15. Lou C

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    Keep in mind any late to mid 80s boat, yes even in freshwater can have a lot of rot in the structure depending on how it was stored. I would not advise anyone to buy a boat that old. If you think engine repairs are epensive, well wood/composite fiberglass repairs are a lot worse, more time...
  16. Lou C

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    A few things…as far as propping I would always rather be on the upper end or even as high as 5,000 because that allows for heavier loads or rough water conditions that force you to run bow up to keep the boat from getting swamped; or for water sports. In the long run as long as you don’t exceed...
  17. Lou C

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    I use a 15.5x15 prop on my 4.3 OMC Cobra which has a 1.60:1 drive ratio in a boat (200 Horizon) that’s a bit longer and heavier than the 195 the OP has and it performs quite well. Will definitely pull 4900-5,000 WOT. when I got the boat years ago it had the wrong prop for sure (14.5x19) I went...
  18. Lou C

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    S10 was the mid sized Chevy and GMC pick ups that used the 4.3 extensively.
  19. Lou C

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    Here's a pic of the Vortec 4.3 with the locations of the casting #s and GM serial #. Mercruiser also puts a tag with their own ID above where the starter is mounted. The reason why the #s are important, is with a 1987 boat, you could have a 1986 or 1987 production engine. It makes a difference...
  20. Lou C

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    PS as far as rebuilding this yourself well a lot depends on your level of experience, tools, engine lifting equipment & stand etc. A proper rebuild will require disassembly, cleaning, measuring everything for wear magnafluxing the cyl heads, etc. You will have to work with a good automotive...
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