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  1. Lou C

    How in the heck do you get these spark plugs out??

    On some of the Ford engines the manifolds do get in the way of plug removal, you may need to use a swivel ratcheting box wrench or similar. The plugs in my Chevy 4.3 V6 with either the OE OMC manifolds or the aftermarket Barr manifolds were always very easy to remove.
  2. Lou C

    Block draining idea for older Mercruiser v8

    Doing my winterize today. Here’s how my engine compartment door opens...
  3. Lou C

    Hard starting

    The gas will evaporate after a period of time and that’s what causes the extended cranking. I think changing to the newer PMGR style starters helps with this issue since they draw less amps and crank the engine over faster.
  4. Lou C

    2003 SeaRay 200 Bowrider seized engine????!!!!

    On my '88 F/W H-200 I have just enough room to get it out without spilling oil...or else I would have probably installed one by now lol!
  5. Lou C

    2003 SeaRay 200 Bowrider seized engine????!!!!

    I was tempted to pick up the Merc remote oil filter kit for the 4.3....
  6. Lou C

    Hard starting

    With the Holley 2bbl carb it will have an electric choke (see the flap on the top of the carb below) which should be closed with a cold engine and then as it starts it will open just a fraction of an inch. As the engine runs the electric heater will open it in approx 3-5 minutes. If its staying...
  7. Lou C

    Marine Growth Took Over.-

    Next time maybe have a visit from Mr Interlux or Mr Pettit before launching!
  8. Lou C

    5.0L 305 OMC rebuild

    The standard OMC Cobra is good to about 300 hp, a rebuilt marine 305 is not going to put out anywhere near that, keep in mind you can't go radical on the cam on a marine motor because of exhaust reversion, even if rebuilt with Vortec heads, a 4bbl intake and carb, you are talking like maybe 250...
  9. Lou C

    2003 SeaRay 200 Bowrider seized engine????!!!!

    I really want one of those remote filter mounts but the little orings worry me!
  10. Lou C

    OMC to Volvo Penta?

    Well to start: 1) keep in mind no matter what you do that transom will have to get rebuilt, no matter if you go to old style AQ Volvo, newer style SX Volvo, or Mercruiser. Volvo SX and Merc have the same transom cut out. 2) before doing anything, find out if you have people willing to work on...
  11. Lou C

    2003 SeaRay 200 Bowrider seized engine????!!!!

    It really depends on what the actual failure was. If the bearings burned up due to a lack of oil that's one thing but if it dropped a valve and it scattered debris all round the cyl that's another. Does this engine have a standard oil filter mount or a remote mount? Those can leak sometimes...
  12. Lou C

    new to winterizing inboard Mercruiser

    Judging by the questions you are asking I suggest that you get a Merc manual and follow the steps, there is a lot that can go wrong if you don't have the right information. For example, if you don't have closed cooling you should not be using method that sucks antifreeze up into the engine, you...
  13. Lou C

    Block draining idea for older Mercruiser v8

    Actually you would be better off, redesigning the seat, to make it less difficult to remove. That's what I did on my '88 FW H-200. I got rid of that heavy bench seat that was impossible to move and made a new rear bulkhead that is split down the middle vertically. There is a take apart hinge in...
  14. Lou C

    Winterizing

    Even fuses that are used in an enclosed engine compartment have to be of a certain type to prevent ignition of fumes; you shouldn’t use the ATO style (metal strip is exposed) but use the ATC style (metal strip is enclosed in the plastic housing of the fuse), I discovered this doing some wiring...
  15. Lou C

    1988 GM 5L, spark plugs too tight to get out....

    I would let whatever penetrating oil you use really soak in, re apply over several days then warm up the engine first before trying again. This works with removing stuck O2 sensors on automotive engines. I was able to remove a 19 year old O2 sensor on our ‘98 Jeep 4.0 this way. Came right out...
  16. Lou C

    1988 GM 5L, spark plugs too tight to get out....

    As a habit I've taken mine out each year to check for water in the cyls, and I've never had trouble getting them out even with the old cyl heads and 100% salt water use for the past 15+ years...
  17. Lou C

    Winterizing

    If its a Ford engine it probably takes Champion spark plugs, those are not marine specific, the distributor cap is though. There is an SAE spec for ignition and electrical parts for inboard boats that parts must meet for safety. Spark plugs just look up the Champion parts # and got to an auto...
  18. Lou C

    1988 GM 5L, spark plugs too tight to get out....

    These are taper seat plugs not with gaskets. Try spraying penetrating oil in the spark plug wells to dissolve any corrosion give it a few days to soak in then warm up the engine & try again. I had to do the same thing to get an O2 sensor out of the down pipe on our ‘98 Jeep...
  19. Lou C

    Winterizing

    I put the plugs back in because the cast iron threads can rust over the winter. I put some Evinrude gasket sealer on the threads. Hoses, I put some grease on the necks they fit on to prevent corrosion and that makes it easier to remove them next time. Drive, if you’re older or have a bad lower...
  20. Lou C

    Volvo Penta 4.3 GXi-JF closed cooling draining

    The fogging oil will just burn off, I fill the fuel filter with gas to make it easier for the fuel pump to prime. Important esp with electric pumps.
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