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  1. IslandExplorer

    Crank driven vs block mounted raw water pump pros/cons

    Hey all, I was looking to start a thread with some ppl chiming in about possible pros and cons of using a crank driven raw water pump vs engine block mounted pump driven by a belt on an old stern drive like my Mercruiser 302 V8. I'm building a whole different cooling system with heat exchanger...
  2. IslandExplorer

    Ford Mercruiser 188 Rehab and Cooling

    Hello, I have a 1974 Mercruiser 188 / Ford 302 2V V8 with 888 (MC1 outdrive) that I have been working on. After pulling it from the boat for further inspection I have decided that the corroded log manifolds cannot be trusted so they will be replaced with nice new ones. I am working on...
  3. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser 888 Raw Water Cooling Hose

    Hello, I'm working on a 1974 Mercruiser 188 / 888. The raw water hose from transom plate to the engine was disconnected last year and now I can't find the little piece that fits over the water spout sticking out of the transom. This makes the small diameter raw water tube big enough for the...
  4. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser 188 Open Cooling System

    Hello, was wondering if anyone happens to know where I can find a flow chart diagram showing the cooling system on a Mercruiser 188 (Ford 302) with the old log style manifolds. I have found diagrams of similar setups but usually a GM 5.0 or an engine with osco manifolds and such- not one that...
  5. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser Controls

    Hello, was wondering if anyone can better identify this "Mer Control" control box. Looking for maybe a more specific name, model, whatever you know about it. It is off a 1974 Starcraft Chieftain but may not be original equipment. Single lever control for single engine Mercruiser 188. Casting...
  6. IslandExplorer

    Pistons on Ford 302 / Mercruiser 188

    While changing oil pan gasket on this 1974 Mercruiser 188 I am wondering if anyone can tell me a little by looking at the pistons and the side of the block. Seeing blue paint on block instead of just black which seems like maybe a different 302 engine was swapped in here maybe. (guessing...
  7. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser Vacuum Gauge

    Hello, does anyone happen to know what the old mid 70's Mercruiser Vacuum guage on the instrument panel is all about? I'm guessing fuel economy optimization but curious if anyone knows just how these were used and how they were hooked up to the engine from the factory. I really like 70's tech...
  8. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser 888 Rehab

    Hello, I am looking to order seals and a shift cable for my new to me Mercruiser 888. It is from a 1974 Starcraft with a 302 V8. It has an MC-1 outdrive and looks like it has the "old style shift cable". Anyone know which kit (or kits) is a good quality one that'll include the seals and stuff I...
  9. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Finally found my Chieftain 25 project. Just got her home a month or so ago and started to working on her. Poor old girl was left collecting leaves for 10-15 years in owners yard. Looking to get this boat cleaned out, tuned up, and refitted for the water This year. I know that sounds incredibly...
  10. IslandExplorer

    "Think we're gonna need a bigger boat"

    So, in the search for a larger aluminum boat, and the scarcity thereof, a particular fiberglass boat caught my eye and then the GF saw it and now loves it so looking for information on this particular boat and since I know little of fiberglass boats- looking for the most similar options. The...
  11. IslandExplorer

    I/O Characteristics

    Hello, I am looking at getting a larger boat with an old (1970's era) Mercruiser I/O, probably pre-alpha 1, likely with the Merc 160 inline 6 GM motor. All my previous boats have been outboards. What I am wondering is: can you run an I/O with it tilted up a ways like you can with an outboard? I...
  12. IslandExplorer

    MBD

    Hello! Hoping to get some input regarding my Starcraft disorder. I recently decided that my Starchief is not big enough and am looking for the next boat already. I have been eyeing the unfortunately quite rare Chieftain 25 (non-express). Any opinions positive or negative on this particular boat...
  13. IslandExplorer

    Starcraftsman Ship #1

    Hello, first post, been reading in the background for eons. I bought my first Starcraft this summer and as I fix it up I would like to get some input if anyone cares to chime in or answer questions of mine. The boat is a 1972 Super Sport 16. I also just bought a 76 Capri...😬 Figured I'd say hey...
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