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  1. M

    Thermostat needed for fresh water cooled?

    Do I need the thermostat in my 5.7l/Alpha 1 that is fresh water cooled? It runs much cooler, 100-120F, without the thermostat and 160-180F with the thermostat. Isn't cooler better???
  2. M

    Oil Pressure Switch advice needed

    I'm converting from a mechanical fuel pump to electric on my 5.7l and need advice on installing an oil pressure switch. I have read many postings on this topic in this forum and this is my understanding: The oil pressure switch will be teed with my oil pressure sending unit. The oil pressure...
  3. M

    Loctite #35 for hinge bolts???

    I give up... what is Loctite #35? I can't find any, but I've got red & blue Permatex Threadlocker, will either of these work? I just finished replacing all 3 bellows and water hose on a Alpha 1.... it really does suck.
  4. M

    Alternator, 1 or 3 wire?

    The 1986 FW's I purchased came with a cracked 305 and no alternator. The wiring harness has 3 wires to the alternator but 2 of them were cut off. I'm guessing they were running just 1 wire. What are the advantages/disadvantages in running a 3 wire .vs. 1 wire alternator?
  5. M

    Bent Skeg on an Alpha 1

    Is it possible to straighten a bent aluminum skeg on a Alpha 1? I thought about applying heat and tapping with a brass hammer.
  6. M

    Mercruiser Service Manual #17 for GM V8's online?

    Does anyone know if there is an online copy of the Mercruiser Service Manuals #17 for GM V8's? Thanks
  7. M

    Need help with engine coupler

    History: I just pulled a 1986 GM 305 (230hp) that has a cracked block (18 year old kids know nothing about winterizing). The 1986 305 block is the new style w/14" flywheel. I just received a 1987-1996 GM 350 from RapidOMarine and the 305 flywheel fits. When dismantling the 305 I noticed...
  8. M

    How much play in drive shaft/engine coupler?

    I just removed the u-joints for replacement and cleaned up my drive shaft on my alpha one. I also cleaned up the engine coupler, the spline grease had hardened. After cleaning, I dry fitted the drive shaft into the coupler and I noticed quite a bit of play. The splines on the shaft don't...
  9. M

    Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

    Is it difficult to install new bellows without the bellows expander tool?
  10. M

    Which carb/intake combo should I get???

    I just ordered my long block today from Raul at RapidOMarine ('87-'96 350 w/roller lifters, water pump, electric fuel pump) and I need to get a different intake. I'm trying to stay under the 300hp limit of my Alpha 1 so no vortec heads but don't mind getting close to 300hp. I'm considering...
  11. M

    Water in the u-joint bellow

    After reading a posting today about the need to align your engine with the sterndrive sent me to the shop. I removed the sterndrive and discovered about 2 cups of water in the u-joint bellow. Even though the u-joints feel ok I'm still going to replace them. Where is a good place to get new...
  12. M

    Throttle trim wiring help needed!!

    I dismantled my throttle handle on my '86 4winns and did not write down the wiring connectors. The have 4 wire connections to make for my trim. The 4 wires in that come from the trim are purple w/white, blue w/white, green, & red. The wires in the handle are light green w/white stripe, Purple...
  13. M

    Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

    I'm in the process of rebuilding an '86 4winns 190 Horizon and upgrading from a cracked 305 to a 350. My question is do Smart Tabs really work well? Or would I be better w/Instatrim or Bennett tabs? I do pull multiple skiers and tubers and without tabs the boat goes vertical when starting...
  14. M

    Should I go roller????

    I just purchased my 1st boat, a 1986 4winns 190 Horizon with a cracked 305. I was looking at replacing it with a 350 long block from RapidO Marine. Is it worth it to upgrade to a roller 350 (87'-95')? any HP/torque benefits? Also, debating whether to upgrade the intake and carb. All...
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