Recommended parts

R Lowery

Cadet
Joined
Nov 12, 2025
Messages
9
So will be installing a 4.3 i rebuilt in the next couple months.
previous owner seemed pretty meticulous on maintenance, from what i can see on receipts.
was gonna do gimble bearing, and w/p impeller. should i do bellows as well? any other maintnence i should think about?

my plan was get the engine in, break it in and enjoy next summer. then look at the foam underneath next winter. seemed heavy to me but floors, and transom seem solid. he always had it covered.

will be going back to at least a half closed cooling system, debating on full system.

1992 Spectrum Bluefin 1956
 

Scott06

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
7,312
So will be installing a 4.3 i rebuilt in the next couple months.
previous owner seemed pretty meticulous on maintenance, from what i can see on receipts.
was gonna do gimble bearing, and w/p impeller. should i do bellows as well? any other maintnence i should think about?

my plan was get the engine in, break it in and enjoy next summer. then look at the foam underneath next winter. seemed heavy to me but floors, and transom seem solid. he always had it covered.

will be going back to at least a half closed cooling system, debating on full system.

1992 Spectrum Bluefin 1956
Before you get too far into it ($$$) drill your transom and stringers. Check the gimbal bearing for smoothness , if rough replace. Look at the ujoints, inspect the bellows and do the water pump.


given the age of the boat the bellows likely have been done so they may still be ok. Bellows and impeller are two good places to stick with oem parts
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,732
I agree test drilling the transom and stringers with the motor out

5/16" drill, mark off a drill depth of 1/2" to 3/4"

Drill 2" above the inside of the hull. And check the shavings for moisture/rot
 

R Lowery

Cadet
Joined
Nov 12, 2025
Messages
9
Thanks, ill check those, and is quicksilver same as oem?
when i tear into it i will be replacing stringers and modifying the floor.
i have seen some pictures that show a lot of wasted space. that can be better utilized for storage.
 

R Lowery

Cadet
Joined
Nov 12, 2025
Messages
9
reguardless of what i find rot wise ill be keeping the boat and repairing it, it has a nice aluminum hull and is about the perfect size.
 

Scott06

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
7,312
Thanks, ill check those, and is quicksilver same as oem?
when i tear into it i will be replacing stringers and modifying the floor.
i have seen some pictures that show a lot of wasted space. that can be better utilized for storage.
Yes quicksilver is mercurys brand that they sell outside their dealer network. Same parts part numbers except for a few digits are the same
reguardless of what i find rot wise ill be keeping the boat and repairing it, it has a nice aluminum hull and is about the perfect size.
no issue , it’s just a matter of knowing what you are getting into. Is the hull riveted or welded ?
 

R Lowery

Cadet
Joined
Nov 12, 2025
Messages
9
Yes quicksilver is mercurys brand that they sell outside their dealer network. Same parts part numbers except for a few digits are the same

no issue , it’s just a matter of knowing what you are getting into. Is the hull riveted or welded ?
unfortunately it was during their transition, hull is welded, but the stringers are riveted. i haven't found any loose rivets, but when i tear it down later ill seal with gluvit or the like. right now the exterior paint is pretty good and i dont wanna tighten the rivets and risk messing it up. but next winter ill tear the floor and foam up and make repairs. but i may pressure check each rivet in the mean time. and if i find any i may push gluvit in from the outside.
 
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