Recent content by BuzzM

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    Pre-Alpha shift cable R&R

    I have an 82 Mercruiser 5.7 with a pre-alpha drive. I am preparing to do the next reseal and in the process, have learned that I may need the following special tools: 1. Engine alignment tool OEM 91-57797A3 2. Hinge pin removal tool OEM 91-78310 3. Lower shift cable tool OEM 91-12037 4. Shift...
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    Merc Fuel Valve Question

    This may be the wrong forum subgroup, but I have a 1982 Sunrunner 245 with a merc 5.7. It has twin saddle fuel tanks and orginally had an electric tank switch solenoid that said " not for marine use ". I replaced it with a manual 3 way valve so I can select either tank or turn off. It is mounted...
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    Another correct plug question

    I have a 1982 Mercruiser 5.7 MCM 260 serial 6817160. I installed Champion RV91MC plugs, based on the book at West Marine. After noticing the difference in tip length, I removed them and checked for signs of contact and saw nothing. My Clymer manual shows AC MR43T and my Seloc shows Champion RBL8...
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    Merc 5.7 Flooded when checking compression

    I have a 1982 mercruiser 5.7 . I was checking the compression ( one at a time), but was flooding the carb badly in the process. I would remove the coil cable, remove old plug, checked the compression, gap and installed new plug, then reattached the coil - distributor cable. When attempted a...
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    water entering thru transom assembly

    I have a 1983 mercruiser 5.7 gm with a pre-alpha drive serial 6817160. I was investigating an oil slick in the bildge. I started the engine and noticed water leaking into the bilge from a small machined hole just above the water inlet neck. It is on the transom assembly straight up above the...
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    1982 pre-Alpha water pump

    I am planning on replacing my pre-alpha's water impeller. I think the merc part numbers are #46-96148A8 for the Alpha pump kit that supposedly will work on this unit. I read that I should replace the base as well, but that is a pre-alpha specific merc part # 46-5723A1. Does this sound right...
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    Water pump replacement -dumb questions

    I will be changing the lower unit impeller on my 1982 Mercruiser GM 5.7 with a pre-alpha. 1. Can this be accomplished correctly without removing the outdrive? 2. If I have to R&R the outdrive, must I replace the gasket kit for the outdrive each time? Do I use gasket sealer when I do so? It is a...
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    PreAlpa Lower Unit / Upper Gear Housing

    Please confirm that no sealant ( like a gasket or perfect seal ) is required when reinstalling the lower unit back onto the upper gear housing. Just making sure. thx.
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    Water Pump kit & sea kit part numbers

    I need to replace the water impellor, so I need the mercruiser part numbers for the kit and the outdive seals when I put it back together. It is a 1983 Mercruiser 260 /350 with a pre-alpha drive or "R" ( I think ). The top cap has a loop or hole that I suppose was to be used for lifting. The...
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    Life Preserver

    This may not be the correct forum, but I use this one a lot.. so I would like to remind everyone about the importance of actually wearing their life preservers. I watched for two days while our local divers worked to recover a gentleman who fell out of his boat and hit his head in the process...
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    New Prop, now Exhaust Louder

    I am running a mercruiser 1983 M260/350 GM with a pre-alpha outdrive in a 1983 Sunrunner 245 cruiser. I replaced a slipping 14 1/2 inch 19 pitch aluminum prop with a Solas Amita 3blade 15.5"x17 pitch aluminum from Iboats. This boat went from a top end of 23 mph @ 4200 rpm ( GPS ) to 36 mph @...
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    83 Pre-Alpha Anode installation - Magnesium

    I am installing magnesium ( freshwater ) anode to my 83 prealpha outdrive. I noticed that aluminum acorn anodes that go on the to lower bolts had gaskets. The new magnesium ones did not come with gaskets. I am putting a new block anode ( the one that goes over the trim fluid manifold tucked...
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    Trim Working Again, Thanks Fishermark & DonS

    I had a problem where the up trim switch was inop, but the down trim & trailering switch worked. The trim limit switch was replaced about 1 1/2 years ago. Thanks to advice from Fishermark & Don S, I check for chaffed wiring and the bullet connectors near the pump. I cleaned those connectors and...
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    83 Merc 5.7 odd starter question

    Since ownership, my engine starter operated a bit differently than I expected. When I turn the ignition key, it would turn over fine, briskly & engaged; but wouldn't fire up & actually start the engine until I released the key. Then it would run fine. A mechanic a couple of years ago said that I...
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    Pre-Alpha Gearcase proshaft seal

    I had my Merc pre-alpha gearcase resealed about 1 1/2 years ago. But I recently took a close look at the prop shaft oil seal. It is a rubberized seal, but has a visible constricting spring embedded in the rubber material. Most other shaft seals that I have seen, this would be an inner seal and...
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