Update - Thanks to Don S., Rodbolt and Bondo, I found the likely culprit for this problem. Both U-joint crosses had washboard wear on at least two of the posts. New U-joints going in. Gentlemen, you saved me $$ and headaches. Thank you.
Original problem:
1986 Mercruiser 140. Motor runs...
1986 Mercruiser 3.0 140 MR Alpha One.<br /><br />Installed new marine starter (one long bolt, one short bolt) this spring. Boat is new to me, so thought slow revs of starter were starter problem. Turns out corroded connections, cable ends, etc. were stealing juice. Replaced slave solenoid...
I have an '88 Evinrude outboard that has almost all electrical connections painted with some sort of liquid neoprene (e.g. Liquid Lectric tape). I've had no problems over the years with corroded connections.<br /><br />What are the Mercruiser pros using? Given the number of exposed...
New to me '86 SeaRay with Merccruiser 140 I/O. Floors are shot, I'm going to replace them this winter.<br /><br />The motor mount stringer appears to be about a 4" x 6" piece of lumber sitting crosswise in the bilge. Top is covered with fiberglass which is intact. Reaching under the stringer...
Have an '86 Mercruiser 140, Alpha One with 15.25 diameter, 15 pitch prop. At 22 mph (the speed at which son likes to wakeboard), the motor is running around 3100 RPM. Is there a range (higher or lower) that would result in better fuel economy and be better for engine, or am I in the...
Have an '86 Searay with 140 Mercruiser. Controls are about shot.<br /><br />I actually prefer a two-lever system with neutral safety switch, or at least a single lever with a throttle warm up control. This is a side mount, although I'm redoing the interior this winter and suppose I could build...
Anyone out there getting creative with boat seats in a runabout? I never have liked those doggone fold in the middle seats. Look at this design: <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Some of the higher end ski boats have seats that are far superior to the typical 'order from Cabela's' specials...
I'm looking at used bowrider type boats. Main use will be day trips to local lake for cruising, skiing, wakeboarding. Have 15 year old son with several football buddies over 200 lbs apiece. Many have never skied or wakeboarded and want to learn.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm torn between spending...
Looking at a 1999 Larson 166BR, 16.5 foot runabout 1080 pounds, open bow with 1999 70 horse Johnson. Assuming the rig is OK mechanically, will this 70 Johnny pull up 200 pound skiers? The hull looks perfect. Motor supposedly "is sound" and will push the boat 40+ mph.<br /><br />I like the...
Have searched on this topic, and find bits and pieces. <br /><br />Looking at several late 70's to late 80's I/O's (ski/runabout) but need to know what to look for in the drivetrain. Can evaluate general engine condition fine, do compression tests, look for leaks, etc., but don't know how to...
Assuming all were equally maintained, is there a favorite out there (reliability, economy, performance) to put on the back of a ski boat (16-18 foot <1000 lb. fiberglass)? <br /><br />May be in the market this fall for a used ski boat, and want a good motor. Thanks for any info.
Assuming all were equally maintained, is there a favorite out there (reliability, economy, performance) to put on the back of a ski boat (16-18 foot <1000 lb. fiberglass)? <br /><br />May be in the market this fall for a used ski boat, and want a good motor. Thanks for any info.
Considering adding a ski boat to the stable this winter - probably late 70's to mid 80's with an outboard (likely and Evinrude or Johnson mostly because of the tech support this board offers).<br /><br />What year(s) were points phased out and electronic ignitions introduced? Prefer the more...
'88 Evinrude 40 HP E40EOCCS<br /><br />Considering ordering Boyesen reeds and I understand that I will need idle air orifices 5 thousandths smaller than stock. Have found the stock orifice only on a couple websites, including Iboats. Haven't started calling yet, but wondered if anyone has an...
Man, you guys are getting me fired up about restoring a boat. I have a chance to buy a 1993 Invader, supposedly a 17' with a Volvo Penta sterndrive for a song (project boat). Nada doesn't list a 17 sterndrive, but has a 16 (135 horsepower) and an 18 (seems like 200 hp). I think I've read that...
