I have an mercruiser 888/302 engine in my 1973 18 foot ski boat that sits in front of a first gen alpha transom and drive from a 83 488(470 4bbl). A later mc-1 inner transom plate is used. A 25 pitch prop keeps the wot rpms around under 5k. We rarely if ever go flat out mostly drag kids around...
I am doing my first transom repair. I am working on an old Hydrodyne 18 I/o I have ground out the old wood. I am planning on leaving the deck on and installing the transom in 2 pieces for the back layer then 3 for the front. What would be the best way to adhere the two layers? The rear layer...
My bow eye started to pull through the other day. It was through the hull to a 6 inch piece of a 2x4 cut on the sides to fit into the hull. That wood block was then glassed in. I have gained access and removed the wood block. I was going to use an oak board to replace the backing block. Should I...
I changed the points and condenser in my 888 and also installed new cap rotor and plug wires. The boat ran before I did this. I set the point gap to .017. I have verified that I have battery voltage at the coil when cranking and 4.6 when in the on position. I verified that I had the correct...
I have an old hydrodyne 18 with the 888 It is a good running boat I got without an out drive. I had a R drive in good shape from a 470. So that's what I have. I have the wrong gear ratio out drive on it, it should have a 1.5 and I have 1.84. I can turn my stainless 22 pitch 3 blade to about...
I have a mercruiser 888, there are two block drains on the block, previous owners have put drain valves there. Last year I pulled the valves out to winterize. I also noticed on the starboard side of the block there was a brass plug right in front of the starter. I pulled that out. No additional...
I have a good boat with a 888. I dont have the 888 leg. I also have a rotted boat with an alpha 1 early 1st gen. I am going to use the outrdive from the alpha. Can i use the trim pump and rams from the alpha and then toss the reverse lockout? What should i do with the purple wire going to it...
This spring i have discovered that my century 5 meter has a poorly made foam core hull and all the wood is rotten. I had a great running 224ci mercruiser 488. I dont want to put a ton of time into a restore. I was offered a good boat that isnt rotten with a 888 its problem is that the outdrive...
I have a 83 mercruiser 488 (4bbl 188 hp 470) that spun its engine coupler today. The rubber melted out of it completely. I did check the alignment this spring when the outdrive went on. We were on some prettty rough water and we were bouncing around a bit. Any tips on changing it? I know the...
I just got a new elbow / riser for my 83 488 mercruiser because it was burning holes in the boot, and while changing it noticed a crack between the two exhaust ports going into the elbow. It is in the manifold. The crack is only in between the two exhaust sides not the coolant. I have never lost...
I have a century 5 meter boat it is in good shape and runs good. It has the 4 bbl version of the 470 (488). I have done my fair share of maintenance on it. I really like its performance gets me up on the wakeboard quick handles good and breaks 50 with 3-4 people. I often go out on a bigger river...
I just did the pertronix ignitor conversion the timing was at 0 when I started. I have service manual 3 which said timing was to be set to 8 but have heard 8 from others. Should I run 8 or 4 I ran it set at 8 the boat was faster than I have ever had it. Are there any dangers of running at 8...
Anyone else have a five meter century? I have a 83 five meter with a 488 and I am wondering what kind of top speed other people got and your prop set up. I have talked to one other 5 meter owner who got 53 mph but don't know what prop. I only get 47. I posted in props but wanted to know if...
I have a 1983 boat with a 488 engine. I recently talked to someone with the same boat and motor (century 5 meter) they said their boat did 53 and had a ticket to prove it. My boat will only do 47. I have changed plugs, done a compression test everythings fine. My boat runs good and hits the top...
