The rods are binding in the packing glands where they extend out of the ram tubes.
Sierra marine rebuild kit. # 18-2291.
Sierra also has complete rams #18-2142.
Your pump will deliver up to 3000 lbs in the up mode but only delivers 800 lbs in down mode. That is why they will not retract.
It looks like the current alternator is a Delco 1 wire self energizing. The original Paris Rhône alternator used the wire in question.
To help the engine to start add a wire from the + side of the coil to the outboard spade on the starter solenoid. This wire will provide 12 volts to the coil...
Be sure to pull the suction tube from the tank and push out the fine mesh screen that is inside it, quite often that is where the restriction is. You might be able to blow the screen out if you have a compressor that delivers 140-150 psi by blowing into the fitting with the anti siphon valve...
Just as ESG posted you need to look at the #8 cylinder. Remove the valve cover and watch that both valves move the same amount when turning the engine by hand with the bolt holding on the harmonic balancer with a 15/16” socket.
Your engine probably has positive stop rocker arm bolts so there is...
One thing that that was mentioned how the “problem” engine‘s power was less than the other needing more throttle. Since these engines were rebuilt at some time I wonder if the combustion chamber’s volume is larger lowering the compression.
Do all the heads have the same casting number?
Sometimes there is just enough water that the flywheel will sling it around when getting on plane.
I can remember where the solenoid could not push the drive into the flywheel with rust on the shaft. That must be what the manual‘s instruction was about.
If the engine is fresh water cooled I would leave them in place. However I have been surprised in the past to see how much crud had built up in the rear and lower pockets of the water jackets. Most times the drain plugs are will not drain because of the build up. Also depends on if your boat...
Your problem might just be the screen in the suction tube of the fuel tank. You will have to remove the entire elbow fitting that screws into the top of the tank. The screen will be in the tube remove it and throw it away.
Also the anti siphon valve at the fuel tank outlet. Check the fuel tank...
I think you have the rear mounts installed correctly. At this point I would go ahead and mount the drives. If any of the rear mounting hardware was not in place or wrongly installed you would be able to tell by comparing from port to starboard.
