Recent content by Lark40

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    2009 Tohatsu 20hp - Oil Cap Melted

    I was running my boat through a bunch of hydrilla weeds at low speed, when I saw a lot of smoke coming out of the motor. The red warning light was also flashing. I shut the motor off and dunked the hot cover into the water to cool it. The yellow oil filler cap had melted and blown off and was...
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    Replace Tohatsu 9.8 with 20hp - Same transom fit?

    I have a 2007 Tohatsu 9.8 four stroke on my antique 14' runabout. Great little motor, but I need more power. The new Tohatsu 20hp motor looks good. My question is if the transom bracket is the same for those two motors, or will I have to drill new holes for the 20hp transom bracket?
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    Trolling Motors - Convert Bow Model to Stern

    I have two Minn Kota trolling motors, Both about 50 lbs. thrust. One is a bow model and one is a transom model, whose lower unit is trashed.<br /><br />I no longer have a boat that could use the bow mount. I want to convert the bow mount to stern mount. It would appear that I could use the...
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    Finding Rivet Leaks

    Going to replace the leaky rivets in my Starcraft. What is the best way to find the problem ones?<br /><br />The boat sits on a roller trailer. Do I just run a hose into the hull until the water comes up to the flooring? Should I use jackstands to reduce weight on the tires and springs?<br /><br...
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    Volvo Prop?

    My new repower package is in shipment, and is supposed to included everything but the prop.<br /><br />So, I need to find a prop for a new Volvo 4.3GXi/Sx. Probably a 19" pitch.<br /><br />I've been told that my 1987 OMC 4.3 props won't fit due to 15 vs 19 splines. <br /><br />So, what are my...
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    Engine Compartment Moisture

    My cuddy is kept on a trailer with a fitted canvas cover. There is always some water in the bilge from boating and rain.<br /><br />When the temperature rises, the bilge water condenses and soaks the inside of the plywood/carpeted engine cover. Worse, that moisture forms drops that then drip all...
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    Repowering - OMC Cobra to Volvo SX

    I have a 1987 Starcraft Islander 221 aluminum cuddy, that meets my needs as being seaworthy, but easy to trailer. Problem is, the 4.3 2-bbl engine is smoking, thumping, and has low compression (<110 on all six). Also, have spent mucho research, time, and $ on the Cobra drive and really don't...
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    OMC Cobra 4.3 low voltage to Coil

    I have trouble starting my Cobra 4.3. This is an early Cobra with breaker points. When I turn the starter it will only fire at the instant that I release the key after 10 or more cranks. Bad way to have to start it. So it appears that it will "catch" only when the engine is cranking but the...
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    Marathon Radials on HDG Rims?

    I have been checking various sites to price buying new tires and wheels. I see Goodyear Marathon radials for sale, but always with aluminum or chromed wheels. Never with hot dipped galvanized wheels.<br /><br />Is there some reason for this? Do the Marathons require a very precisely machined...
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    Replacement axle question

    Thanks for the recent replies on my thread about "Hot Tires". I followed the advice to consider replacing my overloaded single axle with Champion Trailer's tandem conversion.<br /><br />Looks good, and is what I need, but it brought up another question. My current axle is 2X3 inches and fits...
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    Hot Tires

    Last night, after a one hour trip at highway speeds, I checked my hubs for heat.<br /><br />The hubs were warm, but not excessive; same thing for the lug nuts.<br /><br />But, the outer rim, where the wheel flares out was VERY hot, as were the tires.<br /><br />Am running single-axle trailer...
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    Re-sizing a Bimini Top

    I have a 6' 3-bow Taylor Bimini top on my Starcraft. The problem is that is the 54" high model, which is simply too high up for my needs.<br /><br />What do I have to consider when planning to cut it down by 12" ? Is there a certain geometry that must be followed to make sure it will still align...
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    Flag socket angle

    I'm planning on installing a flag pole on the stern of my 22' cuddy. Looks like a 16 X 24 flag is the correct size, maybe with a 30" pole.<br /><br />But, I see ads for both 90 and also 45 degree flag sockets. I like to see a flag flying perpendicular in full breeze, but could use some advice on...
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    Flushing Salt without a Hose

    Here's my scene: drive two hours to launch my boat into the salt water of the Bay. Come back to ramp at 6:00. Need to flush salt water out of engine, but no water faucets available at ramp.<br /><br />Drive two hours back, plus stop for dinner. Get home after 9:00 in residental cul-de-sac.<br...
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    Evinrude 40 Propshaft Detente balls

    Last night, I was working on replacing the gears on my 1960 Lark with a new gearset from a 1972 model. Everything looked identical, but I could not move the shift dog. Finally tapped it with a small hammer, and as it moved, some things sprung out of the propshaft and were lost. <br /><br />Found...
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