Recent content by sikemd

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    Lower shift cable core won't go in

    I'm in the process of installing a new lower shift cable. I *had* the outer cable installed and tightened and couldn't get the core to go in apparently due to the slight bend in the outer cable where it is routed upward just after entering the transom and then to the starboard side. I took the...
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    5.0 w/Alpha 1 Gen 2 - Trim and engine cut out / shifting issues

    I have a 93 23' Chaparral cuddy. I bought it 2 years ago so I don't know much about the maintenance history. The trim issue... It trims up just fine but will not trim down at all. Currently it is all the way up. Since I've owned the boat I've had intermittent trim issues but usually 'fixed...
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    5.0 low wot rpm, unable to plane

    I have a merc 5.0 that has been running great all year. I havent ran it much the last month or so. It stays in the water and the outrive is pretty well covered in barnicles. The bottom is painted but im not sure how its looking... i went out today with 6 people and couldnt get it to plane...
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    Why do I/O coolant systems run water out of exhaust manifolds?

    I've recently diagnosed my boat with bad exhaust manifolds when I seen water in my cylinders and I am very curious why the coolant system runs water out of the exhaust manifold when they deteriorate so fast and the end result can be so devastating to the engine, as well as quite costly in a...
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    4.3 Cobra engine water in all port side cylinders

    I'm fairly certain of manifold deterioration but I just wanted to get a second opinion on this issue from others who know more about boat engines than myself. I had an issue on the water recently where the engine was hesitant and RPMs were bouncing around intermittently. Today I finally got...
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    4.3L RPM Fluctuation under load

    Hey guys, I have a 4.3L OMC Cobra I/O on a 20' ChrisCraft. Yesterday we loaded the boat down pretty good with 4 people, coolers, etc... and when I tried to get it up and running above 3,000 RPM, the RPMs would bounce intermittently ~300RPM or so and it just didn't want to get going, at one...
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    Replacing gimble bearing on a 1990 4.3L, what to do while i'm there?

    I'm going to be replacing my gimble bearing this week because it has been growling. While I'm at it I was curious what else I should probably replace? The boat is a 1990 and the engine and outdrive look great aesthetically and have treated me well so far. I've owned it for 2 years and gotten a...
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    1990 OMC Cobra 4.3L All cylinders bouncing from120 to 0 psi after repairs

    I just had a warped valve replaced on one side of my v6 and we only pulled the cylinder head on the side that was broken. Replaced all the gaskets and put it back together, it ran good for about the first hour then started running running poorly again. The engine was never taken passed 3500...
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    1990 OMC Cobra 4.3L - 0 Compression

    I have one cylinder on my OMC that has 0 compression. I was having some problems earlier this week, loss of power and a ticking sound, as well as some abnormal vibration. I went to replace the plugs and wires today and found one of the plugs I removed was pretty much destroyed and the wire was...
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    Rod holder degree/positioning suggestions?

    I'm thinking of getting flush mount rod holders for my "20ft" ChrisCraft Concept 198. I was hoping to get any suggestions on what angles and positioning to use to best keep the lines separated for trolling with such a small boat. I suppose one on each side and 2 on the stern. I attached a...
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    1973 Merc 7.5HP was running, not anymore

    I have an old merc 7.5 2-stroke outboard that ran last year. It got semi submerged awhile back and I've just gotten around to cleaning the carb and trying to get it back running. Just a few days ago it would start up with starting fluid but not stay running longer then the fluid lasted. Today...
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    7.5hp wont start, may have gotten wet??

    So I went out yesturday to go fishing and the boat had apparently logged itself under my peir and water had filled the entire boat. The engine was on the stern and I guess its possible it had gotten wet also. It did not apear to have any water damage but since the incident I've been unable to...
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