Re: Do you reuse head bolts?
Use whichever bolts you like, but I don't see what you'd gain by running the older bolts if all else is equal. Whatever you decide, the torque spec matches the bolt and if you're doing the torque-angle method use the bolts out of the '97.
Make sure the thread...
Re: dropped oil pressure!!!!!!
The theory can be right all day long, but if inaccurate data is used to form your theory then it is meaningless in practice.
In theory, if there is no oil at the pump, there should be no oil pressure, and your bearings should be toast. That should be pretty easy...
Helping a neighbor with his 1997 with twin Mercruiser 4.3s. His serial numbers are:
OK1993530
OK1993531
Pulled the plugs last night and out came Champion RV8C (shorter plug).
I double checked the FSM while he consulted his Seloc (which I recommended he keep in the bathroom).
The FSM...
The engine is a Chevy 383, carbureted, set up like the Gen + (low pressure electric fuel pump).
I am having a problem with the engine wanting to stumble and die when operated above 3000 RPM. The first time it happened was just after getting up on plane. At about 3200 RPM it stumbled down to...
Working on a Merc 5.7 stroked to a 383 (Gen + base) with thru-hull exhaust and a mild performance cam.
Got boat out of storage a few weeks ago and did a tune up and fixed a few things on my to-do list. Fired it up in the driveway for about 20 minutes to check timing and set idle on carb...
Re: Swapping out a 305 for a 383.
Like Glenn is saying, it can be a lot more complex and time consuming than it looks...especially the first time around. Most just involves simple math, but it can be complicated. 76cc heads or 64cc heads, what deck height (mine is 0.001 so with a 0..039 thick...
Re: U joint bellows question. alpha one gen II
Welcome to iBoats!
On the bellhousing side, the u-joint bellows (13) is retained by the sleeve (16). Then you slide the gasket (7) in until it touches the sleeve. If memory serves, the gasket gets glued in.
A tip I got from another iBoats...
The engine is a carbed Merc/Chevy 383 with Vortec heads. Had an issue with water in the oil last season (cracked block) and had the offending cylinder sleeved. No water in the oil this year.
Just got done breaking the engine in. Did not notice any oil pressure issues during break-in. Went...
Just wondered if anyone has ever heard of anything like this:
1994 Wellcraft Excel, with Alpha 1 Gen 2 at the transom. Boat sits in water during the season (April - October) but gets trailered to get fuel and the occasional road trip. Lower unit is missing half the skeg.
If I pull the drain...
I have a 1994 Alpha 1 Gen 2 (of course I don't have the drive serial number handy). Last year I replaced the input yoke and the corresponding seal since I found a few tablespoons of gear lube in the u-joint bellows. The input yoke was pitted right where the seal rides so I figured that was the...
I had another thread going here about water getting in the oil on a freshly built 383. It was determined to be a cracked block.
I paid a visit to the machine shop and surprisingly the owner put up little resistance and offered to fix it for free by sleeving the offending cylinder.
Here's my...
I'm finding out the hard way the truth in the saying "just because you found it that way doesn't mean it's supposed to be that way".
I bought my current rig last year and didn't have any real problems. The last time I used the boat I had three other guys out fishing with me (two sitting in the...
I'm having a bit of a problem locating the correct bracket for the remote oil reservoir (for the lower unit). The LU is a Alpha 1 Gen 2 and the old engine was a 1994 5.7L (OF276159). On the old engine the reservoir bracket attached to the rear two bolts on the port side of the intake manifold...
I'm trying to get a 383 running on the ground before installing it in the boat. It sounded simple enough but I can't get the thing to start.
If it matters, it's a Merc setup similar to the 5.7 Gen +, but stroked.
I had a machine shop put it together and they adjusted the valves. Also, I'm...
I'm about to replace the bellows on my boat - It's a Mercruiser Alpha One, Gen 2 drive. I was talking to a few service guys at the Merc dealer where I get parts and a bit of a debate ensued about how to use bellows adhesive.
Two "techs" said to put the adhesive on and let it set for five...
