Recent content by tmh

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    Looking for help with engine ID from serial numbers. Mercruiser big block inboards.

    So I've got a 1988 Mercruiser MIE Blue Water 7.4L inboard engine that needs a new block or full drop-in replacement. I located a pair of nice used engines but the current owner doesn't know the year (from 1988 Sea Ray , same as mine) as they look fairly new. He gave me Serial #'s but I can't...
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    Can I replace Mercruiser 454 Gen IV with a Gen V drop in engine?

    I have a cracked block on one of my engines in a twin 454 powered 1988 Sea Ray. The engine is marked "RH, Opposite" so I need an opposite rotation engine (or some way to reverse the rotation in the drives). My question is, if I find a complete drop-in Gen V Mercruiser, can I use that one as a...
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    1988 Mercruiser 454 inboard. Can I replace with Crusader

    Hi. I'm looking for a replacement engine for my 1988 twin engine 1988 Sea Ray. It has Merc 454 Inboards, Gen 4. I have found a couple nice Crusaders of the same era - 1988 also. I'm wondering how easily they drop in as replacements for the Mercs.
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    Couple questions about replacing freeze damaged 454 big block

    I bought a boat with twin 1989 Mercruiser 454 straight inboards. I hot it very cheap because it needs a new engine - one woke up from winter with milky oil and two blown out freeze plugs. I haven't had a mechanic check it out yet and I bought it assuming it will need a complete new engine...
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    Where is Oil Pressure Sender on Mercruiser 5.7L?

    I have a 5.7L Mercruiser from early 90's. I am not getting a reading on my oil pressure sensor and I never have since buying the boat a few years ago. I have searched and read some threads here on troubleshooting and I get it, but I can't find the sender on the engine. Can anyone explain to...
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    What a great time to buy a boat!!!!!!!!

    Wow. What a time to get into boating or to upgrade! There are so many good deals to be had for nearly every price range, style, age of boat. New??? Hey, I'd never buy a new boat because some are still like new after 5+ years and cheaper...but IF I were buying new, I'd sure look forward to the...
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    GPS Installation - How to wire power?

    OK, a bit confused on installing a Magellan Nav 6500 (used). Where the previous GPS was I have a red (pos.) and Black (neg.) 12v power leads. The "new" GPS comes with a power/data cable that has 10 wires. I see on the diagram on Mag web site that "External Power" is the Red and Black leads...
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    Trim tab problem / troubleshooting help please.

    Hi. My 1988 Cruisers 33' express has helm-controlled trim tabs - sorry, I do not know the brand. One works fine, the other does not move. I have a few questions on troubleshooting this problem. 1. First, can someone explain the operation of trim tabs? In my bilge area is the box that...
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    Can I dye my sunbrella cover to change color?

    I may be buying a used canvs for my boat that is a different color than I want. Is there a dye that anyone knows about that does a decent change in color? I would be going from maroon to blue, which may be tough.... I did at one time find vinyl spray dyes that folks said worked well. I did...
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    Marine GPS and maps - a bit confused

    Hi. I bought a 33' cruiser (1988 Cruisers Inc. 3370) last season and have mostly been working on various systems on the boat and doing short day trips on it. Now I have everything working great (fridges, head, AC/Heat, etc.) and would like do venture further from my dock! The previous owner...
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    Adding little storage "slot" for iPod/MP3 player - ideas?

    I replaced my stereo with a new one that has an input jack for an MP3 player/iPod type device. I want to add a little storage box next to the stereo for the iPod. Really, all I need is maybe a plastic box 5" x 3" by 5" deep or so. It would need to be mountable to a vertical surface where the...
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    How to remove inlet caps on shower sump?

    Boy, I feel stupid asking this, but I just don't want to break my new shower sump/bilge. Basically, the sump is a plastic box with an auto-float bilge pump in it. The problem is that it has 3 or 4 inlets for different size hoses - from shower, sink or whatever need to be pumped out the...
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    merc labor rate estimate R & R Velvet Drives

    I posted about this in the boats section, but I think it's a better spot here as it is an engine/drive issue. i'll skip the details as to how i believe I was directly ripped off - I just want tome info if someone has it. Is there a published labor estimate to Remove a velvet drive/tranny and...
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    What dipstick for Mercruiser 454 Big Block?

    I have twin Mercruiser 454's and the previous owner made a mess installing them. My latest issue is the two have different length dipsticks - one is too short to reach the bottom so it registers low or no oil. If I take the longer one and switch it to the "empty" side it shows full. So...I...
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    Ac ammeter replace on cruiser

    Not a boat electrical expert, but trying to get my AC (shore power) sytem up to snuff. I have two 30 amp shore power recepticles on my cruiser. Inside, on the control panel each shore power 1 and 2 has its own voltmeter and 0-50 amp ammeter. However, when i bought the boat the ammeter for...
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