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  1. Rick Stephens

    Just a final check on outdrive choice

    I purchased an SEI when I had an Alpha 1 and a 3.0L on my boat. It was fine as long as paint chips don't bother the 'ell out of you. I'd do it again before I spent $3k. These days I have an Alpha 1 Gen 2 with a 4.3L in that boat. The issue with the paint is possibly a big deal with someone who...
  2. Rick Stephens

    Cosmetic damage to outdrive or replace it?

    You can and probably should ignore the case damage. It has no effect on operation. Grind and sand and straighten the prop. No downside other than not doing it.
  3. Rick Stephens

    Alpha 1 gen 1 lower unit seal kit?

    It may very well be just the prop shaft seal. From appearances something wrapped around the shaft and burned the seal up. Pressure test time to prove the theory.
  4. Rick Stephens

    1987 4.3 mercruiser fuel pump ???

    Yah. My block is pre-balance shaft. Oldish, like me.
  5. Rick Stephens

    Inboard replacing

    Amazing how directional a phone mic is. Sounds good! R
  6. Rick Stephens

    How to Switch to Antifreeze Cooled Engine

    Typically we take a drill and drill in from the inside, looking at the shavings that come out. Then fill the hole with 5200. One can also pull a motor mount bolt and see if the wood it is screwed into is mush or not. Typical places for first rot is lower part of transom, we drill in as close to...
  7. Rick Stephens

    1987 4.3 mercruiser fuel pump ???

    On mine the oil pressure switch is at the back of the motor to the port side of the distributor. Either way, the pressure switch is just a pass through, when there is pressure, the power is connected to the pump.
  8. Rick Stephens

    1987 4.3 mercruiser fuel pump ???

    Basic wiring in english: Power to the pump comes from two places - 1)the ignition switch via purple wire to and through the oil pressure switch 2)the outside small lug on the starter solenoid that acts as a primer when the motor is cranking through the purple/yellow wire. Purpose of this is...
  9. Rick Stephens

    1987 4.3 mercruiser fuel pump ???

    Looks like this:
  10. Rick Stephens

    How to Switch to Antifreeze Cooled Engine

    Measuring quality of winterizing by whether there is any antifreeze in the motor can be meaningless. Depends on if the motor was properly winterized as to whether the antifreeze is actually in all the proper locations. Most people do not know how to make sure antifreeze actually gets into the...
  11. Rick Stephens

    How to Switch to Antifreeze Cooled Engine

    Believe it or not, the motor is the 'cheapest' part of the entire boat. Is all the other stuff that can and usually will make it a money pit.
  12. Rick Stephens

    1987 4.3 mercruiser fuel pump ???

    You will need to post serial number on your motor for an answer to parts details. Originally, an '87 would have had a mechanical pump. If you want some info on your setup, post some pics.. Also, make certain there is an oil pressure switch to run that pump. This is what keeps your boat from...
  13. Rick Stephens

    How to Switch to Antifreeze Cooled Engine

    The problem is the negative results are so common - negative being that it doesn't take much sand and scale to plug a shiny new HX. Been tried and tried. If the motor is clean then there are no reasons not to convert other than number of digits in the cost.
  14. Rick Stephens

    Inboard replacing

    Ok, ok. OP is probably already installing that big block to add drag. Seems he posted and disappeared anyway.
  15. Rick Stephens

    Inboard replacing

    A 383 is the ticket. Big blocks great in big boats. Stroker small blocks belong in teeny weenie hole in water. More git'eup than you probably need even. And you can stay with an Alpha drive, albeit one with taller gears.
  16. Rick Stephens

    88 mercruiser 4.3 low compression and water in oil.

    One of the easiest tests is to block off the water lines going to exhaust and water in line as well, and pressure test the cooling system.
  17. Rick Stephens

    1988 mercruiser alpha one water pump issue

    To reiterate what Scott said, some parts are best bought OEM Mercruiser - pretty much all rubber parts especially.
  18. Rick Stephens

    1988 mercruiser alpha one water pump issue

    Your symptoms kinda match up to what would happen if there was no key driving the impeller. Hence the direct question.
  19. Rick Stephens

    1988 mercruiser alpha one water pump issue

    Are you sure you got the key back in?
  20. Rick Stephens

    Transom plate / Gamble housing through bolts (Alpha1 Gen1)

    No way I would use 5200 on a bolt that there is ever any chance of having to remove.
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