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  1. Rick Stephens

    Time to reassemble

    ↑ what kenny said.
  2. Rick Stephens

    Time to reassemble

    Congrats! Happy boating is the best thing in a stressful world.
  3. Rick Stephens

    Electric fuel pump wiring issue

    Sounds like you need to start testing things to see if power goes where it is supposed to. Power for priming comes from the outboard small lug on the starter solenoid. I would disconnect that wire - should be pur/yel, and then then have someone crank the motor over while you check for power...
  4. Rick Stephens

    1988 GM 5.7 stalling when slowing down

    Might have someone retard the throttle for you while you look at the shift interrupt switch and see if it is activating when you retard the throttles. Have seen that with a maladjusted set of cables/linkages.
  5. Rick Stephens

    changing exhaust flappers on land or sea

    That's gettin mighty close. Your presumption is exactly correct.
  6. Rick Stephens

    Which gasket is better for impeller install, metal or fiber?

    IMHO, there are two successful methods to maintaining a Mercruiser Sterndrive. One: hire a trained mechanic. and Two: get the OEM service manual and follow it. Changing the basic methods laid out by the manual should only be done with both experience and great consideration. Merc sterndrives...
  7. Rick Stephens

    4.3 dies after 5-10 sec running

    You have an electric fuel pump that is powered by an oil pressure switch or by the starter when cranking. Your oil pressure switch is not working. You crank and get power to the pump, soon as it starts, that power goes away and you run until the bowl empties. Check the oil pressure switch next...
  8. Rick Stephens

    Which gasket is better for impeller install, metal or fiber?

    Sillycone is useless. There is no Sillycone in the Merc manuals. WHichever you use, follow the service manual recommendation as to what sealers to use or not use.
  9. Rick Stephens

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    I don't think that a rebuilding option comes close to a used pull in lower cost - unless you have to rebuild the pull, of course.
  10. Rick Stephens

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    You did have a few days of bloody gore. Does make for some unique knowledge about these motors though.
  11. Rick Stephens

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    By your very clear definition you will need to find a pre-vortec motor and swap over your parts and pieces. As soon as you go to a '96 and newer Gen+ block with Vortec you add in at least $1500 to $2k in parts swaps. IMHO, $1000 is a pipe dream. Next thing is balance shaft. That got added in...
  12. Rick Stephens

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    If you could find a Pre-Vortec longblock used that would be one thing, cost wise. (note, I did that - I went with a pre-balance shaft block, Vortec heads, Performa intake, Edelbrock 1409 carb. I reused, and am still running the original exhaust manis as they are still clean as a whistle from the...
  13. Rick Stephens

    1987 Merc 4.3 Rebuild or replace?

    I just read through your thread. Great job spelling out your thoughts and possible paths. Those posting some answers know what they are talking about and you got some great detailed answers. One thing I would recommend is before you spend a penny, take a drill and do a couple test holes as low...
  14. Rick Stephens

    Alpha Gen 2 Gear Oil Leak

    If it is leaking from the shift shaft seal then it is super simple replacement. You can even get the plastic housing with the seal already installed making it a swap. Have to drain and split upper and lower.
  15. Rick Stephens

    SEI outdrive question

    Also note that in '86 horsepower rating was at the flywheel. Your HP at the prop is closer to 200.
  16. Rick Stephens

    SEI outdrive question

    Unless you made a major change, 2 barrel to 4 barrel with intake to match, or better flowing heads, like Pre-Vortec to Vortec, something like that, you will have have trouble justifying much if any change in power output.
  17. Rick Stephens

    Ready to Install Outdrive, However...

    I've never seen that before. Looks pretty gnarly.
  18. Rick Stephens

    SEI outdrive question

    1.62 is 1.62 revolutions of the motor for every revolution of the prop. Actually stated 1.62:1. Hence a 3.0L motor, with less torque, get 2 revolutions of the motor for every prop revolution. 2.00:1 or 1.98:1.
  19. Rick Stephens

    Piston Damage?

    People will do the strangest things. LOL
  20. Rick Stephens

    SEI outdrive question

    I would think a 1.47 is pretty steep for a 230 HP 5L motor. I thought 1.62-1.64 was the standard with that motor. Guess it depends on how light your boat is.
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