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  1. Rick Stephens

    Thunderbolt IV spark loss

    Worth it to take the risks seriously. Worldwide, most likely more boats are bombs than aren't. All you can do is take care of you and yours and keep them safe. My best to you mate! Rick
  2. Rick Stephens

    Thunderbolt IV Ignition Module

    Afraid none of us know what motor you are wanting to install on. Can't answer without that. When my Thunderbolt IV quit working I didn't even hesitate to go with Delco Voyager EST. There are a couple online stores with really good prices. I bought mine at michigan motorz.
  3. Rick Stephens

    Is my 77 Inline 6, 250 CID, 165 HP a GMC or a GM Chevy

    Each Chevy motor those days made in just a couple GM lines. At manufacturing level saying GMC or Chevy is saying the same thing. Those differences are all marketing from the same corporation.
  4. Rick Stephens

    1995 4.3 engine stops when starter key released

    You won't get anything more - the power going through the purple wire coming off the ignition switch is not making it to the motor and the coil/elec choke/fuel pump. Start looking. Read what was posted by Bondo. He told you exactly what to do.
  5. Rick Stephens

    Thunderbolt IV spark loss

    I don't believe that Aeroflow makes a marine ignition system. You are asking to die and take anyone around with you using an automotive ignition,
  6. Rick Stephens

    1995 4.3 engine stops when starter key released

    The wiring diagram is important, but the symptoms are of no power to purple (ignition circuit) except when cranking. So you're almost there... when cranking the starter motor provides power to the purple wiring harness backwards from the purple/yellow fuel pump circuit. If purple is not getting...
  7. Rick Stephens

    Alpha 1 gen 2 oil in bellows

    I don't know where Mercruiser gets their bearings... no idea. I did use OEM last time. It is a miserable vacation killer to lose the gimbal bearing. No, the seal in front of the bearing is not a source for oil. With sealed gimbal bearing now the standard, there was no need for that seal which...
  8. Rick Stephens

    No Fuel getting to Carburetor

    Reason for being on this forum is to help each other do it ourselves. Boats are much much worse than cars as far as cost of parts and shop repairs. So we band together to pass on tips techniques on DIY repairs. All depends on how anal you are able to be whether that works for you. You gotta do...
  9. Rick Stephens

    No Fuel getting to Carburetor

    I would suggest that all the regular maintenance items need to be gone through before you head out on the lake. You cannot assume any of it was done in the last few years and all it takes is a small problem ignored to be a much more costly repair or worse, a safety issue.
  10. Rick Stephens

    Alpha 1 gen 2 oil in bellows

    A seal is a totally different exercise from a bellows. Two different potential problems. Inspecting the bellows is the only way to tell if they need replacing. If any of the bellows are hard and or cracking, then replace them. And if replacing bellows, always do the lower shift cable at the same...
  11. Rick Stephens

    Thunderbolt IV spark loss

    When I had a similar failure I did not go to the step of purchasing any T IV components but went straight to Delco Voyager EST. No longer worth it to keep going down that path.
  12. Rick Stephens

    Mercruiser spark plug replacement question?

    Those plugs are easily good for 100,000 miles on the road, why change them?
  13. Rick Stephens

    1999 Mercruiser 4.3L Fuel Pump

    I used the Airtex E11003 which had the advantage of being the same thing as Mercruiser was using. This meant I could use standard Merc replacement parts like mounts, stainless fuel line, fittings etc. Last time I looked at price it was in the $80 range.
  14. Rick Stephens

    Mercruiser 3.0 reliability and overall maintenance?

    Yes, it is a lot. But so is breaking down 10 miles from anywhere, or taking on water, with your family onboard. Boats are expensive to maintain. Only thing more expensive is owning an airplane. Most used boats are sold after the owner got tired of the expense and had stopped doing the...
  15. Rick Stephens

    Mercruiser 3.0 reliability and overall maintenance?

    If you purchase said boat, you will need to do all scheduled maintenance. Especially since you intend to take it out in the big briney. Assume that the shops doing all the previous maintenance skipped anything and everything. I would be buying a set of manifold gaskets and pulling it off...
  16. Rick Stephens

    Mercruiser 3.0 reliability and overall maintenance?

    If run in salt water you will need to inspect the manifold occasionally. Two things happen, first is scale starts blocking the cooling passageways. Second is the walls get thinner and you can induce a leak, especially at the riser joint. There are some pictures around the forum of what that...
  17. Rick Stephens

    Mercruiser 3.0 reliability and overall maintenance?

    Woof. Is it too late for me to learn to read?
  18. Rick Stephens

    Mercruiser 3.0 reliability and overall maintenance?

    130 Horsepower 3.0 liter motor and outdrive are not a 75 MPH setup. Not in your standard plastic n glass 17.5 foot long V hull boat anyway. At best high 50's, maybe low 60's in a really light weight configuration. Just like a similar sized outboard in similar size and weight hulls.. That said...
  19. Rick Stephens

    1990 larson all american 195 4.3 confusion

    Before you go to work on it, read this page so you understand how the shift interrupt works. It will greatly simplify your rewire. https://forums.iboats.com/threads/how-to-how-the-shift-interrupt-system-works.283168/
  20. Rick Stephens

    1990 larson all american 195 4.3 confusion

    Where the shift cables are attached at the motor. Here's average picture, the Y shaped lever presses on the switch when shifting out of gear, in the water, cutting out the ignition for a revolution of the motor or two and unloading the dogs in the gearbox.
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