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  1. Philster

    Should I fill my new fuel filter/separator with fuel when installing?

    My instincts tell me to carefully remove the old filter and be ready for some drips. Then, when installing the new one, I plan on using a fresh/thin coat of oil on the rubber seal, and my instincts tell me that I'd be better off adding fuel to the new filter before screwing it on (by hand)...
  2. Philster

    How do I know how good my battery is? And how reliable is that test (if one exists)?

    Re: 1996 Wellcraft Scarab, 502 c.i.d Merc Magnum (8.2L), EFI/MPI. Batteries and auto/boat electric systems in general are the weak spots for me. So, my boat is new to me, and she has the same battery from when I got 'er in the fall (age of battery unknown). Took her out a few times in the...
  3. Philster

    New Manis/Riser. New pump. Overheating. (UPDATED: RESOLVED)

    1996 Mer 502 Magnum. 315 Hours. Bravo One. Salt water boat. Rack stored and flushed regularly. Last run, she got hot @ 200*. Since then: She has been tuned up. New belts. New Manis/risers (was due) New water pump kit. Now... She runs hot (my merc tech called ). Say that they can...
  4. Philster

    Any South Jersey Shore boaters here?!

    Anyone, especially the Cape May County guys... Delaware Bay guys?
  5. Philster

    Merc topic: Out with old Manis/Risers, but is Merc or aftermarket preferred?

    Good bye old Mr Manis and Mr Risers (or we callin' them elbows?)! Nice knowing you! I caught you red handed, with the tiniest of a leak. Caught you within a droplet of your little lives. Wow, my little stainless steel elbow friends, you lasted a long time, even though your SS lives were...
  6. Philster

    List the ways to get water on spark plugs...

    In a three-way discussion, the issue of manifold and riser replacement in a salt-water boat/engine brought up some interesting perspectives. My perspective: Replace manis and risers every 3-5 years when used in salt. Go to the higher end if flushing, and stick to the lower end if not. I...
  7. Philster

    UPDATED: I had a feeling I was over-propped...

    I have a 26' 1996 Scarab. 25 pitch prop. I bought it this past fall and love it, but I had a feeling it was overpropped, just from reading about props here and doing some math. I could never come up with an answer that was recommending anything bigger than a 24 pitch. Based on power...
  8. Philster

    Wandering at low speed.

    When puttering along at 'no wake' zone speeds, my boat will not track straight. She goes a little left or a little right. Requires constant steering wheel input. >Bravo 1. >Three-blade SS prop in mint condition. >I do not have a finned zinc anode on cavitation plate, just a flat one...
  9. Philster

    Again, people are late getting their boats ready + missed great East Coast weather!

    Not me! Sunday was sweeeet. Yeeeeehaw! Pat yourself on the back here if you stretched your boat's legs before Memorial Day (or at least were ready to)!! Overall, with temps in the mid-80's and no wind, turnout on the waters around Cape May County, NJ was light. Ocean traffic was decent...
  10. Philster

    How's my Scarab (502 Merc Magnum MPI) look and sound? Opinions wanted!

    I am wayyyy behind after moving this spring. 502 was winterized and fresh lube and oil were added in November. First start of 2010! On the muffs, 80 degrees outside. Engine warmed for 5 mins by this point in vid. Running on full tank of reg unleaded with Stabil from fall. This is...
  11. Philster

    First startup of the season since winterization. What should I know or do?

    Lifelong 2-stroke outboard guy most of my life. When I ran an I/O, it was stored at the marina year round and they winterized and summerized. So, with the boat now in my driveway my plan for tomorrow is that I am going to hook the water up to the outdrive and fire the 502 up (actually going to...
  12. Philster

    Gauges, gauges, gauges: Replace/rewire questions...

    My fiance decided that her new engagement ring was so nice that she went ahead and ordered me some Livorsi gauges and connectors that I was drooling over. She conspired with her brother-in-law, and they got them from CP via a link on the web (hey, pretty smart on their part, I guess). Despite...
  13. Philster

    Of Risers and Manifolds and Used Boats.

    I bought my Scarab after a survey in which there were two sea trials and the Scarab was at the surveyor's own boat yard for two weeks. I cannot tell you how old the risers/manifolds are. The surveyor made no mention to replace them. The boat was used in fresh and salt water and rack stored...
  14. Philster

    Gear lube slowly dripping from pitot intake on Bravo One outdrive

    Title says it all. Definitely a very slow drip from the pitot-speedo (tiny) hole on front of outdrive. Don't know how worried I am supposed to be.
  15. Philster

    Sorry, second inquiry into how to over-ride trim limit (trailer trim switch FAIL)

    I've been told before to bypass the trim limit thingy and use my trim button to raise my drive for trailering... but I just ain't seeing it... ...and it takes a lot for me to admit something like this, because I wrench on everything.... But I can't be sure near the transom/outdrive what...
  16. Philster

    Repairing chips in composite hull...

    I have a DuPont ? Composite hull. How can I repair chips and/or gouges? I have two little chunks/chips near the bow that I'd like to fill in. Well below the gel. In one, I can see some fibers/sheet material. Any suggestions?
  17. Philster

    Charging the ol' battery....

    Scarab has been laid up and well-covered since November when she last ran. I did not remove the battery. All the accessories work and the hatch has been up/down a number of times since March, but I decided to charge the battery, since I didn't all winter. (Yes, I know I ran a risk of a...
  18. Philster

    What parts and maintenance items MUST be OEM (Mercruiser)?

    After reading numerous threads, I would notice every once in a while somewhere it'd be mentioned that you must use part x, y or z and that it must be OEM. I remember only a couple of these recommendations, but I don't know if there is a master list or master reference guide. So... for...
  19. Philster

    Fuel Gauge/Sender Questions

    Parked on the trailer, with a full tank, my fuel gauge will read 3/4 full and rapidly spike up to full and back to 3/4. It's one of the pesky things I just need to obsess about. I am guessing there is an opportunity for this to work better. In such a case, does this sound like a sending...
  20. Philster

    Trim works on Bravo One, Trailer Trim doesn't

    I've been on the boards long enough to know I should search, but I am working off my blackberry, so it is not practical right now and I need an answer, because.... I am about to head out to trailer my boat (2-hour, 80 mile drive) to be rack stored. I went to raise the outdrive to 'trailer up'...
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