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  1. JimS123

    Merc 3.5 4-stroke Starting Issues

    2017 Model, used as a kicker, maybe 10 hours total usage. It has always started with 3 or 4 pulls and run flawlessly. When I shut it down I always turn off the fuel tank lever and run it out until it stalls. This year the first time out it took an unusual number of pulls to get it to run...
  2. JimS123

    Outboard Mounting Height

    Reading the whole post is what lead to the answers you were given. When you wrote what you did it is logical that the reader needs to consider it as a whole because all the items are probably related. If you need to remove any statement then it is you that fell flat on your face. And once...
  3. JimS123

    Hooked up my battery with the wrong polarity

    I personally can't itemize concerns, but since the Owner's Manual says not to I usually comply. Also, I thought it was common knowledge.
  4. JimS123

    Question on starting an outboard. And fuel line question(s)

    I stand corrected. I have too many motors to remember the different vintage subtleties. However, I did dig out an old '73 Johnson manual to reference the starting procedure. There is indeed a "start" setting, as well as "shift". Maybe you should ebay a manual. Invaluable reference. After a...
  5. JimS123

    Question on starting an outboard. And fuel line question(s)

    I believe the dial is to set the idle SPEED. It's normally used to set your trolling speed, not mixture. No need to hard wire the fuel lines. Your connectors are shot. Simply replace the connectors. To start set the choke to full and then close it when the motor is running smoothly. Set...
  6. JimS123

    Outboard Mounting Height

    Your motor is too high. That is the answer to your question as you asked it. (see post #6) Regardless, not achieving WOT is not related to your question. If anything, you should exceed wot. On that basis, You need to post in the "repair" forum so fix the motor.
  7. JimS123

    Has anyone actually seen ethenol ruin anything?

    I have outboards that I run regularly that date back to 1952. Naturally I have replaced fuel lines because they don't last that long anyway. Other than that normal maintenance, they all run like a top. I had a 1984 Mercruiser that I owned for 35 years and NEVER changed anything, ever. It ran...
  8. JimS123

    Damage During Winter Storage

    An opening, even the smallest one, will invite intrusion. Fully sealed will deter, unless they smell something inside that makes them want to intrude.
  9. JimS123

    Speakers in same compartment as gas tank?

    That's exactly true. People blow themselves up all the time. In this case, at the very least the OP asked the question before he got hamfisted.
  10. JimS123

    Damage During Winter Storage

    Seen it before. You probably have no recourse. Store it in an animal infested place and what could possibly happen. If you have ANY recourse, it's against the guy that did the shrink wrapping and did,'t seal it all up
  11. JimS123

    Speakers in same compartment as gas tank?

    Yes, won't be a problem, until it DOES leak. Designs need to consider the worst possible case.
  12. JimS123

    oil change

    You know, boating is not a hobby to save money. I bought several pumps over the years and finally got one that works well. Been using it for 25 years now. Moeller makes the best pump, imho. It will last you forever. West Marine has the same unit, private labeled, on sale now for $65...
  13. JimS123

    Oil pan drain hose

    My 3 liter merc had a hose fitting on top of the dipstick. The first hand oil pump I had also had the female fitting on the hose. Yes, it was an easy hookup, but every time I used it I had drippage when it was taken apart. Personally, I found the hose in the dipstick a cleaner process.
  14. JimS123

    Oil pan drain hose

    I used manual and electric pumps thru the dipstick for years. PITA. Then, my son bought a boat with an oil pan drain that came out the garboard drain. Wholly mackerel.....what an improvement. No muss, no fuss, no dripped oil and much faster. If nothing comes out, the hose is plugged. Try...
  15. JimS123

    Hooked up my battery with the wrong polarity

    Explain. Does the motor turn over but not fire, or does it not turn over at all?
  16. JimS123

    Hooked up my battery with the wrong polarity

    There is a fuse on your engine. Get a wiring diagram and find out where it is. You can replace the fuse and all will be well. Or take it to a Mercury dealer and pay a hundred bucks for them to do it for you. Your owner's manual should show all the details. If you don't have one, buying one...
  17. JimS123

    Used Engines?

    I wouldn't say "filled". In fact, I've made mostly good decisions, based upon good due diligence. Only someone that has lead a sheltered life would not understand the the pitfalls of buying used.
  18. JimS123

    Used Engines?

    Go to a marine dealer and get a warranty. Every Craigslist add says "ran good when put away." They all are lying.
  19. JimS123

    2006 Seadoo GTI 130 loud engine

    We had a similar problem. Turned out the driveshaft was bent from ingested debris. The dealer said it was OK. Eventually, the vibration tore the head bolts and the boat sank. The new dealer measured the runout of the shaft and replaced it. NO problems after that. (and thousands later)
  20. JimS123

    Livewells filling with water not hooked up or turned on

    Live wells should have a valve on the inlet. If the pump is turned off, water can still come in thru the inlet, even if the pump is off. Close the valve.
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