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  1. Lou C

    Coil Question

    Cole-Hersee makes good quality switches, better than what typically comes with consumer grade boats.
  2. Lou C

    Coil Question

    Normally the R terminal is used on a points style ignition to provide full battery voltage to the coil only when the engine is cranking/starting, after the solenoid disengages the ignition coil is powered via the resistor wire that lowers the voltage to about 9 volts to keep the points from...
  3. Lou C

    Very difficult to shift into Neutral

    Yep that’s a good test. Make sure you’re running only on the idle system. If you turn the idle mix screws all the way in (gently) it should kill the engine. If not your throttle places are too far open, and you’re also running on the off idle or transition system.
  4. Lou C

    Very difficult to shift into Neutral

    I have found that I get a smoother running engine if I readjust the idle speed & mixture with the boat in the water; I feel the back pressure of the water against the exhaust makes a difference….550-600 in gear is ideal for dog clutch shifting
  5. Lou C

    4.3 vortec Mercruiser..lots of questions

    If you do a search on this forum people have posted up on how to air pressure test the cooling system passages, you need some hose & adapters and a small air compressor. These engines are actually quite rugged and simple to repair but the one Achilles heel of them is raw water cooling. If left...
  6. Lou C

    Coil Question

    PS if you can't find a VP wiring schematic for your engine, seeing as how you have a '94, that is the 1st year of the joint venture years between VP and OMC, so an OMC schematic for the same year, would likely be the same.
  7. Lou C

    Coil Question

    Well what you need is a proper VP wiring diagram for your model, but lacking that, here's what I might do: Remove the retainer for the igntion switch and see if you can rig it up to operate outside of the dashboard, so you can get to the terminals with a test light. Then do some basic tests on...
  8. Lou C

    Very difficult to shift into Neutral

    Those tools are the only way to get it right esp with Rochester carbs that have the idle mix screws under the float bowl. The Holley and Edelbrock designs are easier to get at.
  9. Lou C

    Very difficult to shift into Neutral

    Don't have merc experience but I know with the Cobra dog clutch, if the idle is up that high, the ESA system can't lower it enough to have an easy shift to neutral. I keep mine between 550-600 in gear in the water, that equates to 625 or so in neutral in the water, and it shifts with 2 finger...
  10. Lou C

    The End

    And if it’s an I/O & using a vacuum pump cold oil will not pump out!
  11. Lou C

    No thermostat, overheating

    There are 3 things on this model that can cause this problem 2 are mentioned above and there’s one more; the water tube inside the drive has water grommets that can be partly melted by overheats. On boats moored or docked in salt water you will get barnacles and other growth in the water...
  12. Lou C

    2002 5,7 Mercruiser exhaust manifold keeps cracking - 5 times this summer

    I had blown HGs on my engine verified with the clear hose test but that didn’t crack the manifolds. Something is very odd about this problem I’ve been in this forum & others over 20 years & have seen a lot of problems but not this one! Whoever can solve this one deserves a prize!
  13. Lou C

    The End

    I won’t wait till after mid Nov here in the northeast it just gets too cold to be futzing with drain plugs etc. Still have the I/O but next boat outboard only.
  14. Lou C

    The End

    Yep mine is usually out by Halloween, I don't like winterizing sterndrives in the cold, fingers are too old for that. Nice 70* day in Oct. That among others is the big advantage of outboards, they extend your season very significantly and you just tilt it down and go to sleep no worries. I/O...
  15. Lou C

    2002 5,7 Mercruiser exhaust manifold keeps cracking - 5 times this summer

    Agreed the static water line must be checked, a critical dimension with inboard exhaust
  16. Lou C

    2002 5,7 Mercruiser exhaust manifold keeps cracking - 5 times this summer

    What brand of manifold is being used for replacements? Is the cyl head flat & level where the manifold mounts? How tight are the bolts for the manifold being torqued? I had a bad over heat once on my engine many years ago and even with the manifolds getting as hot as 375*F on the outside (IR...
  17. Lou C

    1996 Four Winns Sundowner with 5.0 Cobra engine and drive

    That year VW would be a 1967, here in the US it also got a 1500 cc engine with 53 hp, prob my favorite Beetle because it has the classic old style but with more hp & 12v system. One day I’m going to get one. Looking for a Time Machine! As far as DC electrics even the USA habit of calling the...
  18. Lou C

    2002 5,7 Mercruiser exhaust manifold keeps cracking - 5 times this summer

    Agreed that’s why I have a 36 year old boat. Simple simple I think there are 5 hoses in the whole cooling system. Simple points distributor and 4 bbl carb. Starts and runs great very reliable!
  19. Lou C

    2013 - 2016 V8 Mustang vs Camaro? Same prices, I love them both

    Bbbuuuttt There always been a Mustang even though there was that little distraction called the oil embargo in 73/74…and now…no Hemi Challenger (prediction sales will tank) no more Camaro (other than trucks their line up is a snooze) and there is Mustang complete with a bellowing V8. So yeah they...
  20. Lou C

    2013 - 2016 V8 Mustang vs Camaro? Same prices, I love them both

    FoMoCo is now the ONLY maker faithful to the muscle car faithful and therefore the only one that will get my money.
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