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  1. Lou C

    setting the timing on 1989 4.3 OMC

    I think it's a website issue.
  2. Lou C

    setting the timing on 1989 4.3 OMC

    What you need to do is clean up the harmonic balancer which will have a slot on it (I put a dab of white paint on it so it shows up) and the timing tab that’s attached to the timing chain cover. This has notches that represent 0*, 2*, 4*, 6*, etc, BTDC (before top dead center) will be to the...
  3. Lou C

    setting the timing on 1989 4.3 OMC

    Those Prestolite distributors have a centrifugal advance system under the points plate. Simple set up of flyweights and springs. The standard setting for timing is 6* BTDC. This is set at idle speed. As far as spark advance total timing advance the centrifugal advance adds 12* at 3200 or so RPM...
  4. Lou C

    Starter install help.

    Yep there are 3 terminal staters & 4 terminal starters. When buying a new starter you need to check yours first. I also like keep a spare starter solenoid in my spare parts bin just in case because these sometimes fail whereas the rest of the starter itself can be fine. I like ARCO starters &...
  5. Lou C

    My 84 4winns horizon 195 project.

    When I dug the foam out of my boat when doing a partial deck replacement I found 95% of the foam was totally dry only the bottom most 1/8” was damp. That was surprising to me…. Can’t wait to see more of your pix! Remember that a boat like yours or mine is about $75,000 brand new and what you’re...
  6. Lou C

    1990 Chris-Craft Concept 4.3 OMC Cobra PLEASE HELP

    You will find it MUCH easier if you get ahold of an OMC shop manual with the factory wiring diagrams. That is for the engine & trim system. The dash wiring is separate, it might be available from Chris Craft, I was able to get one for my boat from Four Winns. BTW I think in that time period both...
  7. Lou C

    1990 Chris-Craft Concept 4.3 OMC Cobra PLEASE HELP

    Cobra doesn’t have the fuse on the starter solenoid like Merc but there are 2 large 50 amp fuses in a rubber fuse holder near the big cannon plug. The rubber fuse holder is snapped into the back of the shift linkage bracket. If your gauges go on & your trim works but accessories don’t something...
  8. Lou C

    Tips On Replacing Starter

    I like to get parts from a local marine supplier he is very knowledgeable and knows which brands the mechanics like and which ones they don’t. He also gives regular customers a discount! And also knows other professionals that boat owners need like upholstery or fiberglass.
  9. Lou C

    OMC Cobra won’t shift out of gear

    Yep you start with the drive off and first set the shift rod height. Then you use those 2 tools to set up the transom shift cable. Then install the drive & check the adjustment of the remote control cable. The idea is to get equal throw & full engagement on both sides of neutral. You need a...
  10. Lou C

    Mercruiser 4.3 MPI Q's

    Yep, for some reason (I think it is because of the large size of the old Delco starters) mine has a right angle fitting on the side with the starter, this one I really had to dig at to get it to flow one year, since then it has been fine. I would like to change it but I don't think fooling with...
  11. Lou C

    Mercruiser 4.3 MPI Q's

    All you have to do is disconnect the J shaped hose at the stat housing & fill it with AF till it spurts out of the stat housing. No need to remove stat housing at all.
  12. Lou C

    Mercruiser 4.3 MPI Q's

    What it takes to keep those block drains clear is a set of picks with different angles that enables you to dig out rust & sand that accumulates in the cooling passages at the bottom of the block. This is why I feel all cast iron inboards should be closed cooled: because of how cast iron...
  13. Lou C

    Mercruiser 4.3 MPI Q's

    I have a relative that has a 2020 Merc 4.5 V6 with this system, it is used in salt water. What I told him was this, when it's still new and actually drains, you should measure how much drains so you can tell when it's starting to clog. Start with the plug in, let it drain in the bilge, then put...
  14. Lou C

    Head Gasket replacement on a 1989 4.3L 262 mercruiser V6

    Fel Pro makes a nice head gasket set for the 4.3 with Marine head gaskets & intake gaskets, it also comes with new valve cover gaskets & one for the distributor. 11 year old thread!!!
  15. Lou C

    New Z-Drive which anodes default installed

    Isn’t “Z drive” Euro-English for outdrive? Anyway I have used zinc anodes on my Cobra drive moored in salt water for years. They are deteriorate at the end of the season (6 months) but not even 50%, more like 20%. The only problems I have had are the aluminum eyelets on the end of the trim Ram...
  16. Lou C

    Ethanol free gas for Mercruiser

    The only exceptions to my draining the 4 stroke carbs: Generator I start once a month & run it & put a load in it with my wife’s hairdryer to make sure it makes power Briggs & Stratton lawn mower with the old school pulsa Jet carb that sits on top of the gas tank; these will rust internally if...
  17. Lou C

    Boat age vs financing.

    Yep I’m a Cobra guy and I have had excellent service from it in what’s probably the difficult for I/Os which is salt water use & moorage. 22 years & minimal repairs. I just rebuilt both trim cylinders & replaced the trim Ram rods due to corrosion. Each rebuild kit was $55 and the Ram Rods I got...
  18. Lou C

    Ethanol free gas for Mercruiser

    Im in agreement with the above posts. Besides the boat & our vehicles I maintain 9 different small engines: 5 two strokes 4 four strokes All have been run on E10 gas with stabilizer. I’ve had to clean out a few carbs but since I installed fuel shut offs on the 4 strokes with bowl carbs & drain...
  19. Lou C

    Power Steering Actuator Part

    There is a Volvo online parts catalog that is part of this site I think. You plug in your engine model # and then look for individual sections.
  20. Lou C

    Ethanol free gas for Mercruiser

    If you're concerned or just curious, you can get an ethanol test kit to make sure the fuel you are using doesn't have more than 10%.
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