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  1. K

    Pistons on Ford 302 / Mercruiser 188

    By looking at the distributor cap I was able to figure the firing order. If my count is correct your engine has a standard 302 15426378 firing order. 188s 13726548. So the engine is a 170hp. Since you got the boat cheap just use it as is once you get it cleaned up.
  2. K

    1986 Mercruiser 470/170hp/3.7L Carb backfire, low vacuum, other weird issues

    Just for kicks try setting the timing a 6. It cannot hurt, try to get some good gas at a marina. Sometimes you have to experiment. Lucky for my area I still can get 92 pure gas.
  3. K

    1986 Mercruiser 470/170hp/3.7L Carb backfire, low vacuum, other weird issues

    On your # 48 post you stated that the dwell is 30. The correct dwell for your engine is 40. You need to get that corrected, as far as the timing 4* is not enough. I like to set the timing with the spark plugs out with the spark plugs on the wires and grounded, spin the engine and then set...
  4. K

    Throttle Cable Conundrum

    The 1/4” is normal. The premium cables have less of the slack.
  5. K

    Mercruiser Vacuum Gauge

    The trim gauge is operated by a hydraulic cylinder, it has 2 clear hoses and some wires going to it. If it still operates the gauge you are lucky.
  6. K

    Motor knocking. Mercruiser 3.0 alpha 1

    Do like Scott06 said about removing a spark plug wire when the noise is present, if there is any piston or rod noise and it goes away then it is time for a rebuild. The other thing that will make noise is the fuel pump if the tension spring is broken and the lever is slapping the cam lobe.
  7. K

    1995 3.0 cobra coolant system.... (and hello)

    If you remove the incoming water hose that will drain any remaining water in the pump. Leaving the hose off will let the system dry out completely. Store the drive in the down position.
  8. K

    1986 Mercruiser 470/170hp/3.7L Carb backfire, low vacuum, other weird issues

    With the spark plugs out and the coil wire grounded spin the engine and you will be able to get an accurate setting. If the dwell still moves and does not hold steady the distributor bushings or the centrifugal advance parts under the breaker plate could be worn out.
  9. K

    1986 Mercruiser 470/170hp/3.7L Carb backfire, low vacuum, other weird issues

    In addition to Scott & Dubed‘s suggestions you may have a worn exhaust cam lobe or a broken intake valve spring. Remove the valve cover and the spark plugs, turn the engine by hand and watch the rocker arms. Also possible to have a cracked distributor cap causing a crossfire.
  10. K

    Mercruiser - Stalls in Reverse

    As Chris just suggested there most likely a build up of corrosion in the front section of the bell housing stopping the slider from traveling enough to engage reverse. You need to pull the drive and clean out that area and also the pocket in the driveshaft housing where the slider travels for...
  11. K

    Mercruiser Vacuum Gauge

    If there is too much pitch and the rpms are under what the engine is rated at the gauge will be at 0 which is not good. Also if the boat is overloaded with the correct pitch the engine is taking a beating. I have seen main and rod bearings hammered out from overloading. Picture A 24’...
  12. K

    Mercruiser 470 voltage regulator smoking

    Sierra Marine # 18-5953-1. This kit replaces the charging system with a 1 wire Delco alternator. Comes with all needed hardware. Easy to install no special tools needed. If the starter on your engine has a solenoid mounted on the starter you will also need Sierra # 18-8220 fuse kit. If the...
  13. K

    Mercruiser Vacuum Gauge

    They also help with having the correct propeller. The sweet spot will be where the needle is between 0 and 5 at full throttle and trimmed out.
  14. K

    What to look for before reinstalling a 4.3 engine

    In addition to SD & AD‘s suggestions remove the engine mounts. It is easier to install the engine with the mounts removed from the stringers and having them loose on the engine mount brackets.
  15. K

    Water penetration in Alpha 1 sterndrive

    Back the boat down the ramp with it strapped to the trailer as much as possible. That should show where any leaks are.
  16. K

    Volvo Penta AQ131D getting hot

    Misfiring and you will start seeing rust streaks around the head to manifold area. You might be able to inspect it with a miniature camera after slipping the rubber hose down the exhaust down pipe. There will be a hole in the divider.
  17. K

    Volvo Penta AQ131D getting hot

    Looks like the temperature is under control. So now you will be able to know when the system needs attention. You need to watch the exhaust manifold, there is a “cast in “ divider at the outlet, when the divider goes away from corrosion water starts getting into the #4.
  18. K

    Water penetration in Alpha 1 sterndrive

    Just like SD posted, take a close look at the shift cable bellows with the drive raised. There is probably a small crack. If the shift cable was not replaced then the bellows is the original one.
  19. K

    Volvo Penta AQ131D getting hot

    The suspension fork is the vertical arms that attach the drive to the transom plate, the hose nipple is attached to it. Quite similar to the way lower control arms attach to the frame of a car. It will not be long and you will get used to the quirky way Volvo describes things. The thing about...
  20. K

    ALPHA 1 GEN 1 TRIM CYLINDER (NEW)WILL NOT GO ALL THE WAY DOWN

    The most forward hose fitting on the rams go to the most forward ports on the trim block.
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