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  1. Lou C

    Moving from IO to OB experiences?

    With the added complexity forced on I/Os of cat converter exhaust and expense of repair and replacement combined with the typically horrible engine access of modern boat designs (yes open that little hatch and imagine just how you’d replace a starter or steering actuator without pulling the...
  2. Lou C

    SX cobra out drive crack

    That’s a water drain and if that slot gets clogged then it will cause a crack if water gets trapped inside & freezes. But you are missing your front anode!
  3. Lou C

    Boat Ramp Disaster

    Operator error all over the place there. When he first stopped the boat was in far enough to back it off. All he had to do was leave it in gear engine off set the parking brake and put a chock behind the wheel.
  4. Lou C

    Volvo penta 5.0 knocking sound

    Just watch the engine temp don’t let it overheat
  5. Lou C

    Overheating

    It is possible that a blown or leaky HG is putting hot exhaust gas into the cooling water. You could get one of those carbon monoxide test kits to see if that’s the case; easier to determine with the closed system. We had a similar problem on a 98 Subaru EJ2.5 flat 4, these are known for blowing...
  6. Lou C

    Volvo penta 5.0 knocking sound

    Try disconnecting the belt for a few sec to see if it stops, if so spin each accessory and see if any feels rough or is noisy. Replace as needed. It sounds more like an engine sound to me like a bad lifter or bent push rod/stuck valve. Your best bet is to get a mechanics stethoscope because...
  7. Lou C

    new carb new issue

    Your fuel pump pressure is fine. It sounds like your floats are sticking, the needle valve is not holding or the vent is clogged or obstructed. New carb I’d call Edelbrock tech support and ask.
  8. Lou C

    Drain Plugs for 1999 Mercruiser 4.3 Thunderbolt 6 cyl

    The situation with ruined engines in places that don’t usually have winter (so owners never felt the need to drain) is so bad that one major engine supplier told me they don’t expect any new 4.3s maybe ever because GM doesn’t build the old cast iron version any longer apparently. So then all you...
  9. Lou C

    Drain Plugs for 1999 Mercruiser 4.3 Thunderbolt 6 cyl

    This is one of the reasons why I think all inboards should be closed cooled. The thousands of engines ruined in the great Texas freeze up this winter prove it. As far as breaking things I did a top engine overhaul on this engine after at least 15 years of salt water use and all the bolts came...
  10. Lou C

    Drain Plugs for 1999 Mercruiser 4.3 Thunderbolt 6 cyl

    That's what I think, but I know Mercruiser does now recommend it, it is really up to you. The main thing is get all the water OUT. There has been a debate about the benefit of antifreeze forever it seems, so its really up to the owner. BUT, I'd rather see you just drain, than use AF the wrong...
  11. Lou C

    Drain Plugs for 1999 Mercruiser 4.3 Thunderbolt 6 cyl

    For the square plug, just get an adjustable wrench, don't need a socket really. Spray penetrationg oil first. The 4.3 and all the V8s all have a plug on each side of the block low down, you gotta find them. Here's a pic of my old 4.3 the plug is in front of the starter......see the 90* drain...
  12. Lou C

    My boat sank, part II

    NEVER go without insurance, you don't realize what personal injury lawyers can do to you if you get sued. It will make your life miserable until the case is settled and if the jury makes a large award you will be SOL. Don't know how it is where you are but here in NY, that's how it is.
  13. Lou C

    My boat sank, part II

    When I did structural repairs to my F/W 15 years ago I got an agreed value policy for $10,500 which was the most they would give me. I took pix of all the work done and sent it to them. Premium is only about 400 a year and this is in Long Island NY where ins is expensive. Plus on top of this I...
  14. Lou C

    Drain Plugs for 1999 Mercruiser 4.3 Thunderbolt 6 cyl

    Yes that’s it. There have been reports of the water passage under the thermostat housing cracking and that will put water right into the oil when you start up in the spring. I’m not sure why but they must have changed the casting when the change was made from the pre Vortec (up to ‘95) to the...
  15. Lou C

    Converting Mercruiser MC-1 to Alpha

    Sounds like a lot of work/figuring to make it work. But I guess parts are just not available to rebuild those old drives. A complete change to the 4.3/Alpha Gen 2 would seem to be the best in terms of finding parts and keeping it going. It is a shame to give up on the old inline 6 but to keep...
  16. Lou C

    Drain Plugs for 1999 Mercruiser 4.3 Thunderbolt 6 cyl

    Maybe it’s the square plug on the front of the intake manifold. It’s hard to see but would be behind the serp belt near those disconnected hoses on the left side of that pic.
  17. Lou C

    My boat sank, part II

    If anyone has a roller trailer and a truck or Jeep with a front hitch on it that would be one possible way to get it off. They launch boats from the beach that way in Australia
  18. Lou C

    My boat sank, part II

    This is why I like my salt water mooring, yes you have to deal with bottom paint and painting the drive/transom mount but compared to docks & lifts I feel that as long as your ground tackle is adequate it is the safest in any kind of storm situation unless you pull the boat. I have a 250 lb...
  19. Lou C

    My boat sank, part II

    Sounds like you’re determined and will follow thru on what needs to be done…we’re all hoping for a positive outcome
  20. Lou C

    Cobra Outdrive Sucked Up Some Sand

    Also search on my user name for the steps to properly set up the OMC Cobra shift linkage. Once it is done right, with a good shift cable, with the ESA working, and all adjusted right they shift VERY easily. Mine goes into gear with a nice solid "THUNK" and goes into neutral with 2 finger...
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