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  1. Lou C

    Draining engine block - Merc MX 6.2 MPI/Bravo 3

    All this multi hose clog prone nonsense could have been prevented by installing even just a half system from new. For shame Mercruiser! I'd never ever install a new or reman engine without one. No way do I want to deal with crawling around in the bilge to get at the plugs or having to pull off...
  2. Lou C

    1996 Volvo Penta 7.4 will not stay running

    I wondered if the Prestolite BID module could have been replaced with a Petronix? I've heard mixed things about those...thought about it but kept the points since I haven't really had trouble with them...
  3. Lou C

    Thermostat Housing Check Balls

    I guess for whatever reason that side clogs more easily so get a set of picks from Harbor Freight or similar and take some time digging out that drain hole. When it’s clear it will drain about the same as the port side. Since I really cleaned it out when I had the heads off 3 years ago I...
  4. Lou C

    Thermostat Housing Check Balls

    I ran into this with my old 4.3 after about 15 years of raw water cooling on the starboard side never on the port side. Port side always drained well starboard side was less or just a trickle. On the starboard side there is an additional fitting to change the angle of the drain fitting, I think...
  5. Lou C

    Winterizing

    I’ve always filled it from the fill plug with the dipstick just resting in the hole which allows air to escape so you can get the full amount of gear oil in (2qts). Check it with the dip stick then when full thread it in. Now quickly remove the gear oil pump and tighten the fill plug. Next...
  6. Lou C

    1996 Volvo Penta 7.4 will not stay running

    I think both OMC and Volvo used the Prestolite BID system for a few years but the modules for those are NLA so converting over to the Delco is about the only option. I still have the Prestolite points distributor which for me is not really a problem since I grew up with cars that all had...
  7. Lou C

    Engine Serial Number Decoded

    I did some more searching around and the APWXS equates to A=first run of engine/carb combination P=Power Steering which obviously you have WXS=1986 model year. The number starting with T is the GM engine serial # T= Tonawanda Assembly Plant. This is only really important if internal engine...
  8. Lou C

    Engine Serial Number Decoded

    can't answer year, what's the year of the boat? Look for the last 2 digits of the HIN that should be it the 432 means a 4.3 GM (Chevrolet) V6 with a 2bbl Rochester carb, 175 hp. P means you have power steering. The rest of the letters can give the year and any modifications done during the...
  9. Lou C

    Winterizing

    Yes the Permatex will work just as well. I bought a large can of the Evinrude stuff from Amazon, it will probably last long than I have this boat! Just remember you're dealing with an aluminum housing and don't have to get crazy with tightening these things, the only time they leak is if the...
  10. Lou C

    Winterizing

    For the pivot housing plugs, what I've done is put OMC/Evinrude gasket sealer on the threads, for the pivot housing plugs they don't have to be super tight to seal as long as the o-ring is in place. I've been doing it that way for 18 years and my boat is in salt water 6 months out of the year...
  11. Lou C

    Engine Serial Number Decoded

    You need to find out how ownership is transferred in your province. For example in New York State boats are titled so a signed over title is needed to transfer ownership. All it has is the year, Manufacturers name and the HIN number just like a car with the VIN. Trailers on the other hand are...
  12. Lou C

    Engine Serial Number Decoded

    Correct normally this is done for outboard boats but on inboard boats all that is used for registration is the HIN number. First 2 or 3 letters are an abbreviation of the manufacturer's name last 2 digits are the year. The number with the T is most likely the engine number if you got it off...
  13. Lou C

    Engine Serial Number Decoded

    Not sure I’ll have to check mine I still have the sticker. It’s not a 350 (V8) it’s a 262 cu in V6 4.3 liters. 2 bbl carb is 175 hp 4 bbl carb is 205 hp. Yours looks like a 2 bbl. there will be an engine serial # that starts with a T (Tonawanda NY plant) or R (Romulus Mi plant). It will be on...
  14. Lou C

    Engine Serial Number Decoded

    I think that’s required on outboard boats but inboards are registered by the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the right rear hull. You have a Chevy 4.3 V6 and the sticker on the thermostat housing where it says OMC drive systems will have the model # which is what you use to order parts...
  15. Lou C

    1998 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL

    And you can get a set of Barr exhaust manifolds, elbows, gaskets + bolts for approx $725. That's what I put on my engine as a replacement for the old OMC one piece batwings. Not worth gambling with old exhaust if replacing an engine unless they were fresh water used and the mating surfaces are...
  16. Lou C

    Engine Serial Number Decoded

    that's a block serial # T= Tonawanda NY assembly plant, R = Romulus Michigan. OMC model numbers usually start with the liter displacement of the engine, followed by a 2 (2bbl carb) or 4 (4 bbl carb) the letter M (manual steering ) or P (power steering) followed by another series of letters (date...
  17. Lou C

    EZ Drain Plugs for Exhaust Manifold & Engine Block on 3.0 Mercruiser?

    In some applications the Merc ones with the hex might actually be easier to remove, since you could use a box end ratcheting wrench to loosen them, I usually have to use a small adjustable wrench to loosen them.
  18. Lou C

    EZ Drain Plugs for Exhaust Manifold & Engine Block on 3.0 Mercruiser?

    You can but how they work is that there is a hole thru the sides of the part with the wingnuts as you unscrew them (not all the way through to the end) it unseats from the part that is threaded into the block and the water flows round the holes in the sides and out the center hole. I always...
  19. Lou C

    EZ Drain Plugs for Exhaust Manifold & Engine Block on 3.0 Mercruiser?

    This style has worked great for me for many years...
  20. Lou C

    4.3L intake manifold drain?

    My next one will have closed cooling for sure. At least a half system + remote oil filter. Two must haves for I/Os
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