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    POLL: What should tongue weight really be?

    OK, it's not realy a poll, but I'm very curious. In many posts here, there appears to be a lot of people who feel that tongue weight is supposed to be 5% to 10%. I find this intriguing as I cannot find a reputable printed source that recommmends anything less than 10%.<br /><br />I've read...
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    How many drain plugs in a 1992 3.0 Alpha 1 Gen II?

    Just to make myself feel better as this is my first time draining this particular motor. I see two...one in the side of the block and one in the bottom of the manifold. My roll of toilet paper (er....I mean....my Clymer's manual :D ) is rather vague on my particular motor, mostly focusing...
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    Sometimes the key just goes click....why?

    I have a sporadic problem with my 1992 Rinker 181 with a 3.0 Merc Alpha 1.<br /><br />We waterski a lot. For safety reasons I demand ignition be OFF anytime someone is entering, leaving, or on the swim platform of the boat. So it's not uncommon for this motor to get turned on and off 20 to 30...
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    Another GM auto tech question re DexCool

    Me again...my 01 Aurora (mfr'd 04/00) has passed it 5 year limit on the original Dex-cool so I'll be flushing it out very soon (just as soon as I get the plugs changed!)<br /><br />Word on the street is that DexCool is being phased out and won't be used any longer. I know I've seen that it...
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    GM auto techs, help please!

    OK....maybe I've been retired from turning wrenches too long. I'm replacing spark plugs on the wife's 2001 Olds Aurora 3.5, and I'm stuck. Has the newer cartridge type ignition coil setup with no plug wires. I pulled the cartridge off no prob, the boots of course are on the plugs, down deep...
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    New boat 4.3 MPI, should I choose Volvo or Mercruiser?

    I'd prefer answers primarily from techs and/or those who have owned both types.<br /><br />Very close to buying a shiny new runabout...likely a Rinker 192, considering some others. Regardless, I'm choosing the 4.3L engine size with fuel injection. I believe they're basically the same GM motor...
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    I gotta oil question too.........

    These are so much fun.<br /><br />Seriously, though. Here's something to ponder...with the cost of a barrel of oil shooting through the roof, does it not make sense that maybe synthetic oils are the way to go for just about everything?<br /><br />Now let's try not to fight about this, let's...
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    Goodyear/Carlisle alternatives

    All the not-so-long-ago battles regarding these trailer tires got me a little interested. As someone who never really gave a flying patootie about brand names, I surveyed my fleet of trailers, as well as my fathers fleet, to see what kind of tires they actually have, expecting to see a bunch of...
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    Keys don't float

    This memory sticks will me well, though it was a good 25 years ago. A lake near Estes Park, CO (name escapes me) that had a big public floating dock right in the middle of the lake....the perfect location to use as a base for people to waterski from.<br /><br />I'm sitting on the dock waiting...
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    What was first model year for Mercruiser 4.3 MPI?

    Just doing some research...I think I've decided I want this motor in my next runabout. Wondering if I have to buy a new one or if it's been around a little while and might be available used.<br /><br />Was there ever a TBI version of the 4.3?<br /><br />Thanks!
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    How many CCA's needed for a 3.0 Mercruiser?

    I'm going to be buying a new battery soon for my 18 foot runabout, 3.0 Mercruiser. I run nothing more than a low powered radio and a depthfinder when shut down, and the motor is usually running so the alternator is charging most of the time anyway. So I figure a cranking battery is a better...
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    Sorry sir, your claim is denied...

    As an insurance appraiser, I inspect a lot of boats that have insurance claims. Think of this as a sad story with a bit of education for any of you new boat owners.<br /><br />About 10 years ago, an insurance company had a customer who purchased a very nice brand new boat with dual 454's in a...
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    I have a trailering cover question too!

    My "new to me" 18 foot open bow came with a good quality trailering and/or mooring cover. This is the first boat cover I've owned that has two "broomstick" supports in the bow and in the middle of the boat to support the cover and prevent water pooling.<br /><br />My inclination is to remove...
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    Most overlooked safety item when towing...

    Headlights! This is a pet peeve of mine, so I'm gonna rant and hopefully educate a little bit here. Any article/owners manual/forum/etc about safe towing covers all the critical stuff like safe weight limits, load distribution, tongue weight, safety chains, trailer lights, brakes, etc, etc...
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    Any mushroom hunters out there?

    This has GOTTA impress someone! It's been a bad year for morels, but I found this little guy in one of my favorite haunts...if I can't get quantity, at least I found quality...this is NOT a doctored photo.<br />
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    What happened to shifting props?

    Torque-Shift, Quicksilver Power 2....there were some others. I remember the ads and reviews in the late 90's. Does anyone make a prop that physically shifts from a short pitch to a deep pitch anymore? I'm having a heckuva time finding such a product and am beginning to think it no longer...
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    Anyone know anything about Hustler alum props?

    Thinking about trying these. Here on I-boats they're blowing out their 2004 Hustler "performance" aluminum propellers. I can get an exchangeable hub, a 14 1/4 x 17 prop, and a 14 1/4 x 19 prop for about $140.<br /><br />Putting on my 1992 3.0 liter runabout to replace my 15 year old bent...
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    prop question, alum vs. stainless

    What is the real benefit behind a stainless prop? I understand they're much higher strength, but I don't necessarily see this as a benefit since they'll transfer impact stress to the drive if they hit something.<br /><br />Here's my completely uneducated thinking...aluminum gives easier, so...
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    winch replacement question

    Hello all,<br /><br />It's time to replace the winch on my trailer. Still working, but it's rusty and the original strap is 15 years old so I want to be safe. But all the varying sizes and weight limits available in winches has me a little confused. My boat specs are approx 2,100 lbs, plus...
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    Safe alternative tune up parts for Mercruiser 3.0?

    Need the basic cap/rotor/plug wires. Are there other safe and/or better performing marine options out there besides the OEM Mercruiser parts? If so, where can I get them? If not, that's fine too...just making sure I don't unknowingly throw away money or pass over some parts that may be of...
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