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  1. J

    Removing caliper bolts

    I have a simile setup, I used heat from a small propane torch and a pair of vice grips. I was replacing my calipers and new ones came with new fasteners.
  2. J

    Engine oil

    I used Prestone low tox antifreeze concentrate. I got it at O’Reilly’s, It’s propylene glycol based. I mixed it 50/50 with water. Everyone has their own oil they prefer to use. Rotella 15-40 is popular, I use Quicksilver 25-40. My local Wal-Mart has it on sale every fall to clear out the shelf...
  3. J

    4.3 intake manifold drain video

    I have a Vortec 4.3L, not sure if the one in the video is or if that makes any differences After I drained the block, manifolds, and the water pump hose I removed the thermostat. I found about 1/2” of water still in the intake. On my intake the plug has a square head. Likely isn’t enough water...
  4. J

    Mercruiser 5.0 crankshaft front oil seal replacement

    The lip inside the timing cover where it seals upto the oil pan makes it nearly impossible to replace the cover without dropping the oil pan. Like most things, I’m sure going to plastic saved GM a few dollars per engine.
  5. J

    4.3 Harmonic Balancer

    I’ll double check that bolt on the balancer. I’ll try the GM balancer if the crank snout looks to be fine. Hard to believe the balancer would have slipped on the rubber with only a few hundred hours but maybe the age is more of a factor.
  6. J

    Mercruiser 5.0 tks

    You can always take the belt off the engine and into an auto part store, they can cross reference it over.
  7. J

    4.3 Harmonic Balancer

    My knowledge, which could be wrong is that the harmonic balancer is neutral balanced and the flywheel has the weights for balancing. Perhaps when getting a engine rebuilt at a machine shop they have the time to include the balancer into the rotating assembly. For mass production GM probably...
  8. J

    4.3 Harmonic Balancer

    I helped a friend winterize his 4.3L and I happen to notice a faint but noticeable wobble of the harmonic balancer. I couldn’t tell if the outter portion of the balancer has slipped on the rubber or if the problem was with the crank snout itself as I didn’t pull the balancer. The boat is a...
  9. J

    OMG - I got an oversized load permit !!!

    Did you end up using any of the antifreeze that was discussed in the other thread?
  10. J

    PSA on Winterization Antifreeze

    Thanks, my Ace Hardwares are becoming sparse near me. I did see that my local O’Reilly Auto has Prestone’s version. The website shows it in stock for $22 a gallon of concentrate.
  11. J

    PSA on Winterization Antifreeze

    Are you buying the Sierra locally?
  12. J

    oil leak on 3.0

    I had a 3.0L years ago with a rusted timing cover. I supported the front of the engine, removed the timing cover and cut the oil pan gasket flush. I installed the new timing cover and used a 3/16 or so bead quality gasket maker on the oil pan lip. It sealed up fine with no leaks for a few years...
  13. J

    New Boat blues

    When I buy a new boat one of the first things I do is put on a Solas 4 blade prop. I go down one pitch from the factory and it keeps the RPM in a good range at WOT. In my area in the last 6-8 weeks the boat market has shifted. It went from everything selling for top dollar in a few days to...
  14. J

    New Boat blues

    Have you thought about changing the prop to get the boat on plane better? The engine compartments on the Sundecks are awkward at best, but not the worst I’ve contorted myself into. I have had a number of boats, I’ve always had compromises.
  15. J

    Trim Ram End Cap Replacement

    The corrosion seemed minor but I guess it doesn’t take much. With the trim cylinders disconnected from the outdrive the cylinder with the bad end cap wouldn’t move until the other cylinder was fully in or out. When it did move it wasn’t smooth.
  16. J

    Trim Ram End Cap Replacement

    I changed the end cap out this evening. The old one didn’t want to come off the shaft without some work. I checked and the threads are 3/8-16.
  17. J

    4.3MPI Risers

    To give you an idea as to cost, I recently put new Barr brand manifolds and elbows on my 4.3 (dry joint style, which appears your are as well). The cost was around $1100 for parts.
  18. J

    2002 Mercruiser 5.0 MPI rich Condition

    My experience - if your replacing the injectors with non-OEM ones I’d hold off. The offbrand ones in vehicles have caused more issues then what I’ve seen them solve.
  19. J

    Manfiold and elbow gasket replacement / torque and bolt question

    I replaced my manifolds and elbows recently on a 4.3L, my manual called for 33ft lbs and to retorque after a heat cycle.
  20. J

    Trim Ram End Cap Replacement

    Thanks for the information as always. I will verify the bolt size in a few days once the new cap arrives and I replace the old. What’s the likely hood that the starboard will fail like the port in the near future? Should I just do both at once? I did try to loosen the end cap, to my...
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