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    Best small polisher/buffer?

    There is nothing easier to use than an orbital.It is also the least effective polisher.Imho an orbital is more for a new or newer finish.Rotary is waaaay more effective and quite a bit of work compared to an orbital but the great results outweigh the effort.Post back if you decide to go rotary...
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    Replacement motor going in ,need opinions

    Sorry guys,the pic is one of my original engines showing the easy access for an engine change.I will get a pic of my newly replaced stbd engine which was described to me as Dry joint exhaust which had a spacer of several inches between the manifold and riser.Charlie
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    Replacement motor going in ,need opinions

    Got a quick look today.They removed spacers on the risers and carb and it actually looks like it takes up a little less engine compartment .I didnt get a chance to ask bit I was lead to believe that the spacers under the risers are what made this "dry" exhaust. I have been dealing with the owner...
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    Replacement motor going in ,need opinions

    Got word "new" engine is installed and it fit fine with minimal mods.going to check it out today!! Charlie
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    Replacement motor going in ,need opinions

    Im not taking a chance on rebuilding it.I am leaving all the work to the boatyard.The newer motor is complete.Could be a complete drop in to the right boat but I will needs some mods.Motor is $3000 ,pull old motor and install newer one is $1500.Modifications are gonna be extra and since the...
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    Replacement motor going in ,need opinions

    Yes I am using what started as the easiest approach thinking it was almost a "drop in".Most techs I spoke to over the past months didnt have any confidence in rebuilds and really seemed like they were not into that kind of job and this was in Feb ...a time where I assumed these guys would...
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    Replacement motor going in ,need opinions

    thanks,I would hope the tech would have already known that.any idea what year vortec begins?? Maybe they have the year of the newer motor incorrect??Charlie
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    Cleaning grease and sand off prop shaft.

    Brakeclean should do the trick.Wipe off as much as possible with rags first.Depending on how much sand is in the splines ,you may want to consider sliding a screwdriver down each spline to make sure everything is out of the groove.Charlie
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    Replacement motor going in ,need opinions

    One of my 1988 5.0XL 4bbl alpha ,needs replacement.Reputable boatyard has a very clean good running 2003 5.0 2bbl dry exhaust serpentine style from a bravo.He said that it should drop right in with a few modifications,mostly because of the alpha drive.I gave him the go ahead and he pulled my...
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    Alpha drive will lower but not raise

    False alarm....maybe....Battery was weak.Turned the charger on and problem solved.Still gonna go over the connections since it is so straight forward when you are face to face with it.Thanks guys,Charlie
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    New Boat Purchase - Stuck Manifold drain plug

    Assuming it is brass and easy to get to,just drill it out starting with small bit and working your way up in size until there is only a small amount left and at that point you can probably tap it out without damaging the manifold.Personally,any time I purchase a boat I immediately replace...
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    Trouble reinstalling pre-alpha drive

    I have had several boats with outdrives over the past 40 years and I have NEVER had to do anything re: alignment.I doubt messing with that will resolve your issue.Charlie
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    Alpha drive will lower but not raise

    Im getting click sound at the trim motor using both trim switch and trailer button to raise drive but the motor is not engaging.Down works as it should.Planning on checking connections at the trim motor.Anything onvious I am missing? Charlie
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    Trouble reinstalling pre-alpha drive

    pull it off and start all over.You are not even close to getting it installed.Looks to me like you dont have the drive shaft getting lined up through the gimbal bearing based on how far you are from getting it on.Get a handful of grease and starting at the splines ,slather it on all the way down...
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    Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 1 -- Gimbal bearing

    I recommend a standard gimbal bearing.I have never had one fail in over 30 years of stern drives.Grease in the spring,again in the fall upon seasonal hauling and again before launch.Zerks are good.They make/allow you depend on YOU.Not a bad thing.Charlie
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    Bought a new boat..loooads of questions LOL

    Good luck with the new boat.sounds like you need a buddy with similar to hang out with and show you the ropes a bit.One VERY BIG difference is going to be the handling while docking or in close quarters.Especially if you leave the plastic window up and there is any kind of breeze.If all attached...
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    Standard size drain hose for sinks

    I am wanting to replace my sink drain thru hull with a stainless thru hull.Does anyone know the standard size? Both my bathroom and kitchen look to be about an inch.Charlie
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    Can you start these in cold temperatures out of water?

    Yes correct.The kit includes the impeller ,impeller housing and wear plate with gaskets.As you already mentioned ,I would focus on getting it running first.Pull the plugs ,clean them up ,spray some starting fluid in each cylinder before putting each plug back ,fresh fuel and crank it over and...
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    Can you start these in cold temperatures out of water?

    Hopefully the engine WAS winterized prior to your getting it
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    Can you start these in cold temperatures out of water?

    it would help to know what engine and drive you have but I would 100% recommend a water pump service in any drive that is new to you
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