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  1. tpenfield

    Old I/Os = Money Pits?

    'Old' anything in boating can be a money pit. Not exclusive to I/O engines.
  2. tpenfield

    Old I/Os = Money Pits?

    Yup, maintenance is the key. . . My previous boat at 25 years old when I sold it had the original twin Mercruiser 454's with Bravo outdrives. 1,050 hours and still going strong. The new owner put another 150+ hours on it within a year (now 1,200 hours) and at 27 years old it is still going...
  3. tpenfield

    Quit My Job . . .

    A servo motor is about $125 and the swap-out is fairly easy. I swapped mine out and then added a larger pulley on the machine to slow the machine even more. It also provides more torque for punching through multiple layers of fabric/vinyl Keep in mind that power of the machine is one thing...
  4. tpenfield

    Old I/Os = Money Pits?

    Certainly a matter of how old and how well maintained. If you are price shopping, then you are probably buying problems, but it would be more than just the engine.
  5. tpenfield

    Whats your system for dockside mooring covers

    Like the other guys said . . . go for water-proofing the existing mooring covers, either through the application of a water-proofing product, or a re-make of the covers.
  6. tpenfield

    Battery discharge. ...normal?

    Not a battery 'expert' by any means, but depletion of the battery below the 'reserve capacity' level (10.5 volts) tends to do permanent damage to the battery. I know from experience when I left my truck off of the battery minder for the winter. The battery had only a few volts left and would...
  7. tpenfield

    Quit My Job . . .

    I'd like to pick up another machine at some point, but everything is about double the price of 3 years ago when I bought the 206RB-4. I paid $500 for the machine and accessories. I swapped out the clutch motor for a servo motor and did some gear (belt) reduction. @Baylinerchuck - In my...
  8. tpenfield

    Quit My Job . . .

    @Baylinerchuck - Reverse is pretty much a must. You will use reverse twice on each seam The starting stitches and the ending stitches (to lock the thread). The the Consew 226 has reverse as does the 206RB. I'm not a fan of the earlier versions of the 206RB, as the controls are not as nice...
  9. tpenfield

    Glastron SX 175 Gas Smell

    Where there are fumes, there is gasoline. Just because the Marine shop couldn't find a leak does not mean there isn't one.
  10. tpenfield

    Dual Battery ... Wiring fail or I just don't understand?

    ^^^^ This. The ground wires are probably 'daisy chained' and you disconnected the ground to the second battery when you unhooked the first battery.
  11. tpenfield

    Is this dealer legit??

    Just looking around the website . . . it seems scammish. Why are the names all typed with no spaces in the testimonial page? Have you 'Googled' any of these people?
  12. tpenfield

    Is this dealer legit??

    The M.O. is a popular SCAM where you wire the $$,$$$ and never see anything for it. Got a link to share?. Have you checked any of the published information?
  13. tpenfield

    Boating in saltwater

    Get yourself the aluminum anodes for the Bravo 3. Since your boat is 2004, I am assuming it has the prop shaft anode, and the dual ventilation plate anodes. (good thing) Spend the $1500 +/- and switch to a FULL closed cooling system BEFORE the engines see a drop of salt water. Orca or...
  14. tpenfield

    V8-320-c-b

    If you don't have the engine display, then it is a matter of guessing. The computer will allow you/mechanic the see what is going on. Did you get towed back to dock because the engine died, or were you just concerned about running it with the CEL and alarm?
  15. tpenfield

    Removing caliper bolts

    You can also get a set of hex sockets for your 3/8" socket wrench. You mentioned salt water, so grab some liquid wrench and a wire brush while you are at the store.
  16. tpenfield

    Fuel Tank - Replace?

    Murphy's Law states that as soon as you lay the floor down the tank will start to leak. So, if you can go the distance, sure get a new tank.
  17. tpenfield

    Growling noise when steering.

    @JayBirdie88 . . . . 'Bellows', not billows A standard U-joint may not be good enough . . . Maybe check the bearing size of what you got from eBay. Similarly with the gimbal bearing. . . might be a cheap bearing. Do you have the outdrive trimmed up too much while doing all this turning...
  18. tpenfield

    First time winterizing 4.3 mercruiser, alpha one.

    40+ years ago it was California where folks were moving to . . . now it is Florida. I have family in both places. Although . . . Cape Cod, MA is my happy place. I don't mind the winters or the winterization. :cool:
  19. tpenfield

    Quit My Job . . .

    Looks like I have filled my winter -> early spring months with upholstery work, having booked another boat seat job. The Admiral and I have been wanting to clean out the basement and various storage areas of all the 'junk' that has accumulated over the past 30 years. On Wednesday we got a 30...
  20. tpenfield

    MerCruiser model 496 MAG (H.O.) 425 HP loss of power

    This ^^^^ Hopefully, your mechanic has the computer (CDS or Rinda) so the engine data can be viewed/recorded when the loss of power actually happens. All too often 'we' see/hear about a plethora of parts being thrown at fuel injected engines to no avail. More IACs, ignition, and fuel system...
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