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  1. Lou C

    Mercruiser 4.3 Vortec Backfire and no start

    Yep keep in mind that cold comp test results are not near as accurate as those on a warmed up engine. Are you SURE that the order of the plug wires is correct on the cap??? Double check that and that your distributor was installed right (cyl # 1 at TDC of compression stroke and dist rotor aimed...
  2. Lou C

    No power on yellow-red wire to starter...please identify this Mericruiser part

    What I said lol that oxidized fuse really had me scratching my head. Multimeter check showed continuity thru fuse…BUT due oxidation in the fuse box itself there wasn’t continuity from the tabs holding the fuse TO the fuse! Probably should have installed a whole new fuse box!
  3. Lou C

    No power on yellow-red wire to starter...please identify this Mericruiser part

    In the boat fuse box under the dash there will be a 10 amp fuse for the ignition circuit…
  4. Lou C

    No power on yellow-red wire to starter...please identify this Mericruiser part

    The slave solenoid is always “hot” but the only way that yellow/red wire gets powered is from the ignition switch. The power travels from the ignition switch to the solenoid (really a starter relay). So you need to check what’s coming off your ignition switch. Then go from there. PS I had the...
  5. Lou C

    No power on yellow-red wire to starter...please identify this Mericruiser part

    First test the ignition switch: B terminal (Battery, red wire) has batt volts whenever bat switch is on I terminal (ignition, purple wire) has bat voltage when you turn ignition on S terminal (start, yellow/red wire) has bat volts when you turn key to start If you don’t have your switch...
  6. Lou C

    Mercruiser 4.3 Vortec Backfire and no start

    Agreed you might have a few valves hanging open which can result on low or zero compression in one or more cyls. Ideally do a leak down test as well because if your compression is low that will pinpoint the source. But first have you checked for spark at all the spark plugs?
  7. Lou C

    Starboard exhaust manifold warmer and inspecting

    Can’t really reverse flush one of these systems but you can hook up a garden hose to the manifold water inlet and flush it that way, might get rid of minor clogs.
  8. Lou C

    Starboard exhaust manifold warmer and inspecting

    I believe it can be done, but the dry joint is quite a bit more expensive. Ping achris he will know for sure...
  9. Lou C

    Replacing trailer axle... what are the considerations?

    That was in my case I was going from a 2x2 straight axle to a 2x3 drop axle. In your case that won't be an issue most likely but the trailer will sit higher up, which may not really matter.
  10. Lou C

    Starboard exhaust manifold warmer and inspecting

    I would check it as it sits in the water, as Scott noted gravity plays a role in manifold & elbow temps. Every 5 seasons or as soon as you see any leaks from the joint between the elbow and the manifold you should inspect. You will drain the manifolds/elbows, dis-assemble and check the water...
  11. Lou C

    Replacing trailer axle... what are the considerations?

    Those aspects can be changed you might have check the clearance between the top of the axle & frame. You want to make sure when the springs flex to the max the top of the axle doesn’t hit the frame. I went from a straight axle to a 4” drop to get it lower. Boat sat too high due to roller design...
  12. Lou C

    mercruiser 140 low compression & cracked exhaust manifold

    Agreed I spent a LOT of time getting the block deck & bolt holes clean on mine. Just when I thought I was done I found SOMETHING else! I used a level as straight edge, not orthodox but worked. Even though this engine had a bad overheat it was flat to less than .001”. And the heads were reman...
  13. Lou C

    Replacing trailer axle... what are the considerations?

    Does it have hydraulic brakes or electric? Wires heading to the back of backing plates or a brake hose? If no surge coupler they could have been electric brakes. If what you are towing is heavy enough to need brakes it is not a big deal to install a surge brake system. If in freshwater if you...
  14. Lou C

    Replacing trailer axle... what are the considerations?

    keep in mind this refers to towing cars behind RVs, not the same standard as trailer brakes for a separate trailer.
  15. Lou C

    Replacing trailer axle... what are the considerations?

    Unless you install free backing surge drum brakes in which case no solenoid needed, the 4 pin is fine. These are free backing drums, the front shoe has a section that falls away from the drum when moving in reverse, so that the hydraulic pressure applied by the wheel cylinder does not create...
  16. Lou C

    Replacing trailer axle... what are the considerations?

    Spring center dimension is something you really can't change but you can go wider on hub face to hub face dimension if you have to in order to get an off the shelf axle. The other option is Champion Trailers in Slidell La. They will make a custom axle to your dimensions exactly how you want it...
  17. Lou C

    Outdrive Leaking Oil

    The leak is what causes the high lube levels, the drive as it cools off will tend to suck in water and that pushes the oil level higher. There just may not be enough water in the drive yet to turn the oil milky.
  18. Lou C

    Towing more than capacity?

    If there is any way you could get it weighed before buying that would be great.
  19. Lou C

    Thinking of buying a Maxum 2400 SCR. Thoughts?

    MPI or GXI is great until Mercury or Volvo decides to make your parts NLA, then you are SOL Meanwhile, I can still get all the parts for this, that hasn't been made in 30 years... carb rebuild kit =$50 USD brand new Carter or Sierra mechanical fuel pump that lasts 20-30 years, =$85 USD to me...
  20. Lou C

    Towing more than capacity?

    Are you sure your tow capacity is 6,000? I know for my 07 Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi it is 7,200. Still I would not tow a boat that big! Not just weight its sail area, etc.
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