Get a 19” pitch prop and you will be the same as you were with the taller drive ratio
I run a 1.82 drive with a 5.0 after swapping a 4.3 out and went from 19” pitch to 21” pitch and it works fine
i out your drive serial in a different site they show the two different types of ujoints. Not sure unless you have it off how to tell the difference but looks like they have one style with internal retaining clips ( moog 315 equivalent) and one with external (Moog 344). My 2003 vintage drive...
Simple to adjust the idle mix screw although yours may have the anti tamper plastic piece on there cut it off usually you will be 1.5-2 turns out and be ok
I assume based on your other posts timing is ok ? Is the throttle cable set up to allow it to return to the idle stop screw and the screw is controlling the idle throttle plate position? There is a screw on the side of the mercarb holding a half moon linkage that connects the choke to the...
Unless you can get a tach to know where you are in terms of WOT rpm i would stick with the same pitch. Everyone wants more speed but unless you have enough power to swing more pitch your performance will be worse.
can the local shop fix yours ?
Check for rot which is common in boats of this age. Possible if stored inside it is not rotten but that is the first thing to check before you put much time and money into it. Drill in bottom of transom stringers around the engine if they are ok plug as mentioned .
My experience has been similar 15+ years for oem merc parts. Current boat is 2004 sea ray 200 with alpha gen 2 drive. noticed this spring my exhaust bellows had torn and driveshaft bellows are showing some age So they will get changed this offseason.
similar experience with impellers changed...
The motor is smoked... Things dont like getting that hot. It isnt going to hurt to try and start at this point, because he is screwed already....
If 2&3 have low comrpession head gasket is probably messed up. Id make sure no water is in cyclinder before trying to start.
Ive used both temps in my engines in the past. thinking on the 140 is you will crystalize less salt out of brackish/salt water with a 140 vs a 160 if raw water cooled.
I suspect what you are seeing with the temp rise is either water pump impeller needs replacement, or thermostat isnt opening...
Did u check the gimbal bearing while drive was off? Unless you got water in bellows ujoints last forever…
not sure with the cone clutch on your drive but makes sense it would take a turn-or two to seat the cone clutch
