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  1. isaacs

    No spark plug spark... 170 MC , 1985 Sea Ray

    But now he says he has no spark with or without the jumper cable. That jumper would bypass any problem from the R terminal, wouldn't it? I'm thinking he may have multiple issues. Unless possibly the jumper was not making good contact this time. Are we sure there is 12V on the coil terminal...
  2. isaacs

    Mercruiser 5.7 Thunderbolt 5 Hard to Start

    Sorry...I missed the TB5 part in your post.
  3. isaacs

    Cutting cable TV

    YouTube TV has a good channel lineup including locals. It's not quite as easy to navigate as a DVR but I'm learning to get used to it. It's a lot cheaper than cable/satellite. I'm stuck with Spectrum for my internet.
  4. isaacs

    Mercruiser 5.7 Thunderbolt 5 Hard to Start

    He said he replaced the sensor. Is that the same as the trigger assembly?
  5. isaacs

    Mercruiser 5.7 Thunderbolt 5 Hard to Start

    If it runs when the starter is engaged (presumably it's grinding away) and then falters when you release the key, this would indicate low voltage on the plus side of the coil. Turn your ignition on without starting the engine and check voltage between coil plus and ground. It should be around...
  6. isaacs

    No spark plug spark... 170 MC , 1985 Sea Ray

    The spark would be normal, and you probably noticed that the engine wouldn't stop 'till you removed the hot wire jumper. I can't tell you exactly what wire to look for, I'm not a mechanic. As has been mentioned, the schematic will be a good place to start (no pun intended). You're looking for...
  7. isaacs

    No spark plug spark... 170 MC , 1985 Sea Ray

    Does this boat use a 6V coil and ballast resistor? It sounds like it might be low voltage at the coil when cranking. Try running a jumper wire from the plus side of the coil directly to the battery and see what happens.
  8. isaacs

    How long to idle engine to circulate fuel stabilizer through system

    You're too fast for me, you missed my edit!
  9. isaacs

    How long to idle engine to circulate fuel stabilizer through system

    For what it's worth...I bought my boat new, I avoid ethanol fuel, and have never used stabilizer. The boat sits in my driveway for about six months between seasons. I've never had to do a thing to the carburetor and it still runs like new. I'm convinced that fuel does not go stale nearly as...
  10. isaacs

    How can I fix the water leaking at the stern for my boat?

    Is there any chance this guy just has a bad bellows?
  11. isaacs

    EZ Drain Plugs for Exhaust Manifold & Engine Block on 3.0 Mercruiser?

    Mine are all the same size (I have a total of five). It's 1/4" pipe thread--these should work just fine...
  12. isaacs

    Mercruiser/Motorola versus Stand Alone ECM's

    Does your engine have a Mercruiser Thunderbolt ignition? Are you sure it's bad? It could just be the sensor in the distributor--cheap and easy to replace. If the Thunderbolt ECM is bad I hear they are quite expensive. Others have said it's cheaper to buy a whole new up to date ignition...
  13. isaacs

    Boat docked at slip- little water getting in bilge????

    My 18 year old boat (bought new) just had its first bellows job a few months ago; I was pretty impressed it lasted that long. It lives in my driveway and is always parked with the drive facing North out of the sun. Not sure if that makes any difference. Shift cable bellows is always the first...
  14. isaacs

    Lower Unit compatibility question

    If it's running smoothly, it probably means there's nothing wrong on the inside--it just can't hold gear oil. Have you thought of patching it with MarineTex? Grind a nice clean slot along the crack and go for it--can't hurt to try and you would save a lot of money!
  15. isaacs

    Clicking noise-motor

    If it doesn't make the noise when it's in gear, it's probably the shift cable being slightlly out of adjustment. That sound would be the clutch dog trying to engage and I'm betting it will eventually ruin it.
  16. isaacs

    Boat Hard to Start After a Long Sit

    Thanks, I'll give that a try but it may have to wait 'till next season. :(
  17. isaacs

    Alpha drive play in prop shaft

    Mine does the same thing. I showed it to the mechanic at the dealer where I bought it and he said not to worry about it. I appreciated his honesty, not trying to get me to spend money on it.
  18. isaacs

    Boat Hard to Start After a Long Sit

    This is great info and it explains a lot. I can see what you're talking about by studying the wiring diagram. Now I understand why I have to do a lot of cranking after a long layup; a bit tough on the battery but it eventually starts every time!
  19. isaacs

    Boat Hard to Start After a Long Sit

    Got it! Yeah, it had an extra ground wire on it; I found a good spot to bolt it to.
  20. isaacs

    Boat Hard to Start After a Long Sit

    Thank you so much for all the replies, you've given me some good ideas. The boat is headed out for it's last ride today, then it will be covered for the winter. It's an electric fuel pump; perhaps I'll switch the ignition on and off several times then give it a few good pumps before I even...
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