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  1. Lou C

    Mercruiser 3.0 LX Mechanical Fuel Pump. I am replacing with a new one is this normal?

    those springs are very stiff the bump on the camshaft can push it down but you likely can't lol easier than dealing with the pushrod on the V6s which don't have the extra hole in the block like the V8 to hold it still temporarily with a longer bolt!
  2. Lou C

    Mercruiser 305 V-8 Temp issues

    With an open (raw water cooled) system anything that inhibits the flow of water in or out will cause elevated temperatures. Another often missed cause of overheating is leaky head gaskets, they can allow exhaust gas to get into the cooling water and even if nothing else is wrong, the engine...
  3. Lou C

    Replacing old wiring and fuse block with modern switches/breakers

    I bought a Blue Seas fuse block to finally upgrade my old one. Spring project.
  4. Lou C

    Mercruiser 305 V-8 Temp issues

    I agree with the statement about that manifold's corrosion, even my 100% salt water used manifolds don't look like that! You say pressure is building up between your circ pump hose and the thermostat housing, are the passages in that housing that feeds the elbows open? Are the thermostat...
  5. Lou C

    Recommend a good semi-permanent rtv

    RTV like what you use on the China Wall area of a Chevy small block, one of the best I have found is the Mopar Auto trans fluid RTV. It is a little expensive but seals well. But normally you could use Ultra Black or Ultra Grey RTV. Some have used The Right Stuff on things like differential...
  6. Lou C

    Throttle Control Replacement - Caravelle 209

    Usually the hardest thing about this job (on some boats) is figuring out how to get the coaming panel off to access the control.
  7. Lou C

    Out to lunch Gear Oil Prices

    I'm extravagant I use Quicksilver syn blend 25/50 in my old 4.3 and High Performance Gear Lube in the Cobra drive. Expensive yes, but both are working great, the engine had a top end overhaul 6 years ago and now all the wear metals seen in the Blackstone analysis are in the normal range. BTW...
  8. Lou C

    Out to lunch Gear Oil Prices

    I think we all know, nothing is "free" we all pay one way or another. Having said that, unless your job provides good heath care it can be a real financial burden in the US. I think some would pay more for everything just to not have to worry about that. In addition, college costs seem a good...
  9. Lou C

    1996 Four Winns Sundowner with 5.0 Cobra engine and drive

    rebuild kit looks like this....
  10. Lou C

    Stumbling at Cruising Speed - OMC 5.8L

    My OMC definitely has a resistance wire instead of a ballast resistor, and I had the problem of the interrupt switch sticking which caused a similar problem. What I found was the little buttons on the switch wore after 25 years of use and would stick on causing a massive stumble. I replaced...
  11. Lou C

    Bought my first boat to cut, gut and rebuild from bow to stern, including engine. Killed my back and suffered the wrath of the fiberglass demons

    I do have to admit, while I think I "shouldn't" shop there, some of the tools they sell are perfectly fine for part time DYI guys like most of us, I got 2 really nice aluminum racing floor jacks and a couple pairs of jackstands for my automotive work.
  12. Lou C

    1996 Four Winns Sundowner with 5.0 Cobra engine and drive

    When I do mine I’ll post up some pix PS there is a you tube vid on this already, guys name is Micheal Roemer I think
  13. Lou C

    Winterize carb

    I’ve been storing my 4.3 I/O with the 4 bbl Quadrajet carb for over 20 years and never did that every spring it fires up after the fuel pump fills the carb.
  14. Lou C

    1996 Four Winns Sundowner with 5.0 Cobra engine and drive

    Ok looked back at your early pix those are the early OMC style cylinders so you can use a Cobra rebuild kit for those. Here in the US they are about $50 per cyl. If you can get the cap off the cyl it doesn’t look like a bad job, I’m going to rebuild 2 spares I have over the winter.
  15. Lou C

    1996 Four Winns Sundowner with 5.0 Cobra engine and drive

    The early years of the SX (94–?) used the same rams as the Cobra but then they changed the design. Not sure when that happened. How to tell? Original OMC & early Volvo had the plastic covers and the 2 hydraulic line fittings are at opposite ends of the cylinder. Later Volvo cylinders don’t have...
  16. Lou C

    1996 Four Winns Sundowner with 5.0 Cobra engine and drive

    For the same year they will be the same as a Volvo. However the design did change at some point.
  17. Lou C

    Can't remove 5.7 vertically.

    how I made mine easier 2 piece removable rear seat rear wood bulkheads come out with machine screws and wing nuts big heavy bulkhead cut in half and put on hinges I can take out one side or both That Tahoe I'd take it to a 'glass shop and tell the guy what I wanted and just do it. And be done.
  18. Lou C

    Can't remove 5.7 vertically.

    and a serpentine belt I'd never buy a boat set up like that, the designers disrespect us backyard mechanics. it's not just about pulling the engine how would you: change the oil filter replace a starter replace the exhaust manifolds or God Forbid the steering actuator if it were mine, and I had...
  19. Lou C

    Bought my first boat to cut, gut and rebuild from bow to stern, including engine. Killed my back and suffered the wrath of the fiberglass demons

    if it fits right and you don't rip it you can re-use them you REALLY don't want to breath in fiberglass dust, or get it in your eyes also some people get skin sensitivity to resins especially epoxy and then it becomes like an allergy, welts, hives etc. this is the main reason why I'll never to...
  20. Lou C

    Bought my first boat to cut, gut and rebuild from bow to stern, including engine. Killed my back and suffered the wrath of the fiberglass demons

    Also do not scrimp on personal protection equipment. Grinding fiberglass is hazardous to your lungs and resins aren’t good for your skin. Vapors can be harmful. Full face shield & P100s for grinding Fume respirator cartridges for mixing up resin Etc. eye protection too.
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