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  1. Lou C

    introduction

    Hello there, buddy we know each other from THT and 4.3 V6 trials lol. As far as batwings, the OE Mercruiser ones were problematical because they could not get consistent wall thickness, prone to cracking and water intrusion. However, I had the OMC version of the same design, maybe whoever cast...
  2. Lou C

    Compression Test Readings

    Looks like one is a GM original gasket and the other looks like an aftermarket, could be Fel/Pro. Someone might have been in there before you...how do the mating surfaces of the cyl heads and block deck look? Judging by the gaskets looks like an overheat, at least once, evidence on both gaskets.
  3. Lou C

    Wandering heading at slow speed

    Agreed my later model OMC with the Cobra system does the same thing pretty much. As for the trailer, I wouldn't buy anything BUT a galvanized steel trailer here, mine is a '94 still in good shape, just upgraded the axle (to 6000 lbs) and brakes (12" surge) last year. It has a very long tongue...
  4. Lou C

    2012 VP 300 C-A Exhaust manifolds getting too hot - DTC 441 & 442

    Wow that’s really interesting! I’m going to get one of those!
  5. Lou C

    Boat Ear Muffs?

    these
  6. Lou C

    2012 VP 300 C-A Exhaust manifolds getting too hot - DTC 441 & 442

    I would try using one of these, they work well on systems that are hard to bleed, but even so I'd be concerned about air being trapped on the top end of those manifolds. Must be a way to bleed that out. Here I'm using it on my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.7 Hemi.
  7. Lou C

    Steering actuator

    https://www.volvopentastore.com/Steering-System/dm/cart_id.636789053--session_id.833195726--store_id.366--view_id.789313 the steering stuff is hidden in a section called TSKs which I think is Volvo speak for transom mounts...
  8. Lou C

    Hydraulic Lifter Volvo Penta 4.3 Vortec

    I have spare sets of 4.3 intake gaskets & exhaust gaskets in the garage…
  9. Lou C

    Proper way to place engine compartment/bilge fans?

    I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at the gas dock and see people with inboards & I/Os just start up after fueling no sniffing to make sure there isn’t a gas leak. Your nose is actually more sensitive than a gas vapor fume detector…
  10. Lou C

    Steering actuator

    You have to look in the transmissions section. You won’t see a parts breakdown for individual parts because Volvo says they are not rebuildable. However depending on which seal is leaking they can be rebuilt. Check out 5 Starr marine in Fla. If yours can be rebuilt and aren’t using the boat now...
  11. Lou C

    Removal of broken head bolt

    Depending on your experience & skill set it may be better to take the boat to a machinist….
  12. Lou C

    Hydraulic Lifter Volvo Penta 4.3 Vortec

    It definitely sounds better than before. Aren’t these engines nice & simple to work on?
  13. Lou C

    4.3 GXI - Fluid Recommendation

    20/50 is becoming scarce around here, but 15/40 is pretty common because it is dual certified for gas and diesel. I am curious about the Lucas 20/50 Marine and also Valvoline VR-1 20/50, both might be good choices if you run hard often.
  14. Lou C

    4.3 GXI - Fluid Recommendation

    You can also use the Merc 25/40 oil if it's available and not too expensive. Lucas also makes a heavy duty Marine 20/50 but it is as expensive as the Merc stuff and harder to find. The oil filter, it depends on if you have the standard mount way in the back of the engine (port side) or if you...
  15. Lou C

    Proper way to place engine compartment/bilge fans?

    Here's the official word from Chapman's....I have mine set up that way because I have vents that are directional and I have one facing forward (fresh air intake) and the other facing rearward (connected to the blower). I also installed a gas fume vapor detector to make me aware of a leak if it...
  16. Lou C

    Mercruiser 6.2L Coolant Loss

    the engine with the leak seems to have a residue of something near the hose connection for the exhaust manifold on right hand side in the pic....maybe a clue?
  17. Lou C

    Merc 4.3

    The intake issue applies only to the later Vortec engines not the older pre Vortec ones like my 1988. I think they increased the size of the water passage to offset the lack of the exhaust crossover that the pre Vortecs had. So one more drain plug. Durability wise they are very good; my short...
  18. Lou C

    Merc 4.3

    Agreed and when I was paying $6.00 a gallon this summer it was nice to have 2 less cyls to feed. The 4.3 & Quadrajet combination is very economical because of the small primaries. In my boating area I can rarely go faster than 30 mph anyway. However I wouldn’t be against a 5.7 upgrade when I...
  19. Lou C

    Merc 4.3

    I think dubs was being facetious lol. Sometimes humor is lost in posting!
  20. Lou C

    What was Causing this Clunking Sound? Binding Brakes?

    That diagram shows how to manually apply the brakes if that’s the Dexter version of the Tie Down actuator (I have the same one). Free backing drum brakes (if that’s what you have) are not self adjusting, they are adjusted via a star wheel in the backing plate. It’s possible they are set too...
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