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    Cleaning grease and sand off prop shaft.

    Brakeclean should do the trick.Wipe off as much as possible with rags first.Depending on how much sand is in the splines ,you may want to consider sliding a screwdriver down each spline to make sure everything is out of the groove.Charlie
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    Replacement motor going in ,need opinions

    One of my 1988 5.0XL 4bbl alpha ,needs replacement.Reputable boatyard has a very clean good running 2003 5.0 2bbl dry exhaust serpentine style from a bravo.He said that it should drop right in with a few modifications,mostly because of the alpha drive.I gave him the go ahead and he pulled my...
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    Alpha drive will lower but not raise

    False alarm....maybe....Battery was weak.Turned the charger on and problem solved.Still gonna go over the connections since it is so straight forward when you are face to face with it.Thanks guys,Charlie
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    New Boat Purchase - Stuck Manifold drain plug

    Assuming it is brass and easy to get to,just drill it out starting with small bit and working your way up in size until there is only a small amount left and at that point you can probably tap it out without damaging the manifold.Personally,any time I purchase a boat I immediately replace...
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    Trouble reinstalling pre-alpha drive

    I have had several boats with outdrives over the past 40 years and I have NEVER had to do anything re: alignment.I doubt messing with that will resolve your issue.Charlie
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    Alpha drive will lower but not raise

    Im getting click sound at the trim motor using both trim switch and trailer button to raise drive but the motor is not engaging.Down works as it should.Planning on checking connections at the trim motor.Anything onvious I am missing? Charlie
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    Trouble reinstalling pre-alpha drive

    pull it off and start all over.You are not even close to getting it installed.Looks to me like you dont have the drive shaft getting lined up through the gimbal bearing based on how far you are from getting it on.Get a handful of grease and starting at the splines ,slather it on all the way down...
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    Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 1 -- Gimbal bearing

    I recommend a standard gimbal bearing.I have never had one fail in over 30 years of stern drives.Grease in the spring,again in the fall upon seasonal hauling and again before launch.Zerks are good.They make/allow you depend on YOU.Not a bad thing.Charlie
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    Bought a new boat..loooads of questions LOL

    Good luck with the new boat.sounds like you need a buddy with similar to hang out with and show you the ropes a bit.One VERY BIG difference is going to be the handling while docking or in close quarters.Especially if you leave the plastic window up and there is any kind of breeze.If all attached...
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    Standard size drain hose for sinks

    I am wanting to replace my sink drain thru hull with a stainless thru hull.Does anyone know the standard size? Both my bathroom and kitchen look to be about an inch.Charlie
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    Can you start these in cold temperatures out of water?

    Yes correct.The kit includes the impeller ,impeller housing and wear plate with gaskets.As you already mentioned ,I would focus on getting it running first.Pull the plugs ,clean them up ,spray some starting fluid in each cylinder before putting each plug back ,fresh fuel and crank it over and...
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    Can you start these in cold temperatures out of water?

    Hopefully the engine WAS winterized prior to your getting it
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    Can you start these in cold temperatures out of water?

    it would help to know what engine and drive you have but I would 100% recommend a water pump service in any drive that is new to you
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    Dry joint exhaust pros/cons

    Thanks ,that is reassuring info.
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    Can you start these in cold temperatures out of water?

    You certainly can however you will have to run antifreeze thru it when you are done after you introduce fresh water into the system.If you pull the drive off ,you can try to start it without introducing water into the system as long as you are just trying to see if it runs.You can have it run...
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    Dry joint exhaust pros/cons

    Need to replace one of my 1988 5.0XL alpha motors.Found a complete drop in 5.0 bravo with dry joint exhaust approx 15 years newer at a very reputable boat yard.They said they are gonna pull the old motor and modify this one to accept an alpha to match what I have.I am a little leary of this...
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    No visible mold but there is a musky smell

    Ozone generator will help,HOWEVER it will burn out in a hot cabin.Been there,done that. IMHO ,I think you are missing something.It sounds like you have done a pretty thorough job with bleach but you are missing somewhere.I suggest flushing full strength REGULAR bleach down the head.Wait about a...
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    Hull vents

    The vents are multi-purpose.They allow fumes and vapor and heat and moisture to escape and the reverse vent pulls fresh air in as you are under way.I would not recommend eliminating any vents.Perhaps you can relocate a vent or extend the size of it,etc.Charlie
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    Airless paint sprayer,use old or buy new?

    I have a 30 year old craftsman airless that I have not used in a very long time.I plan on doing some exterior and interior house painting.Should I automatically assume that airless sprayers have improved greatly over the past 30 years and break out another $100 and get a new one?? Anyone used...
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    1988 Merc 5.0XL with alpha drives engine replacement suggestions

    thanks Matt,guess its worth a try fixing first
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