Search results

  1. tpenfield

    Bi-annual Compression Test - Merc 7.4 MPI

    I reminded myself yesterday why I don't do compression tests on my twin engines, but every 2 years :rolleyes: The engines are so close together that is makes the 'inside rows' of cylinders nearly impossible to reach. 4 hours to do both engines. Anyway, here are the results of the one I did in...
  2. tpenfield

    Pending Forum Software Upgrade

    As an IT guy, I am looking forward to the forum upgrade over the next few days. Change is good :) The announcement that I assume everyone has seen does a nice job in explaining the rationale and timing. Just wondering if the site admins can share more of the techy details of the upgrade...
  3. tpenfield

    Car Maintenance Day . . . and then some

    I had the day off yesterday and decided to catch up on some car maintenance (actually repairs might be better said). I have 3 cars 2009 Toyota Corolla S 2017 Ford Explorer AWD 2015 BMW 528i X-Drive The Toyota used to be my kid's car but now we have it. I've been working on the exterior . . ...
  4. tpenfield

    Time for a ‘new’ boat?

    Crisis often comes with opportunity. . . My current boat engine misfortune seems to be accelerating the interest in getting a ‘new’ (to me) boat. So, I may get the Admiral to come on a few boat shopping trips. :) My Criteria is . . . 12-15 years old 34-38 feet walk-around/forward cabin...
  5. tpenfield

    Mercruiser 7.4 LX MPI Won't Start - No Sparky

    Today was a perfect boating day . . . So, naturally the starboard engine would not start. :facepalm: The Port engine started right up, but the starboard engine was having nothing of it. . . numerous attempts. So, I called back to the house and told the family that it looks like a beach day...
  6. tpenfield

    Bravo 4 Outdrive . . .

    Just came across this . . . The new prop forward drive from Mercruiser - Bravo 4. Not sure if it has been posted yet http://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/news/new-mercruiser-bravofours-forwardfacing-drive-with-smart-tow-system-delivers-total-control-for-tow-sports/
  7. tpenfield

    1990 (ish) Yamaha 3 HP only runs on choke

    I inherited a 3 HP Yamaha OB a couple of years ago from a relative. The engine had been purchased at the end of the 1990 boating season, winterized and then never used. Single cylinder 3 HP, internal tank. . . . spotless :thumb: When I first got the engine, it was a bit cranky for having been...
  8. tpenfield

    Old(er) Mercury Small Outboard Swivel Bracket Repair ???

    Hi Folks, My outboards have been tag-teaming me the past week or so . . . I recently resurrected my 1969 Mercury 7.5 HP to use on my dinghy, having replaced the water pump and doing a carburetor clean. It ran well but the swivel bracket keeps stiffening up . . . after a bit of usage it seems...
  9. tpenfield

    Interesting boat building process - RAMCAP

    I often look into various boat building processes, and recently came across a process called RAMCAP (Everglades Boats). It is an interesting twist on creating foam filled chambers that many of us undertake when doing structural restoration of our aged boats :) Rather than building a structure...
  10. tpenfield

    1969 Merc 7.5 hp Lower Unit Dis-assembly ???

    Hi Gang, I decided to start working on my old-ish 1969 Mercury 7.5 hp . . . It needs a whole new water pump along with a prop shaft bearing and new seals. Right now I am 'trying' to get the retaining 'ring' nut off and am wondering it there are any tips/tricks to getting the 'nut' to break...
  11. tpenfield

    Question about Swapping out Shift/throttle controls . . .

    I'm no expert when it comes to throttle/shifter controls for boats . . . sort of a phobia of mine :rolleyes: My boat currently has these 'standard' Quicksilver controls (which are 24 years old) . . . (twin engine, single lever each) . They are nothing short of horrible compared to what I was...
  12. tpenfield

    Bravo 3 Shift Adjustment . . .

    Hello Everyone, The starboard engine started acting up today on the way back to my home port after a day-long outing. It would not go into gear once in the harbor and at no-wake speeds. (Bravo 3 outdrive) We had to stop a few times for traffic in the channel, so I was in and out of gear a few...
  13. tpenfield

    Automotive HP and torque at cruising speeds

    Not entirely boating related, so I am posting this in the non-boating tech section . . . I have always been curious on how much Horsepower and Torque a car generally takes to drive down the road. Folklore has it as 'not that much' as compared to what most engines are capable of. My mid-size...
  14. tpenfield

    Adding a clear coat ???

    I have been attempting to really clean and shine the hull this year, since it has been getting a bit dull/dirty/stained and has a few docking marks on the hull. I've been using a floor wax stripper liquid to cut through the years of wax and polishing compounds. Also using a scrub pad to get...
  15. tpenfield

    First time spraying outdrive anti-fouling

    Over the years I have tried all sorts of methods applying the anti-fouling paint to the outdrive(s) of my boat each spring in preparation for the boating season. Brush, rollers, pads, spray can, etc. Of late, the spray cans have been the worst (the valve always seems to fail and the cost of the...
  16. tpenfield

    Oil Change . . . I goofed up with the ear muffs!!!

    I decided to do the seasonal oil change on the engines today . . . I was going to do it next weekend, but I had some extra time and figured what-the-heck. :noidea: As usual, I run the engines for about 25 minutes to heat the oil up so it will pump out easily. I started on the starboard engine...
  17. tpenfield

    Web Server Needs a Re-boot ???

    Getting a lot of 404 not found errors, then if you hit refresh/reload the page it comes right up. Other similar issues with postings and pictures over the past 2 days. I am wondering if the server is getting cranky and needs a quick nap and a re-start :noidea:
  18. tpenfield

    Formula 330 Cabin Floor & Ceiling Work

    My boat (Formula 330 Sun Sport) has developed a rather nasty 'banging' sound in the area of the windshield when I hit waves a certain way. This has developed over the past couple of years, and I figure that I will look into it. This year, in particular, I began to notice some gelcoat cracking...
  19. tpenfield

    Time to re-upholster - Formula 330 SS

    I noticed towards the end of the season that the vinyl seating in the cockpit of my Formula 330 SS is starting to dry up and crack. . . A few places now, but these things only get worse. So, I am planning on re-doing the seats this winter. I plan on keeping the boat a few more years, and if I...
  20. tpenfield

    DIY Upholstery & Canvas Repair Advice

    I am compiling the list of fix-its for the boat to do over the winter. I've got a couple of items that will need a sewing machine . . . 1) Vinyl seats are starting to crack. Plan is to make new seat coverings and replace the old. Most of the seats are fairly simple. The helm seat is the most...
Top