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    Q-jet float setting

    hey guys. i have rebuilt several q-jets back in the day but my 1986 merc 260 q-jet (#17080561) tag # MCM 260/270 1347-8292 says to set the float at 1/4" and to measure about 3/16" in from the end of the float. my old float was set closer to 1/2". i just want to make sure i am using the correct...
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    ethanol in older boat

    getting ready to rebuild my carb and see kits that say they are ethanol compatible. my marina has a portable tank that guys take to the local station and then pump it off into their boats. i have not done this due to the fear of the ethanol. my boat is a 1986 merc 260. the fuel line does say...
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    boat stalled out today

    hey guys. i know this will be difficult to diagnose over a forum but put the boat in today and was heading to my slip at about 1000 RPM and about 2 minutes in it shut off on me. no indication of anything wrong. just like it ran out of fuel or somebody shut the key off. its a 1986 merc 260. after...
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    broken antenna

    well i managed to snap about 1 foot off the top of my VHF antenna tonight. how bad will it affect the quality (both transmitting and receiving)? and what if i inserted a dowel rod and taped the broken piece back on? i plan to replace it ASAP but it is going in the water in the morning and doubt...
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    moisture meters

    understanding their accuracy can be questionable anyway, i have access to a moisture meter but it is a 'contact' style meter where it lays flat on a surface. how would this work with fiberglass wrapped wood? i assume when you use the meter with probes you have to penetrate the fiberglass so the...
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    switch to SS?

    hey guys. 1986 Sundancer 250 with 5.7 alpha gen 1 1.47 ratio. i currently have a 14.5x17 aluminum prop on it. last year i could get to about 4000 RPM WOT and about 33-34 MPH (GPS) with 2 people and a 'normal' load of fuel and water. overall i'm ok with the performance but the RPMs are a little...
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    buffing around rails, cleats, etc, or remove them first?

    buffing the boat this weekend but also plan to rebed everything. is is a bad idea to remove the cleats and rails, etc, then buff over the holes? my concern is getting buffing compound in the holes. will this be an issue with the moisture from the compound or will it affect the curing of the 4000...
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    gelcoat restoration

    have a little oxidation on my 30 year old hull so bought some Presta Gelcoat and tried buffing a small spot today. wasn't having much luck and arms were about ready to fall off so spent about 5 minutes wet sanding a small 3' section with 1000 grit then tried the Presta gelcoat again. wow. nice...
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    3M 4000 or 3M 4200?

    planning to rebed everything this weekend. i got 4200 for all the transom stuff but which should i use for the rails, cleats, etc? i had read to use 4000UV for anything in sunlight? i have a tube of 4200 but no 4000 but will get it if thats what i need
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    teflon tape or sealant on engine drain plugs?

    so? my limited plumbing knowledge says to put either teflon tape or pipe dope on the engine drain plugs but it doesn't look like there was anything on them when i took them out. the only negative i could see from it might be a piece breaking off and getting in the engine?
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    rub rail repair?

    late last year i noticed dampness in the front left interior. the boat was stored underground all winter and i brought it home last night. we got a pretty hard rain so i went out this morning to look for signs. that area is still dry but i noticed the rub rail is banged up right in that area...
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    power steering cooler

    hi guys. i have a 1986 sundancer 250 with a merc 260. i have a PS fluid leak and checked it out today. the cooler is wet but so is the PS hose that enters through the top. still not sure if it is the hose or the cooler. i can't see and corrosion on the cooler but i can't see it that well. it...
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    beaching damage repair

    hi guys. have a little beach rash at the front of the keel from the previous owner. no fiberglass damage at all but the gelcoat is chipped/scraped in a section about 18" long and about 1" wide at the widest spot. what is the easiest/best way to fix this? there is currently no bottom paint on it...
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    resealing transom

    not really a repair, more of maintenance. bought some 4200 today. i would like to reseal my transom bolts but pretty nervous (why fix what isn't broke...lol). so i guess i will remove the bolts one at a time and add the 4200 to the threads and reinstall them? i plan to wipe the area around the...
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    power trim issue

    my power trim has a slow spot when raising using the switch on the shifter. it lowers just fine but when raising there is a distinct change in the sound or it just stops at about 30-40% of the way up. it seems like if it is all the way up and i lower it slightly it will still raise back up from...
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    best muffs

    so need to buy a set of engine muffs. i see a few different types. any one better than the other? its a merc 260 alpha 1 gen 1 if that makes any difference. i see some that have the 'zip' thing through the center to hold it in place. i guess my main concern is them slipping off when i'm not looking
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    tablet with navionics

    so i have read a few articles on installing navionics on a tablet. has anyone found a neat way to attach the tablet to your boat? maybe rigged up an otterbox or some other device to attach somehow? just seems like a pain holding it in your hand all day while cruising
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    Lake Chautauqua

    anyone here boat on chautauqua near bemus point? we had thought about renting a house there this summer and taking the boat but then thought maybe we could just rent a transient slip for the weekend and sleep in the boat. anywhere around there that offers this? with shore power and...
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    inverter/charger question

    so starting to plan this springs upgrades. i was looking at installing a charger. i currently have a maintenance charger set under my back seat with the clips running down through the back of the engine cover. i was looking at a permanent install in the engine bay. looking at pro marine as they...
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    trying to change outdrive oil

    dumb question but not my first...lol trying to change my outdrive oil but having trouble getting the vent screw loose at the top. the drain screw came loose but was very tight. i'm going to go try to buy a larger screwdriver tomorrow cause my biggest one is still too small for the slot in the...
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