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  1. mark1905

    Chugging/missing when cold @ low RPMs

    Recently from out of nowhere, my 3.0LX has become a stubborn beast at low RPMs when cold. She'll fire right up, but anything below 2k and she wants to miss a cylinder and stall out. Getting out of the dock idle zone at idle has become a pain.. I have to give it more gas to keep it running, and...
  2. mark1905

    Ultra high output alternators

    I've been searching for an ultra high output marine alternator, but the highest I can find is the 130A model by DB Electrical which is still not enough. I see plenty of 200A - 300A standard automotive ones for sale which I would love to have on the boat.. Does anyone know of a source for...
  3. mark1905

    Starter won't stop cranking!

    Sunday morning, I go to give her a test crank in the driveway.. and the starter won't stop cranking even after the key is turned all the way off and taken out of the ignition! Had to pull the battery cable to get it to stop. When I reconnect, she's fine.. and then repeat process again when I...
  4. mark1905

    New bimini top stress on windshield frame

    I just purchased and installed a beautiful new Carver Super Sport Bimini top from boatcoversdirect.com along with the rear support bar option. The deck cleats are mounted to the windshield frame about 12" up from the base like most biminis. Although, I'm super paranoid about the flexing of the...
  5. mark1905

    Transom area vibrations/noise

    97 Alpha 1 Gen 2 I4: When the boat is anything but on a perfect plane running straight ahead, I'm getting a vibration/noise from the rear transom area. It feels like anytime there is water pressure on the outdrive such as when I'm turning or the boat is trimmed all the way to the extreme up...
  6. mark1905

    Engine bog/elec drain when trimming

    All of a sudden, when I trim up or down.. the engine bogs, the stereo cuts out, and the gauges go funny. Sounds like a short somewhere..? Where do I look first?
  7. mark1905

    Steering wheel removal trick.. solved.

    After cursing for hours trying to change my steering wheel, I found a trick that worked perfectly in under 20 seconds. Go to Autozone and borrow for free a pitman arm puller.. the fork/separator style. Spray some WD40 on the keyway.. put that spreader behind hit.. wham. It pops right off...
  8. mark1905

    Causes of sustained pre-det in one cylinder only.. (check out this plug pic)

    97 3.0LX So, I noticed on the first day out of the season that the motor seems a little more valve tappy sounding than normal. Loud. Still same power, no issues there. Ran fine except for the noise. Got her back home, and swapped the plugs. All of them look fine, except for #2 which looked...
  9. mark1905

    Yoke & shaft assembly removal tips - Alpha 1 Gen 2

    Hello.. I've been needing to replace the u-joint in my 97' Alpha1 Gen2 out drive since last year, and happened to pick up a new whole replacement driveline with u-joint pre-installed for not much more than the joint itself. This weekend she comes out. Service manual (page 132-133) looks...
  10. mark1905

    Need bow lifting 14"x19p 3 blade..

    I've already determined that the best prop size for my 1997 18' BR/3.0lx/Alpha 1 Gen 2 is a 14"x19p 3 blade. Best for overall, being as that 70% of the time the boat is being used for towing a wakeskater. I actually would like a prop that raises the bow, not the stern. I use ballast bags in...
  11. mark1905

    Fixing vs. replacing Merc trim sensor

    One of the wires on my starboard side trim sensors finally popped off.. corroded through. It sat totally open since when I bought the boat a year ago, so I know it doesn't matter if the wires are sealed or not. Which leads me to wonder.. instead of buying another sensor, removing the entire...
  12. mark1905

    Changing starter motor - 5.0 Merc / 2001 SeaRay Sundeck

    I'm attempting to help my father in law change out his starter motor on a 2001 SeaRay Sundeck with a 5.0 Merc this weekend. The motors on these boats are not easily accessed compared to other boats.. so much so that he swears that the motor needs to be lifted which I know isn't the case...
  13. mark1905

    Tilting down only under throttle..

    Posting for a friend: 2001 Alpha 1 Gen 2 only tilts down when under hard throttle. Will tilt up no problem. Any suggestions?
  14. mark1905

    Transom/upper unit noise issues..

    Hello all.. This is a cleaned up version of this thread: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=292530 1997 3.0LX Alpha 1 Gen 2 When running above 4300rpm, boat is making a screeching/rubbing/growl noise from the back transom area. At 4000 - 4300, it only does it while turning from side...
  15. mark1905

    Changing gear oil - Alpha1 G2 w/gear lube monitor

    According to the service manual, changing the gear oil in the Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrives that have the fluid level reservoir is as easy as draining, and then refilling through the reservoir until it flows out the vent hole, then capping and filling resv. to full line. My mechanic swears...
  16. mark1905

    18' + 3.0LX prop choice for watersports..

    Just curious what you all would suggest.. 1) Performance issue you are trying to correct - Would like best all around prop for watersports and fuel efficiency 2) Current prop manufacturer, model, aluminum or stainless and as a minimum. - Unknown manufacturer.. SS 3) Current prop diameter...
  17. mark1905

    Screeching from transom area at high RPM's while turning

    1997 Merc 3.0LX, Alpha 1 Gen 2 At high RPMs (4100+), the power steering ram assembly on the transom seems to be making a horrible screeching sound when turning the wheel from side to side. She will be quiet under 4500. **EDIT - Coming from power steering / drive coupler area.. cannot pin...
  18. mark1905

    Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump *updated and done*

    Ok.. I know how everyone loves this question, and I have no qualms with electrical items.. But can anyone tell me how a marine power steering pump is any different than an automotive, and why I should use a $450 Mercruiser pump vs a $100 Autozone pump? 1997 3.0LX, by the way..
  19. mark1905

    Replacing power steering pump - 3.0LX

    Hello.. Bearings are shot in my PS pump, time for a replace. Have my pulley puller, but before I yank this sucker off.. Any help with how I get it back on? (or any other tips on the job from start to finish..) Thanks in advance..
  20. mark1905

    Won't start, just clicks..

    OK.. everything has been fine with the 1997 3.0L Merc LX since we bought it. Today we shut it off, and when we attempted to start it again, it would just click. Not the click by the starter motor.. it seems to be coming from either the red dot circuit breaker, or the solenoid mounted just...
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