Search results

  1. J

    Go rast, try to turn right

    19' V hull bowrider, Mercruiser 888, no power steering, smart tabs I have a couple props I run on this boat, a 14 1/4 x 19 Hustler and a 14 1/4x 21 Michigan. The Hustler is my primary prop as I much prefer the way it holds the water, unfortunately the extra cup/rake seems to make right hand...
  2. J

    Upgrading mercruiser throttle to newer style

    My engine is a Merc 888 with an older style throttle handle with separate trim switches in the dash. This system uses the old style prestolite system with a single trim solenoid. In my quest to make my boat a bit easier to operate, I picked up a gently used newer style throttle with a tilt/trim...
  3. J

    Mecruiser top cover bearing

    I'm helping a friend replace the u-joint/carrier seal in his 83 or 84 Alpha. I suspect the unit may have been run a short distance low on fluid. In looking at the top cover bearing, the bearing cage has more play than I would expect. Outside of the bearing itself, what is needed to properly...
  4. J

    Mercruiser Ford bellhousing and transom plate mount width

    I know on my 888 drive, the mounting holes on the transom plate are narrower than later models. Did the Chevy's of the era also use this narrower pattern? If so, what year did they go with the wider pattern?
  5. J

    Heat soak?

    '76 Merc 888/Ford 302 Havid a bit of trouble and need some advice from those who have been theer before. Engine was rebuilt 150 hours ago or less, carb rebuilt last year. All new fuel filters. Temp at idle, 140, temp after running 2/3 throttle for 30 min, no more that 170-180. The problem I...
  6. J

    12v-120v relay

    I know there has to be a simple way to accomplish what I am trying to do. I have some 12v low voltage landscape lighting around my house. These lights are powered/controlled by a LV transformer that has a built in photo sensor + timer. Ie, it comes on at dark for 3 hours. I also have a 110v...
  7. J

    Mercruiser trim/trailer switch

    On my 888 drive, the wiring harness for the trim limit switch is junk. As with most this age I think. While underway, I have to hit both the trailer switch and the trim switch to trim the drive. I've been doing this for 6 years now and understand that I can over-trim this way. I recently...
  8. J

    Need help, screwed up a Mercarb rebuild....

    Friend bought a boat with a 2bbl mercarb. It had a rythmic ticking sound I finally tracked down to the back venturi of the carb dripping fuel. When the drips would hit the throttle plates, it sounded like a muffled tick. No problem, pull it apart, clean it and rebuild it. Simple enough. Got...
  9. J

    post holes in rock with jackhammer?

    I need to get 10 4x4 posts set to finish my privacy fence. Unfortunately, these holes all hit solid rock within 2 to 12 inches. I have been told that a 60-90lb pneumatic jackhammer may be the answer to my problem. I can barely chip the rock with a 16lb rock bar, Any guess how the jackhammer...
  10. J

    Any one here a Tile pro?

    My wife decided she wants to put a tile floor in our kitchen, dining room, mud room, and laundry, about 415 sq. ft. total. The tiles are 12x12x1/4 ceramic floor tiles.I just did some prodding and it looks like our home, which is only 5 years old, has a single 3/4" t&g subfloor. I know this...
  11. J

    Buzz Aldrin

    Ran across this on You Tube. I'll let it speak for itself. If only there were more Buzz Aldrin's around..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQKxAqpjroo
  12. J

    Somebody 'splain something to me about EBay

    I'm a fan of e-bay. I can sit and browse for hours. Where else can you find so much stuff/junk/stuff without leaving your chair. I've sold a few boat parts I didn't need and bought a few items I needed or wanted. Usually they are either hard to find/specialty items or I'm patiently hunting...
  13. J

    Screw behind emblem, omc cobra

    What is the screw behind re emblem on the side of a cobra? Ie. what is it for?
  14. J

    Prop frustration

    I have a 19' deep V bowrider with a Mercruiser #1 (888) and about 215 hp 302, recommended wot rpm is 4200. I have two props. 1. 14.25 x 21 cup Michigan wheel aluminum. Runs well, carries load ok, somewhat responsive to trim, minimal-moderate bow lift. Won't back for anything. Hard to...
  15. J

    Fuel or ?

    My 888, 302 w/ 2bbl rochester, has run perfectly all year until Saturday. I filled the tank I was running from on the way to the lake. I also filled the truck from the same pump. The boat's tank was about 1/2 tank (18 gal) when I filled it. It started slightly harder than normal at the ramp...
  16. J

    Dual batteries on a 19'?

    I have a 19' bowrider with a single battery. I'm thinking about adding a second. This is used on freshwater local Tennessee lakes and river. Is this overkill, waste of weight? I want to be able to listen to the radio for a while and have plenty juice to crank. Also sometimes use a trolling...
  17. J

    5.8 Cobra idle

    I'm helping a friend with his boat. We've rebuilt the engine and have it running perfectly...except... it won't idle in gear when warm and in the water. Seems fine on the hose (I know, hose doesn't tell you much). It has a Holley 4160 4bbl on top that has a fresh rebuild. The rebuild did...
  18. J

    Replacing Mercruiser #1 U-Joints

    How hard is it to replace u-joints on a #1 (888) drive? I've rebuilt the engine, replaced the gimbal ring, etc so I'm reasonably competent and will tackle most anything, just haven't done u-joints before and they are starting to make more noise. After 31 years, they have a right...
  19. J

    Any home HVAC pros in the house?

    Well, our 4.5 year old unit has bit the dust. Bad coils or condenser and compressor.While it's under parts warranty, labor to repair is going to be $1000+. The mfgr is supposed to be sending parts, but they can't tell us when..... The existing unit is a 3.5 to, 10 SEER Goodman single package...
  20. J

    Everyone's least favorite subject- paint

    So now that we are in a new year, I'm back to planning the repaint of my 16' Glastron tri-hull fishing boat. I want a decent shiny finish that will last a few years. re-gelling is an interesting idea, but the amount of sanding needed is a put-off. My front runner right now is to take the...
Top