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  1. J

    Intermittent Starting Problem - '98 4.3 LH

    I have an intermittent starting problem. Sometimes the engine cranks, and sometimes I just get a click from the slave solenoid. But it seems to be repeatable. The sequence goes: 1st turn of the key, engine cranks. Second turn, the slave solenoid clicks. On about the 5th or 6th try, the...
  2. J

    Battery: Deep Cycle vs. Starting

    I only use my battery to start the boat. Does a 550 cranking amps deep cycle battery have the same starting power as a 550 cranking amps starting battery? From what I read, the starting batteries are designed to deliver fast bursts of energy. But isn't that what cca, ca, and bca measure?
  3. J

    Basic Mercruiser 4.3 Carbureted Fuel System Questions

    Hi All! I have a few basic fuel system questions about a 1998 Mercruiser 4.3 LH I/O. Is it true that the electric fuel pump does not work until there is oil pressure? In other words, the electric fuel pump doesn't run until after the engine has started. When you pump the lever before...
  4. J

    4.3 Mercruiser With Stern Drive Fluid in Bilge

    Like the title says, my stern drive reservoir is empty and my bilge is full (of stern drive fluid). I don't see any leaks inside the engine compartment. I wrapped a paper towel around the quick connect fitting at the transom, and it stayed dry. I checked the vent screw in the stern drive, and...
  5. J

    Low Oil Pressure During Sharp Turns - Merc 4.3 I/O

    While taking the kids tubing, we were whipping them around by making steep banked s-turns. I didn't get an alarm, but the oil pressure seemed really low. I shut it down, and pulled the dipstick. Of course, I knew the oil level would be low, but I could barely see it on the dipstick. I had...
  6. J

    Boat Won't Start. What Exactly is That Clicking?

    Hi All! My boat won't start. When i turn the key, I get multiple clicks. (Not the single click that is heard when the slave solenoid goes bad.) What exactly causes that clicking I hear? I know it has to be associated with the starter. I've already charged the battery with a really good...
  7. J

    Which Gasket, 2 or 4 Slot?

    I just finished replacing the one piece manifolds on our 4.3 Mercruiser, with a 2 piece system. We have a sea water cooling system. The kit came with 2 types of gaskets for putting between the manifold and 4" elbow, some with 2 slots for water flow, and some with 4. I called the manufacturer...
  8. J

    Aluminum Manifolds in Brackish Water

    The GLMMarine website says that their aluminum exhaust manifolds with anodes and black exterior coating, are ok for salt water service. I'm in brackish water, and I could really benefit from the reduced weight. Should I believe I would be ok if I flush the engine after every use? Thanks.
  9. J

    Mercruiser 4.3 One-Piece Exhaust Manifold Hot

    I have a '98 Mercruiser 4.3LH/Alpha 1. It is used in mildly brackish water, and flushed every time it is used, since it has an open seawater cooling system. It has the one-piece exhaust manifolds. The other day, I was doing some work and noticed that the stbd manifold was so hot that I...
  10. J

    6000 rpm on mercruiser 4.3 LH?

    I have a mercruiser 4.3 LH, Thunderbolt V, Weber carb, Alpha 1.<br /><br />Out on the boat the other day, I looked at he tach while cruising, and saw that it was reading 6000 rpm !!! I don't believe it...the rev limiter shouldn't let this happen and the engine didn't sound any different. Back...
  11. J

    Where are timing marks on '97 4.3LH?

    All I see is a notch....no scale. Is that notch TDC, or is it the correct timing mark to line the notch in the pulley up with? Or is the scale there, and I'm just not looking at the right angle? <br /><br />I put it in base timing mode, and adjusted the timing to line up the notch on the...
  12. J

    How is idle mixture set on Merc 4.3 LH?

    I'm getting ready to do a tune up on a 4.3LH Mercruiser inboard. I plunked down the $$$ for an official Merc. service manual, but it doesn't say how to set the idle mixture. It just says "Adjust the mixture screws." <br /><br />Do you just set the idle speed in about the right place, adjust...
  13. J

    What is 'special' timing procedure for '97 merc 4.3LH?

    The sticker on my '97 Mercruiser 4.3LH with Thunderbolt Ignition says: Timing 10 deg BTDC (special procedure required). What is that special procedure? Is it difficult?<br /><br />I'm having some performance issues. Is there an easy way to tell if the timing is off? For example, can I mark...
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