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  1. 6

    Trim Hydraulics

    I located another trim pump I had from a 1984 boat I was working on a few years ago. This one is a two-solenoid unit, unlike mine which is a single-solenoid unit. However, it should be plug-and-play. I was debating whether I should replace the pump first, or remove the lines from the...
  2. 6

    Trim Hydraulics

    Another question: What is this device that is in-line with one of the trim hydraulic lines? Is it the reverse lockout that I have read somewhere?
  3. 6

    Trim Hydraulics

    Some more info: No salt water, only fresh water. Trim cylinder rods are perfectly smooth, no corrosion. The up tilt works perfectly. Using the down tilt, it stops going down about halfway. If I stand on the outdrive while someone pushes the down tilt button, it will go down almost all the...
  4. 6

    Trim Hydraulics

    I have a 1981 Sea Ray 260. The trim up/dn has always worked fine. Yesterday I went to raise the outdrive (Alpha one) and it worked. When I went to lower it (I just finished replacing the impeller) it would only lower about half way. Also, I heard a pop somewhere from the outdrive area (I was...
  5. 6

    MCM260 Problem

    Ok, I dug out the timing light, dwell/rpm meter and remote starter switch. A friend gave them to me years ago saying nobody will need these anymore. They're high-quality units, too. I haven't used those type of devices in decades. As soon as I get a chance to get back to the boat (it's in a...
  6. 6

    MCM260 Problem

    I verified the firing order. Steve
  7. 6

    MCM260 Problem

    The engine still has the original points setup. Good idea on checking the carb for another hole closer to the throttle shaft. I'm just baffled as to what could have changed suddenly. I could also disconnect the throttle cable and operate the throttle manually (by hand) while my son drives the...
  8. 6

    MCM260 Problem

    Hi everyone: It's been a while since I posted. I have a 1981 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer that I bought about 8 years ago. It has an MCM260 with alpha drive. The previous owner replaced the engine and the outdrive with an SE outdrive. The engine has an Edelbrock 4 barrel marine carburetor. It was...
  9. 6

    Water in Engine

    Thanks for the ideas. What are the odds that BOTH exhaust manifolds/risers failed at the same time? What are log-style manifolds (as someone mentioned)? My manifolds are rectangular cross section. I will try to get a picture posted later. How do you pressure-test the cooling system? I have...
  10. 6

    Water in Engine

    I bought the boat 6 years ago. The previous owner put in a a crate engine replacement and the outdrive is an SEI replacement for the alpha. It was well maintained by the previous owner. I also keep up on the maintenance (replaced pump, bellows, oil, etc. I have not done anything with the...
  11. 6

    Water in Engine

    A couple of days ago my son took out our 1981 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer (5.7L with Alpha Drive). This is what he says happened: He got out onto the lake, shut off the engine, and went swimming with his buddy. The engine wouldn't re-start. He tried cranking it about 7 or 8 times (it turned over...
  12. 6

    1981 Merc Oil Pressure Gauge

    I will check the voltage with the engine off. If the gauge is bad, will any single-wire oil pressure gauge work with my existing sending unit? There are also some "marine oil pressure gauges" available. Does this mean they are weatherproof or are the voltages different than an automotive oil...
  13. 6

    1981 Merc Oil Pressure Gauge

    I checked the voltage with the engine idling and there was about 4 volts at the sender and at the gauge. The gauge is always pegged at 80psi, even with engine and power off. Steve
  14. 6

    1981 Merc Oil Pressure Gauge

    Hi: I have a 1981 Sea Ray with a Merc 260 and alpha drive. The oil pressure gauge has been pegged at max for a while (even when shut off), so I need to replace it. It looks like the original gauge from 1981. The oil pressure sending unit is a single wire connection. I am assuming I need to...
  15. 6

    Backup Bilge Pump

    I have a 19811 Sea Ray 26' Sundancer. The bilge normally gets little water into it. There is a bilge pump now with a float switch that came with the boat when I bought it a few years ago. I want to add a high-capacity backup pump in case the original fails or something big happens to let more...
  16. 6

    Bottom paint

    A quick question. I am adding new bottom paint. There are a few bare spots after pressure washing, but most paint is good. What grit of sandpaper did you use to rough-up the existing paint? I have a bunch of 120 grit, but it gums up quickly. Should I try 80 grit? Hand sand or use a pad...
  17. 6

    Bennett Tab upper hinge seal

    I am replacing the upper hinge on my Bennett tabs and need recommendations on a sealer for the hinge-to-hull joint. Bennett says just to use a "sealer". I have an opportunity to do this today before a bunch of rainy days coming. The only marine sealant available locally is 3m 5200, which...
  18. 6

    Re-sealing window

    One of the windows on my1981 Sea Ray 260DA has a persistent leak. The window is about 11" x 90" and is a slider. It's hard to tell where the rain water is coming in exactly, as it can run along the aluminum frame and show up elsewhere. I could run a bead of sealer around the window edge, but...
  19. 6

    What is this surface?

    I have a 1981 Sea Ray 260DA. The maroon-colored dash surface under the windshield is shot due to the UV from the sun. If I wipe it, it leaves maroon dust on the cloth. It looks like a textured surface on top of fiberglass. How would I restore this surface? Do I just sand down the old stuff...
  20. 6

    Painting Outdrive

    I am in the process of painting my Merc Alpha 1 outdrive. I have searched and read the previous posts on outdrive painting. The outdrive is in my shop and off the boat. A couple of questions: 1) I have a can of spray zinc chromate primer. I assume you only have to spray the bare aluminum...
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