Search results

  1. I

    888/alpha drive exploded

    I have an mercruiser 888/302 engine in my 1973 18 foot ski boat that sits in front of a first gen alpha transom and drive from a 83 488(470 4bbl). A later mc-1 inner transom plate is used. A 25 pitch prop keeps the wot rpms around under 5k. We rarely if ever go flat out mostly drag kids around...
  2. I

    Transom replacement Hydrodyne 18

    I am doing my first transom repair. I am working on an old Hydrodyne 18 I/o I have ground out the old wood. I am planning on leaving the deck on and installing the transom in 2 pieces for the back layer then 3 for the front. What would be the best way to adhere the two layers? The rear layer...
  3. I

    Bow eye backing 1973 Hydrodyne 18

    My bow eye started to pull through the other day. It was through the hull to a 6 inch piece of a 2x4 cut on the sides to fit into the hull. That wood block was then glassed in. I have gained access and removed the wood block. I was going to use an oak board to replace the backing block. Should I...
  4. I

    New points no spark. 888

    I changed the points and condenser in my 888 and also installed new cap rotor and plug wires. The boat ran before I did this. I set the point gap to .017. I have verified that I have battery voltage at the coil when cranking and 4.6 when in the on position. I verified that I had the correct...
  5. I

    Hydrodyne 18 I/o prop

    I have an old hydrodyne 18 with the 888 It is a good running boat I got without an out drive. I had a R drive in good shape from a 470. So that's what I have. I have the wrong gear ratio out drive on it, it should have a 1.5 and I have 1.84. I can turn my stainless 22 pitch 3 blade to about...
  6. I

    888 drain holes

    I have a mercruiser 888, there are two block drains on the block, previous owners have put drain valves there. Last year I pulled the valves out to winterize. I also noticed on the starboard side of the block there was a brass plug right in front of the starter. I pulled that out. No additional...
  7. I

    trim pump swapping

    I have a good boat with a 888. I dont have the 888 leg. I also have a rotted boat with an alpha 1 early 1st gen. I am going to use the outrdive from the alpha. Can i use the trim pump and rams from the alpha and then toss the reverse lockout? What should i do with the purple wire going to it...
  8. I

    1.84 alpha drive on a 888

    This spring i have discovered that my century 5 meter has a poorly made foam core hull and all the wood is rotten. I had a great running 224ci mercruiser 488. I dont want to put a ton of time into a restore. I was offered a good boat that isnt rotten with a 888 its problem is that the outdrive...
  9. I

    488 engine coupler

    I have a 83 mercruiser 488 (4bbl 188 hp 470) that spun its engine coupler today. The rubber melted out of it completely. I did check the alignment this spring when the outdrive went on. We were on some prettty rough water and we were bouncing around a bit. Any tips on changing it? I know the...
  10. I

    488 manifold and or engine swap.

    I just got a new elbow / riser for my 83 488 mercruiser because it was burning holes in the boot, and while changing it noticed a crack between the two exhaust ports going into the elbow. It is in the manifold. The crack is only in between the two exhaust sides not the coolant. I have never lost...
  11. I

    looking for a new used boat

    I have a century 5 meter boat it is in good shape and runs good. It has the 4 bbl version of the 470 (488). I have done my fair share of maintenance on it. I really like its performance gets me up on the wakeboard quick handles good and breaks 50 with 3-4 people. I often go out on a bigger river...
  12. I

    mercruiser 488 timing

    I just did the pertronix ignitor conversion the timing was at 0 when I started. I have service manual 3 which said timing was to be set to 8 but have heard 8 from others. Should I run 8 or 4 I ran it set at 8 the boat was faster than I have ever had it. Are there any dangers of running at 8...
  13. I

    anyone else have a 5 meter?

    Anyone else have a five meter century? I have a 83 five meter with a 488 and I am wondering what kind of top speed other people got and your prop set up. I have talked to one other 5 meter owner who got 53 mph but don't know what prop. I only get 47. I posted in props but wanted to know if...
  14. I

    488 powered boat question

    I have a 1983 boat with a 488 engine. I recently talked to someone with the same boat and motor (century 5 meter) they said their boat did 53 and had a ticket to prove it. My boat will only do 47. I have changed plugs, done a compression test everythings fine. My boat runs good and hits the top...
Top