Search results

  1. B

    Drive line slipping 200-300 rpms? Spun coupler? 4.3 2001 Alpha 1

    Hi All, as title says my low-hour 2001 4.3L Alpha 1 combo is slipping under load, and seems to be getting worse. Under load the rpms will suddenly spin-up 200-300 with no boat speed change. Feels exactly like prop cavitation from weeds, but prop is clean. I have two questions: 1) Can this be...
  2. B

    How do I remove this prop but retainer?

    I cant seem to pry up the tabs on this retaining washer with a screwdriver anyone else have one like this? Am I missing something?
  3. B

    What is "Normal" Dirveline Vibration? 2001 4.3L Carb

    Hi All, I have a vibration when driving my boat (2001 4.3L carb engine, alpha 1 gen 2 outdrive, 2001 21ft aluminum hull deck boat), that I'm trying to chase down, or determine that it is just "normal". This is my first i/o. This is my second summer with the boat, so I'm still getting used to...
  4. B

    Thoughts on lower unit ski rope damage

    Hi All, tangled the ski rope yesterday and it snapped off a peice if the lower unit skirting. The remaining edge was slightly bent, I was able to bend it back in line with a soft mallet. But leaves a chunk missing? Thoughts?
  5. B

    Vapor Lock in a 2001 carbureted 4.3? Is it possible?

    Hi all, can a 2001 4.3 carb engine get vapor lock? After a long run tubing yesterday, I shut down my engine, and we just floated and let the kids swim for a while, maybe 30 minutes-45min or so. When I started the motor she fired right up but died after about 10 seconds. Then I couldn't get her...
  6. B

    New style ignition sensor, but has no ground wire??

    Hi All, I have 2001 boat with 4.3 carb engine (that I think was replaced at one time). My distributor has the new sealed ignition sensor with the flying leads (white with greens trip and white with red stripe), but there is no ground wire coming out of the distributor? Was there a time that they...
  7. B

    Ran Motor Without Drain Plugs....

    Hi All, What should I be inspecting after running my 4.3 mercruiser with the four engine drain plugs removed? I accidentally left the drain plugs out of the motor (two on exhaust and two at bottom of block) and fired her up at the lake. I probably ran the motor for 5-8 minutes, mostly at idle...
  8. B

    What is this small hose by the bellows 2001 Alpha 1?

    Hi All, Would someone be so kind as to help me ID the leaking hose near my bellows in this picture? 2001 Alpha 1 drive. This is my first stern drive so still learning this stuff. Got home from the lake today and noticed a small blue puddle under the lower unit and saw it slowly oozing from this...
  9. B

    2001 4.3L Mercruiser - Engine Stops Randomly

    Hey guys I have a 2001 4.3L LH Mercruiser that I just picked up. The boat and engine look very clean and either meticulously maintained or very low hours (no hour meter). I'm having problems with the engine just stopping, I've replaced the fuel filter, and it is still happening. What should I...
  10. B

    Did fiberglass runabouts get heavier between 1970's and 1990's?

    Did boats get heavier between the 1970's and 1990's or did they change how they weight them? I use the iBoats specs a lot when boat shopping. My 1981 Glastron SSV176 (outboard) is listed as "17.1 feet long and weighs 955 (pounds dry)" but a 1991 Four Winns 17ft Freedom outboard is reported as...
  11. B

    Is this exhaust vapor excessive? **** VIDEO****

    1978 85hp Crossflow. Is this exhaust smoke normal? I took my boat up north this weekend and I had to do a lot of no-wake slow driving. I noticed a big white plume of exhaust that I've never noticed before. Here is a video I took. Everything else seems to be working great, she starts right...
  12. B

    How to remove V4 Crossflow Carbs. 8 steps with photos

    I try to give something back to forums I use. Many people appreciate simple photo illustrations for "how do I....?" Here is a little pictorial on removing V4 crossflow carbs. in eight steps. The repair manual is likely better, but for those web surfers contemplating doing it themselves and who...
  13. B

    Can someone explain how 2-contact navigation light sockets work?

    The navigation lights do not work on my boat. The bulbs have the two contacts on the bottom. When I test with a volt-meter I get 12 V across the two contacts in the fixture/socket. My question is, with this type of light/socket does the metal socket sleeve itself (the part the bulb slides into)...
  14. B

    What model year outboards have S.L.O.W mode?

    What model year did Johnson start building motors with the SLOW mode overheating protection?
  15. B

    Replacing under-cowl fuel lines for carb and fuel pump, tips?

    Do most people just use regular fuel line? Or is there a kit of pre-bent lines that I should be using? Recommendations? Are there pre-formed / pre-bent replacement fuel hoses for the carb and fuel pump? I'm replacing the fuel lines under the cowl of my 78 85hp Johnson and there are some very...
  16. B

    How to Remove Electric Choke solenoid from a V4 Crossflow?

    I'm trying to remove the carbs on my 1978 85hp Johnson V4. I need to remove the electric choke solenoid so it isn't connected to the carb linkages. Is there a trick? The choke connection to the choke shaft is held in place by a white plastic washer that is kept from slipping off the shaft by...
  17. B

    Recommended Fuel Additive

    Is there any type of "fuel system cleaner" I can add to my fuel that is worth it for these engines that will clean up the carbs or keep them clean? any recommendations? Woops...just found this sticky...
  18. B

    Johnson Crosslfow 85hp - Intermittent Power Loss - Quick Diagnostics??

    Hi All, bought a 78 or 79 85hp Johnson V4 last weekend 15' trihull. Looks very clean and well maintained. I am having intermittent power issues. I'd like to take the boat out again today, but am worried that if I have a fuel/carb issue I could be causing cylinder-damage from lack of lube (story...
Top