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  1. J

    New Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive - noise at 3000 rpms

    96 Cobalt 4.3L I just installed a NEW MERC Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive and took it out for it's maiden voyage. At 3000 rpms I get this whine/drone, goes away at 2800 rpms and 3200 rpms, noise shuts off like a switch was thrown when out of that narrow rpm range. I put a few hours and about 25...
  2. J

    I feel stupid asking this. But here it is Alpha 1 Gen II fill question.

    As I said I feel stupid asking this but it is a new drive as last year the bearings went in the old drive. Still haven't found a reason for the bearing failure - fluid clean (no water) and full, fill unit from the bottom, etc. Question: When filling the outdrive from the bottom, I remove the...
  3. J

    Rubber gasket in alpha1 installation kit sealant?

    The manual makes no reference towards any sealant. I've read elsewhere to use liquid neoprene sealant - naturally I do not have that. Is a sealant required on this big rubber gasket? If so would a good RTV or similar sealant work if allowed to cure first? This is on a Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive...
  4. J

    Do the ujoint bellows usually look bad before they fail?

    I have a 96 4.3L Cobalt 200 with an Alpha 1 gen II drive in it. As far as I can tell by going through the records, the bellows have never been changed, BUT they look to be in great shape. I don't really see any water intrusion in the bellows, bearing is smooth and free. The grease has a...
  5. J

    Alpha one ratio change question

    I have a 20' Cobalt with a 4.3 LX merc in it. I just lost - at the very least some bearings in the lower unit. Not sure why as there was never any sign of water intrusion. I currently have a 1.81 ratio and run a bigger diameter 19P three blade or 19P or 20P 4 blade aluminum prop. Rpms max out...
  6. J

    Anyone near Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, MD

    There is an event going on July 16,17,&18 that I think is a good cause. It is a ride for to raise money for helping wounded Marines and veterans. What they could use is a boat to take a couple of injured servicemen and others on the ride. There is more info at...
  7. J

    Alpha1 Gen 2 Water pump Impeller?

    Is there a difference in the life span/quality between the different manufacturers? Mainly Sierra vs. Quicksilver/mercury? Mine is only 2-3 yrs. old, which is about 30-50 hrs MAYBE, but in sandy water, so it is time for replacement this winter. Which kit is rec.? Last replacement was a...
  8. J

    Prop suggestion?

    I have a Cobalt 200 w/4.3 LX merc. in it. I only use the boat maybe 2 weeks a year to go to the Keys, so any speed data is by memory from last year. I have tried the stock 13.75 X 21, a Powertech (?) 4 blade stainless - maybe 20P, a Solas 15.3 X 19 aluminum, a Solas 15.3 X 21 alum. The...
  9. J

    Winterizing question

    I have 2 questions really. One is the power steering cooler really needed, I had one boat with it, one without, same make, same year, same engine -4.3 (one is early 96, one is late 96 - so they have different heads)? It is a pain to get the hoses off to drain the heat exchanger. Two - I went to...
  10. J

    Why can you not gravity fill Alpha 1?

    I know you are supposed to fill it from the bottom up, but without an adapter I can't do it right now. Is it possible to fill from the resevoir and use gravity feed, remove the bottom screw until lube comes out then put it in and leave vent open until lube comes out of it? Just did the pump...
  11. J

    Couple of more questions, PCV?, circ pump?

    96 Cobalt 4.3 4 bbl Ok, due to rust in the block/head (only use the boat 1-2 times a year), I cracked a cyl. head (rust plugged circ. port in head to block) and took on some salt water then fresh water while flushing. Only hydrolocked while trying to crank - no apparent cyl or piston damage. I...
  12. J

    How do I set the timing?

    How do I set the timing on a 96 4.3 Merc. with the IV ignition? I think there is some wire to ground? (where and which wire?) thanks, Jeff
  13. J

    Best Full Fresh Water Kit for the $$ ?

    What is the best kit for the dollar or all they all about the same as far as quality. For a 4.3 Merc, currently raw water cooled but want to go full fresh water cooling.
  14. J

    1995 Vs. 1997+ 4.3 Merc Heads

    What is required to convert to the newer heads? I need a set and will either keep with the older or convert if it isn't overly involved. Is it just the heads and manifold? are all 4.3 97+ to present heads the same and can a standard truck head be used? thanks
  15. J

    96 4.3 Merc water in oil

    Took the boat out (96 Cobalt 4.3), ran fine all the first day but as I was coming in it started missing like a plug was out. I didn't think much of it - we were in FL and normally from PA on vacation - started fine the next day but soon started to miss. Figured I would see if it cleaned up...
  16. J

    4.3 Merc Running on hose ?

    Hi, when running my 4.3 cobalt on the hose the on side riser and exhaust gets much hotter than the other side. Is that normal? Even at idle.<br /><br />Or do I have to pull the riser to see if it is plugged (manifold is cool on that side)?<br />thanks
  17. J

    4.3 Vortec or not????

    I am now confused, the intake manifold has 6 bolts on each side for a total of 12 bolts.<br /><br />My understanding is (not a GM at all) that 12 bolts = non vortec and 8 bolts = vortec.<br /><br />Well I have 12 bolts, BUT the valve covers say V6 Vortec right on them. What gives???<br /><br...
  18. J

    Power Tech 14X19 4 blade value?

    I am looking at the above prop. Any idea of what a reasonable value is for one in very good shape?<br /><br />Is Power Tech props any good?<br />Thanks,<br />Jeff
  19. J

    Mercruiser 4.3 fuel pump

    Hi, mine died. So I am thinking of going with a Holley red pump instead of the replacement merc pump. Any pros or cons? Other than adding the vent tube and relocation. Thanks<br />Jeff
  20. J

    Newbie question

    Hi fairly new to I/O's. I have a 96 Cobalt 4.3LXH.<br /><br />Just put new water pump in and had new bellows installed, so this is the first time fired up this year. Put the mufflers on and turned on the water, let it run for about a minute or so then started the engine. <br />Question, is it...
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