'01 Merc 4.3-valve adjustment/start up smoke/plug choice

[505callyourball]

Hello everyone! I am new to iboats and to I/O's. I'm pretty familiar with GM engines but not in this application (if there are internal differences from the street version). I have an '01 Caravelle with the 4.3GL carb engine. There is start-up smoke so I assume that it needs valve seals. When I do this, will these be non adjustable rockers or the regular type? While I've got the plugs out I plan to replace them. Can I use street plugs for an '01 4.3 vehicle or does it have to be a marine plug? (few boat shops in my area) There is also a hole in the flex hose when looking at up at the bottom of the Alpha 1. There seems to be an upper and lower hose, this would be the lower. tic tac size hole. What is that hose for and is the hole a big problem? Thanks in advance and I'll keep it shorter next time!

 

[cooter2506]

Re: '01 Merc 4.3-valve adjustment/start up smoke/plug choice

Maybe the choke is closed too much causing the smoke. Adjust the choke open a little bit see if it goes away. Might need to adjust the idle air mixture a bit too. The flex hose at the ottom is the exhaust bellows. That will not let water in the boat and sink it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: '01 Merc 4.3-valve adjustment/start up smoke/plug choice

I have an '01 Caravelle with the 4.3GL carb engine. There is start-up smoke so I assume that it needs valve seals. When I do this, will these be non adjustable rockers or the regular type?

Ayuh,... It's the Same as Chevy was putting in Pickups that year....

While I've got the plugs out I plan to replace them. Can I use street plugs for an '01 4.3 vehicle or does it have to be a marine plug?

AC Delco, MR43Tsomethingorather are the plugs you want,... I forget the last letters for the Vortec head application...
Anyways,... They're an Alloy bodied plug that don't really Rust much...
You should be able to get them at any quality Auto part house, or possibly right here at iboats...

 

[505callyourball]

Re: '01 Merc 4.3-valve adjustment/start up smoke/plug choice

I guess thats an option too. I'm not familiar with this carb and the boat runs great so I hate to mess up a good thing. I assumed valve bonnets because the previous owner let it sit for quite some time. Thought they may have dried out or something. I shall investigate the idle air and choke this weekend.

 

[505callyourball]

Re: '01 Merc 4.3-valve adjustment/start up smoke/plug choice

After a very brief check, it seems that '01 and up 4.3's have roller rockers with non-adjustable studs. So I assume torque to 20-22ft/lbs and ride...If anyone concurs please let me know....Thanks again everyone.

 

[505callyourball]

Re: '01 Merc 4.3-valve adjustment/start up smoke/plug choice

*UPDATE* I've ran the boat twice since posting and the start up smoke was not there....almost. In the driveway on the muffs and then at the lake there was no start up smoke. Second trip there was start up smoke once out of the 4 times I turned it off to fish then restarted. So that seems like a non issue mostly. Do you guys think its maybe one valve seal out of the bunch that "occasionly" leaks or something else? Thanks all.