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  1. gene8084

    Ignition points to Electronic - pros / cons

    1974 Thunderbird Formula 180, Mercruiser 888, Ford 302, Holley, non-vacuum Distributor. After a year or two learning a lot through trial and error and a great deal of advice in these forum I've had years of success with this boat and system. The one frustration has been the points system...
  2. gene8084

    Liability Insurance?

    Does any insurance company sell liability for an older boat? (1974) All state wrote a policy for me, drpped it a week later saying the boat's too old. Then they sent me a bill for the days covered. LoL Only $4, but what a joke.
  3. gene8084

    Engine quits when throttle up

    Mercruiser 888, I/O, Ford 302, 2 bbl Holley, 30 gallon fixed Alluminum tank She's was running just fine last time out. Starting (usually takes 2-3 attempts to idle and warm up), accelerating fine, & WOT 3800-4000 RPMs without a skip. Today, took a few more attempts to getting idling at the...
  4. gene8084

    Fuel gauge always reads full

    I recently replaced the original gauges on my 1974 Formula 180, Mercruiser 888 I/O with Teleflex gauges. (low end price point ~$200). The old fuel gauge worked, although over 34 years it was hopelessly deteriorated by the sun. When I draw the tank down 8-10 gallons (30 gallon tank) it still...
  5. gene8084

    Smarttabs "rock"

    This season I've added a little weight in the stern, a second battery with a nice guest switch setup, rebuilt the engine box, and storage of some tools (just in case). First time out I was porpoising for the first time since buying this boat. Just couldn't get the trim right and get the smooth...
  6. gene8084

    Trim problem diagnosis/advice

    I have a 1974 Formula 180, I/O Mercruiser 888, Merc I outdrive with the original trim pump/system. Background. I have rebuilt the trim rams in an attempt to solve a sag problem I now understand that I need to replace the valve in the bottom of the pump due to actually solve the sag problem...
  7. gene8084

    Trim problem diagnosis and advice

    I have a 1974 Formula 180, I/O Mercruiser 888, Merc I outdrive with the original trim pump/system. Background. I have rebuilt the trim rams in an attempt to solve a sag problem I now understand that I need to replace the valve in the bottom of the pump due to solve the sag problem ( I have...
  8. gene8084

    MerCruiser reverse interlock behavior

    I have a 1974 Mercruiser 188 I/O. Experiencing sagging of the outdrive and need to tie the drive up for trailering. I have rebuilt the RAMs but no change. I'm trying to isolate the problem before taking the more expensive (~$300) route of replacing the pump with a newer model that would...
  9. gene8084

    Replacing bellows on shift cable, but not shift cable

    I have a 1974 Mercruiser 888. Merc #1 Outdrive. I was getting a small amount of water in my bilge and folks here recommended I replace my bellows. I've removed the outdrive, pulled the pins (bell housing is free), cut and removed the u-j bellows and exhaust bellows. I sliced the pick water...
  10. gene8084

    Bilge Water, Where's it come from?

    This may seem like a silly question, but where does the water in the bilge come from, and how much it too much? I've only had my boat in the water for a couple hours since buying it and since that time I've been tuning and tweaking to get it ready. We had some trouble the first day out and by...
  11. gene8084

    Timing & Vibration

    Mercruiser, Ford 302, Motorcraft - Non vacuum advance distributor. Idle timing set to 10 degrees BTDC per manual. When I set the timing, bolt down nut loose the engine sounds great (idle and throttle advanced). When I tighten the bolt down it sounds rough at idle. (I confirmed the timing is...
  12. gene8084

    Fuel tank inspection/maintenance recommendations

    The tank in my 1974 Thunderbird, Formula 180 is under the deck (I?m guessing 30 gallons). I can access the sending unit and the shut-off through the 6" Deck plate, but that's about it. I'm not sure what the material is, could be aluminum. There is about 5-6" of insulation foam between the deck...
  13. gene8084

    Proper adjustment for throttle cable/shift cables...

    Hello, Can someone explain how adjust the throttle cable in relation to shifting to forward / reverse? When I move the stick forward it takes nearly 3/4 of the 90 degree arc before the engine throttle moves increasing the engine speed. Shifting occurs in the first 10-15 degrees, so I would...
  14. gene8084

    Proper adjustment for throttle cable/shift cables...

    Hello, Can someone explain how adjust the throttle cable in relation to shifting to forward / reverse? When I move the stick forward it takes nearly 3/4 of the 90 degree arc before the engine throttle moves increasing the engine speed. Shifting occurs in the first 10-15 degrees, so I would...
  15. gene8084

    Trim up, drifts down...

    I have a 1974 Mercruiser 888 Outdrive. Need a little advice on isolating the cause of this problem. I just completed replacement of the seawater pickup pump. I'm not sure that could have anything to do with my problem but folks always say what did you change...if you say "nothing but..." you...
  16. gene8084

    Fails to choke at start

    1974 Mercruiser Mdl 888, Ford 302, Engine SN: 3893895, Holley Carb. The engine runs great once I get it started. a. recently had the Starter & Altenator rebuilt b. replaced points and condenser with and Ignitor c. replaced plugs, cap, rotor. d. replaced fuel pump e. replaced fuel/water...
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