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  1. J

    Looking for Service Manual - 2001 Mercury Optimax 150 Serial 0T304632

    Looked it up and found service manuals 90-859494R02 which was superceded by 90-8M0057453. Don't see them for sale on iboats - any recommendations other than Ebay?
  2. J

    2001 Optimax 150 Lower Unit Removal - Fwd or Neutral?

    Surprisingly, search for "Optimax lower unit removal" didn't reveal a post with all I am looking for. Conflicting info on whether to remove in forward gear or neutral. Service manual says neutral but they include removing prop as part of the process. I am not removing the prop. Fwd or Neutral...
  3. J

    Two Line Pressure Tanks Not Pumping Fuel To Carb

    Totally rebuilt two pressure tanks with new diaphragm, gasket and orings in fuel fitting. When I pump the button I feel a slight bit of air push through the fuel screen at bottom of tube. However, it won't pump fuel to the carburetor bowl. I cleaned pickup tube and screen soaking in solvent...
  4. J

    1955 Johnson RD17 25hp - Hard To Start

    Fully restored, all new ignition components, rebuilt carb, water pump, head gasket, etc. Compression is 88/88. Set low speed needle 1 turn out, high speed needle 3/4 turn out for maiden start up. Pumped up 2 line tank and gas in the glass fuel bowl...which has new filter and gasket. I don't...
  5. J

    Weak Spark Problem - 1955 Johnson RD17 25hp

    All new ignition components and plug wires. Points new, clean and gap set properly. Armature plate grounded to block, as it should be. Top cylinder wire sparks intermittent. Bottom cylinder wire no spark. I have pulled flywheel 4-5x now to recheck everything and make sure points are...
  6. J

    Repaint OMC Gas Tank - Rustoleum wrinkles issue

    I had two old OMC metal gas tanks sandblasted in prep to paint. After sandblasting I washed with down with phosphoric etch and then rinsed and dried using hair dryer to get good and dry. Etched with SE Primer. Coated with Rustoleum Professional aerosol primer and let dry for more than 24...
  7. J

    1955 Johnson RD-17S 25hp Restoration

    Compression checked out 90/100, so I brought it home. Came with 2 line tank, Evinrude Simplex controls with cables and also the original 1955 Owners Manual. Flywheel popped off very easy...too easy...and the flywheel nut was not tightened to spec. Ignition has been into at some point with...
  8. J

    What Engine Covers Fit 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18?

    I am looking for a spare complete cowl/cover for my 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18. What other years and models will fit this engine? I don't care if it is a Johnson cover, as my plan is to camo it as use it for hunting. I restored my current cover to close to original and can't bring myself to...
  9. J

    Paint or Gel Coat Over Epoxy - best way?

    I have made bench seats for my aluminum boat and sealed with US Composites epoxy. I have read here on iboats and other places that oil based paints can have issues with drying and adherence when painted directly over epoxy. Would it be best for me to put on 1 or 2 coats of Spar Urethane over...
  10. J

    Where to buy or have restored 2001 Mercury Smartcraft Gauges

    2001 optimax 150 with VDO smartcraft sppedi and tach gauges. They are uv damaged to point they are unreadable. It seems this vintage gauge is NLA. What are my best options for restoration and/or replacement beyond ebay? Mercury part numbers 79-859019 and 79-859020. Thank you.
  11. J

    Where to fix or find NLA 2001 Mercury Smartcraft VDO Gauges

    Just purchasing a 2001 Boston Whaler Ventura 180 with 2001 Optimax 150. It came with Smartcraft gauges by VDO, but they are UV damaged and unreadable. I have found out these gauges were changed in 2002 and no longer available from Mercury. Speedo is Mercury pn 79-859020. Tachometer is...
  12. J

    Aluminium Boat Paint Question - right up your alley WOG

    I have read many threads on prep, etc from the resident experts. I want to use a flat paint in a desert tan camo color. Majic makes a camo paint..BUT it is not compatible with their hardener and reducer (called them direct and that is what they told me). Can I buy Rustoleum flat white and...
  13. J

    OMC V4 Outboard Recommendations?

    My project boat is rated for 135hp outboard. When I am ready, I would like to find an older Evinrude/Johnson 115/135/140hp. Which style of these motors (crossflow flat back, crossflow bubble back or looper) are the best for running hard (skiing, tubing, etc)? Is there much difference on fuel...
  14. J

    '72 PowerCat , Rotting Transom

    Re: '72 PowerCat , Rotting Transom Some guys use elaborate bracing frames - moveable, etc. They are really nice, but if you have a good trailer that uses bunks then you will probably be fine. Just take measurements of the width of boat before you remove cap. I have also seen guys use...
  15. J

    1957 Fastwin fuel filter glass bowl removal help

    How do I open the glass bowl to change filter element? My service manual says remove bowl. No help. I am guessing it unscrews but I can't turn it. I see no other fastener holding it. I removed the yoke. Just can't get bowl off. In my shop thinking and waiting for a response across the waves. Thx
  16. J

    Bare Aluminum Hull - need bench seat ideas

    It has brackets in place, but I need some input on how to build functional bench seats - preferably enclosure with storage. I need some ideas and pictures. Thank you.
  17. J

    Is There An Alternative Replacement for QD21 Orange Low Speed Knob pn 307368??

    My low speed adjustment knob (orange plastic) cracked. Is there an alternative part from another motor that is more robust that will function as a replacment? I can find these NOS, but they are $25!! I can't imagine a new one is going to hold up that much better than the old one after a...
  18. J

    1957 Fastwin - Restoration consolidated

    Rebuilding carb today and I did not realize a special tool was needed to remove nozzles - and of course I twisted it off at the slot. I was able to remove it, clean the carb and put it back together with half of the slot gone. Is this ok or do I have to get a new high speed nozzle?
  19. J

    Prop Options for 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18

    I have a 1957 Fastwin 18 that I am restoring that has no prop. It appears a 9 x 10 is the standard size without too many options available. Boat is a 14' mod v hull that weighs 300lbs plus 2 men at 180-200lbs each, 6 gal gas, and 50-60 lbs of gear. Should I start out with a 9 x 10...
  20. J

    1959 Johnson 50hp. Can I convert to teleflex?

    I've done some searches and read but I don't have enough knowledge to be clear about converting a 1959 Johnson 50hp from pulley to push-pull steering. Can someone take a look at the attached picture and offer some links that will educate me further on this specific type of motor? Thank you.
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