Hello, I am a new boat owner(again) and now own my first inboard powered boat. I have some general questions I hope some experienced owners can answer. It is a 1982 Glastron 19.5 ft deck (SV191) with a 260 HP Merc. I would like some tips on what, if any, problems were common with these boats/engines/outdrives. I am unsure of the exact model outdrive I have, it just reads Mercruiser on it. Also, what kind of performance should be expected? I took it out for the first time today and was very impressed. I never tried to top it out, but it hit 40 without much effort and pulled a big tube like it wasnt even back there. Basically, what things should I check to make sure there are no probs, beyond the obvious? Also, do you check the gear oil in the outdrive by taking out the screw towards the top of the drive? It is labeled "L vent", not what I would expect on a lube level check screw. Sorry for so many questions, I will stop for now.
IS there a ser# on your out drive,that will tell you what it is. The top screw is were you take off to allow it to over flow when you fill it. Look toward the bottom for similar fitting thats were you connect to fill your drive.Every one will tell you to get the correct manual(s) for your boat,NOT SELOC to confusing to follow, Welcome to Iboats, Kick A.. site.>>>PAT
Thanks Waven. The serial number is as follows. C048824, as best as I can tell. The other numbers are 6088716, 1 50 R. What have I got and what are the general opinions on this unit?
I,ll be honest with you, Don S is the one who gave me mine online,I bought a Seloc manual and they showed me every one else engine & stern drive but mine, I was also told to check out www.boatfix.com I know there will be others who will definitely help also, This is the best forums site I have ever seen , The manual(s) will also help you locate all your ser# too for engine & sterndrive. with the right manuals and this forum you'll be well on your way.You probably have an ALPHA DRIVE, could be BRAVO< I'll look on www.boatfix.com to helpyou locate what it is..
Yes C048824 Should be the SER#, Oh ya I meant mention to mention this earlier, The best manuals to get is the original mercruiser manuals www.mercurymarine.com
Well, I posted to this thread once and it went away. So lets try this again.
The 6088716 is your serial number for the drive. It's a Merc "One" drive. You need Service manual #4 (Merc PN 90-86137)
Ebay would be the best place to find it.
Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time,
But always enough time to do it again?
Please, NO PM's (Private Messages) regarding boat/engine problems.
That is what these forums are for.
Only forum/moderator issues will be answered in PM's.
Thanks Don, will check it out. What are the general opinions of these drives? Any trouble spots to watch for?
Another general question i have is about oil pressure. Assuming the gauge is correct, it seems high to me. Gets around 80 psi at times. Also operating temps seem low to me. Around 140-160. Are these numbers typical of marine engines?
You should have asked those questions BEFORE you bought the boat, not after.
The drives are fine if you keep up with maintenance and the temps are normal.
Oil pressure may be that high when cold, but not warm.
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Don S.
Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time,
But always enough time to do it again?
Please, NO PM's (Private Messages) regarding boat/engine problems.
That is what these forums are for.
Only forum/moderator issues will be answered in PM's.
You should have asked those questions BEFORE you bought the boat, not after.
The drives are fine if you keep up with maintenance and the temps are normal.
Oil pressure may be that high when cold, but not warm.
Boat is in great shape, got it for a good price. I would have bought it either way. Just curious about any deficiencies of my setup.
The oil pressure typically is around 60, as low as 40. A couple times under hard acceleration I noticed it got near 80. Is there something I should check?
My setup is exactly the same as yours. My father in law bought the boat new. Mine has about 220 Hrs. on it and has never had any major problems. I've replaced the impeller and the trim limit and sender. This spring I had to replace the trim hoses from the pump and anti-reverse lock the the gimbal housing. They had a seeping leak in them at the end of last season. We were out all day today and I saw my temp gauge barely creep above 150 once. The water is still pretty cool here though. I'll see it get to 170 at times in the middle of summer. My oil gauge will sit at 40 psi on a cold start. If i'm idling at 5mph down the canal it will sit on 20. WFO down the lake 40 psi. Mines a 19 ft deckboat and it will do 52 with 4 on board. 19 pitch prop. I ordered all my manuals from Merc. Best investment you'll ever make if you plan on taking care of it. Have Fun!
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1981 VIKING 190 SI 5.7L MERCRUISER 260
Thanks. Mine is in an 82 Glastron 19.5 deck. It shows 149 hrs. All seems well so far. I dont really know what to look for, but have looked it over and not found anything wrong.
Guys I had the boat out again today. Everything went great, but I have a question. What RPM should it reach at WOT? It didnt seem to want to get over the about 3800-3900. That was trimmed all the way down. If I trimmed it up, it didnt seem to help. Any ideas?
[i]Do you have a TILT up/down button and a TRIM button?? mine does, First I have my TILT all the way down when I first engage forward throttle as I gain speed I raise the TILT up,boat is gliding now on top of the water (not digging bow) once every thing feel good and smooth(don't feel the waves any more) Thats when I hit the TRIM button and feels and performs even better, Thats when I know it's at its peek proformance. >>>PAT/I]
Mine has one button on the throttle(thats the one I call Trim) and the only other button related to this would be a button on the console that says trailer up or down. Is this the one you call tilt? I only use it to tilt the drive all the way up for trailering.
The switch in the throttle is your trim, it is the only one you should be using while running. The trailer button on the console should only be used with the engine off.
Guys, I am looking for a cover. Checking with site sponsors, I am told the "outdura" is the best available. For $277 it seems like a nice cover. Any opinions on what to get?
Sounds like yours is set up different then mine, thats everything I do to get my peek performance. any good canvas top is good, the ones that have the breather vents for air flow are supposed to be better as far as mold and mildew build up is concerned. and depends on how much you are looking to spend.
Got it out again last weekend and got a chance to open it up a bit. After I dropped off the wife and girls I got back out on some pretty calm water. I got into some wake before I could top it out all the way but I got to 51MPH(speedo) and about 4100 RPM before I got out of it. I was hoping to stay in it long enough to play with the trim some and find the max RPM/MPH. Maybe next time. I have a GPS on the way so I can see what she actually runs. Pretty happy so far with the performance, but a little disappointed in the way she rides.(Aqualift hull)
New boat owner with questions
, I was also told to check out 
, The manual(s) will also help you locate all your ser# too for engine & sterndrive. with the right manuals and this forum you'll be well on your way.You probably have an ALPHA DRIVE, could be BRAVO< I'll look on 
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