Recent content by Coastal Rick

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    How do you get that bearing carrier removed?

    Got a 73 20hp merc and been running it for a couple months. So I decided I should check on the LU lube and when I opened up the screw about a cup or so of water came out :eek: and then a nice, creamy oil slowly dripped out about the consistency of a good vanilla milk shake. I'll fill it back up...
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    Engine flush attachment?

    I was looking at my outboard and there is a screw on the lower unit with "flush" marked on it or next to it on the LU case. In the manual or the expanded parts diagram I've seen it referenced as an attachment point to flush the outboard without running the motor. Some kind of attachment goes...
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    Replacement prop install questions

    Had my 20hp 1973 Merc with a spun prop, and ordered a Michigan replacement 032136. Pulled the old prop and destroyed it in the process, which left the rubber hub and inner metal sleeve corroded onto the prop shaft. Got that all cut off and am ready to install the new Michigan. I've got two...
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    How much stuff can you run off a trolling motor battery?

    Of course there is no exact answer because it depends on so many variables. But let's see if there is a range or good estimate, ok? I have a 14ft aluminum Western with 20hp Merc on the back. Just your basic open design with three bench seats and a little console. Up till this point I've only...
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    Where do you mount your rod holders?

    I have a 14' aluminum boat, with three bench seats, a little console on the middle seat, and a covered bow for storage. There is just a little oval gunnel welded at the top of the sides. I've got 4 rod holders on order (plastic Scottys with side mount bases) and started wondering where to...
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    What does a 2 or 3 pin base mean? And locking bases?

    I have a little aluminum boat that I am fixing up as a fishing machine. I'm looking to add nav lights and there are sure lots of choices. I was thinking of going with the bow lights that are up on a short pole in the event I put a bow mount trolling motor or anchor guide up there - so the light...
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    How to degrease the upper unit?

    A couple of months ago I got a 73 Merc 200 - 20hp and the whole thing is pretty grimy. It runs nicely. It is especially greasy under the cowling, with lots of gunk around the hoses and wiring and so on. I was thinking I could just cover the carb with a plastic bag, and take it to the car wash...
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    1973 Merc 200 20hp won't stay running

    I got a boat and this motor about 2 months ago. The first time I fired it up in a barrel of water, it ran pretty smooth, the neutral warm up lever (it has controls) worked fine to rev it slightly just to know it worked fine. I let it run for about 15 minutes and it settled into a nice slow...
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    New to boating, have some questions about my old merc

    I am now the owner of an old 14ft Western with a 1973 20hp merc. I don't know much about boats and engines except what I've picked up over the last couple weeks of owning one. So I have a few questions, maybe someone can help me out? I've noticed there is a small fin on most outboards to...
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    New to boating, have some trailer light questions

    Got an little old boat and old trailer a few weeks ago and have been getting it ready to go. The trailer is steel and pretty rusty, the wiring was spliced all over the place, and the lights themselves were shoddy, not working, and not up to legal standards. So I bought a new trailer light kit...
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    Possible to clean up dings?

    Hi everyone, I bought an old 14ft Western tinny and it has a 73' Merc 20hp with a 3 bladed aluminum prop. It has a number of small dings along the blade edges, who knows, it might be the original. Anyway, my question is: can an average joe use a file and clean up those dings without causing any...
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