Recent content by docmirror

  1. D

    Help identify this old Starfire

    I'm going to take a guess at one of the Waconda models from early 1960s. The large vertical fins died out in 1960, and the horizontal character line models from the early 60s Chevrolet styling queues. They were known as very solid built FG hulls, which means it's still intact after 60 plus years...
  2. D

    Head holding tank pump out

    Works for me. The waste fitting was found, and you can use it if you choose, but not using it is just as good. I used to run around in closed waters and had the only potti around. I didn't offer and told people it wasn't for public use, but it sure made the women folk happy when I took them for...
  3. D

    Battery Options

    Yeah, I have the plate config backward, sorry. However, if he's using the deep cycle for starting, the issue may still cause plate warpage.
  4. D

    Head holding tank pump out

    Lemme ask a few questions. For this boat, it's gonna be a Thetford or Dometic, or Camco, or similar porta-potti with pump out feature. Do you find a location near the head and locate a through fitting with "WASTE" that unscrews? Like a "GAS" fitting but it'll say waste and be a bit larger? If...
  5. D

    Be easy on me please. Total newbie.

    Three - in 50 years. Check. I think my favorite alternate method I saw evidence of some big azz pipe wrench tooth marks on the front V pulley once. lolz So, turn the engine over by hand(somehow) and check for the location of the banging.
  6. D

    Battery Options

    Are you in a location with a significant annual freeze, like upper mid-west? Do you keep the batt on a maintainer/charger? A deep cycle battery as the name implies is used for low power continuous drain, and not high current starting. The plates in the deep cycle are fairly thin, and do not...
  7. D

    Be easy on me please. Total newbie.

    50 years of experience says otherwise. The bolt is a grade 8 fine thread and is torqued to 60Ft/Lb. The bolt in the crankshaft will likely support double that or 120ft/lb before any thread damage is possible. I guess, if one is a gorilla and gets a 2' breaker bar it and wails on it, then it...
  8. D

    AC radiant power extraction

    I spoke to a marine AC guy down near the marina. His advice was to get either a 16,000 or 12,000 split system, and put the condensing unit in the back of the engine compartment. We can then use a small blower fan(like the bilge vent) over the top of the condenser to duct hot air out the hull...
  9. D

    AC radiant power extraction

    Well, You might want to review the physics of radiant energy transfer, and also view this video which shows exactly the power consumed by the top three combined units: The LRA is over 60amps(which is pretty meaningless), the inrush current is around 27amps, and the continuous duty amps is...
  10. D

    AC radiant power extraction

    Whelp, I'm gonna replace the AC in my Sea Ray. It's working, but it's 20 years old, runs on R-22, making a buzzing noise, and it just doesn't push much cold air anymore. I knew it was kinda weak when we got the boat, and it's been on my 'to do' list since buying. Here's the rub: While I had the...
  11. D

    Be easy on me please. Total newbie.

    My vote is; Remove all six spark plugs, put it in fwd gear. Get a socket, ext and long breaker bar on the front crank nut and turn it over two times by hand. May get an idea of where the clunk comes from. While it's in gear, try to move the prop forward and backward by hand. If you can turn it...
  12. D

    Is AARP worth it???

    Interesting. I've been a member for about 6 years. I read their mission. Wondering what part of their stance was not to your liking? Too much liberty? Excessive support of individual rights? Against rule of law, or free speech? Oh well, there's a top for every kettle I guess.
  13. D

    5.7 GM Marine Repower Options?

    Based on this, I'd just look into a re-bore, and check the condition of all the rotating asms. Marine engines are like little race engines with quality materials. Aside from pistons and rings, likely a lot of the rest of the engine is seaworthy. For the engine that was sitting take a good look...
  14. D

    5.7 GM Marine Repower Options?

    I'm getting ready to rebuild my Ford 460. And, honestly all I'm subbing out is the basic machining. Bore cyl, deck the block, and clean it. From there, I'm doing all the asm myself. I had the heads done by a shop and I had to take them back. They ground out a passage in the exh too far and...
  15. D

    "Christmas staff fund charge" on my marina bill?

    Update on tipping and the marina staff. Last wknd Mrs fancee yachet owner and I were down staying on the boat. Just my luck, while we were there, I got the '3/4' full warning on the poop tank. Sigh, but - don't cry for me Argentina, the fuel and pump dock was open. However, trying to start the...
See more
Top