I was at Wally World today and was checking oil filters for my boat. A few months ago, WalMart apparently switched suppliers for their Supertech line and now the shelves are fully stocked(here) with the updated models. I popped their "ST-5"(Fram PH5 equivalent) and compared it to the...
Ok..I work at a machine/engine building shop part time. We see quite a number of vintage car owners swapping their SBC's for Gen III 5.3's and 6.0 engines. They're bulletproof, run forever and are obviously very light because they're all aluminum(block and heads). They're easy to convert...
I was needing to pressure test my Alpha I Gen II and so cobbled together a tester from a Harbor Freight radiator tester kit. I used the tester itself but cut the rubber hose which leads to the quick connector meant for the various radiator adapters. I simply clamped an oil fitting on and it...
Hi all...
I pulled my drive because I'm losing a small amount of oil. I separated it, checked the impeller, cleaned it up and it actually looks very good. For perspective; I can drive roughly 15 miles and when I get back it'll require about 4 pumps from my bottle to bring it back up to...
Hi all...
When I bought my boat, it had set for a few years. Although in almost perfect condition for it's age(including only 400hrs and still the OEM plugs/cap/rotor etc...) I've run into a few age related corrosion issues. One being the trim. Last year I did get the trim working pretty...
Hi all...
So today I winterized my 93 Celebrity with a 5.7L Mercruiser. No problems getting the two block petcocks, two manifold drains, both lower manifold hoses and the PS hose off and drained(I realize I forgot the lower water pump hose...I'll do that tomorrow). I pulled the T-stat to...
Hi all...
I'm considering a new(used) boat to keep at my place up north. I want an open bow around 18-19'. Smaller lakes and launches are a bit much for my 23' cuddy.
Anyhow...I contacted a gentleman about his 84 SeaSprite with a 3.8LOMC. I have no experience with OMC and no idea of their...
Hi all...
I picked up my boat and am now going through it and doing the little work it needs. Basically a good cleaning from stem to stern. I got the battery in and fired it up today...runs like a champ but then again with only 340hrs on the thing(91 Celebrity 230/5.7 Mercruiser/Alpha One) I...
Hi all...
I recently purchased a 1991 Celebrity 230 cuddy with a paltry 348 hrs(checked the hr meter on the engine at the marina)on it. It's been sitting for 4 years so they're prepping it and I should get it next week. Anyhow...in the mean time, I was poking around the local "Fleet Farm" for...
Hi all...
I'm thinking of buying a boat. It's an 84 and has a V8/305. It's the original owner and it's been professionally cared for since new with all documentation. I've owned an older inline 6 with an Alpha drive. Will the drive unit be of similar build? I think it's a year prior to the...
Hi all...Long time off the water. Life just does that sometimes! Anyhow...We now have a grandson and my wife wants to buy a small boat to run around in. I sold my former boat which was a 19' Wellcraft. Really liked it, but it was a bit small and was an open bow.
I'm looking at a 1984 Imperial...
Re: Catastrophic engine failure...
Got everything assembled. Tapped/cleaned all threads, painted the head/manifold. Bought all new SS bolts. The old ones were useable, but just barely. I'll lift it in tomorrow.
Thanks to all for the help and suggestions.
What's the best headgasket available for my Inline 6?
There is a marine mechanic locally with an original Merc gasket for it...it's new, old stock. Get this, or is there a newer, stronger version?