Search results

  1. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    ! down, 1 to go . . . I had to update my chart. As I was lifting the first engine, the starboard side did not want to go. So I put the engine back down and discovered that the alternator feed and Mercathode power needed to be disconnected. . . Then the engine came up as expected . . . . ...
  2. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    A bit rainy today, so not as much work done. I did go to Harbor Freight to get a tool for the steering actuator. . . I was able to get the 1" socket on the lower pinch bolt from above with this wrench. Much easier than yesterday's work. . I should be ready to pull the engines tomorrow . . ...
  3. tpenfield

    Cruiser comparison

    It is doubtful that you will find anyone that has been on or owned all 3 boats. As stated, age matters, condition matters. If anything can be gleamed from the specifications, deadrise angle and overall weight will be indicators of rough sea performance. The Formula is the heaviest, but also...
  4. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    I did for a moment, but the steering actuator was more directly over the bolts.
  5. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Hi @Lou C - Yes, it has been you and I against the salt water Gods, so it seems. I will say that there is a lot of engineering that goes into these I/O (sterndrive) systems. Amazing that it has worked for so many years. I'll be happy to send these engines to someone needing a twin engine...
  6. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    It took a while, but I got the lower bolt for the steering actuator loosened. Then I could remove the water intake hose and expose the rear mounting bolts. . They came out fairly easily . . . . I believe these are stainless bolts . . . . So, I just need to disconnect the fuel line and the...
  7. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    This is getting to be annoying . . . Apparently there is a bolt on the underside of this bolt location . . . (purple arrow) . . . the Mercruiser engineers must get a laugh out of where they put stuff. :rolleyes:
  8. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    The rear mounts are not much different than older years. My challenge is getting to them. There is a lot more 'stuff' on the back of the engines, it seems these days. I'll post up a picture for the benefit of anyone taking a similar engine out of their boat . . . I disconnected the hoses...
  9. tpenfield

    Cabinet hanging question.

    Finding the studs in the wall can be a challenge, but you only need to find them below the cabinet and go up vertically. Often the problem is that the spacing of the studs don't give you a lot of locations to put screws. If you are going right up to the ceiling, which it looks like, you may be...
  10. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    The Admiral is stretching the 'Honey Do' list as best she can . . . More stuff to do this AM, but I should be back at it at some point today. Regardless of the troubles, I will say that some of the engine pull items are easier than before . . . There are quick disconnects on all of the fluid...
  11. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Yes, I'm planning on selling them as a package. They'd be a nice twin engine re-power.
  12. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Engine Pull . . . Day 1 For anyone considering an engine pull of the new-style Mercruisers . . . Don't :ROFLMAO: It has been about 20 years since I pulled an engine out of a boat . . . (a 454 Mercruiser V8 in my 24 Formula.) Back then, I think it took maybe a couple of hours with a handful...
  13. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    All set . . . A little bit of cutting, some prying, and some lifting and I was able to pull the seat assembly off the hinges. . The bolts are welded to the hinges. I did not try the hinge pins, but thank you @Scott Danforth . . . that would be a good idea. Maybe on the re-assemble. Here is...
  14. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Update Du Jour . . . I'm into Day 2 taking the rear seat assembly out. IT weighs a lot . . . I'm guessing 500 lbs. Anyway, it is hinged at the rear with 2 hidden hinges. 4 bolts per hinge on the engine side, and I assume the same internal to the swim deck. The bolts are about 1-1/4", so to...
  15. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Hi @Lou C, Your boat would be a fairly straight forward conversion IMO. You put a lot of work into saving it, IIRC. IF you like it, it may be less $$$ to convert vs. buying a new(ish) Outboard boat of similar size/style.
  16. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    OMG . . . It fits :cool: I jockeyed the boat over a bit and put the gantry in place. There is a couple of inches of clearance on each side as planned. The outdrives came off today. Tomorrow will be the seat assembly and then it will be time to pull the engines.
  17. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    Remove the charger and see if the voltage holds or goes down. There may be some new batteries in your future,
  18. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    If the voltage numbers are correct, and you assume that the battery has no more than 20% charge after 4 days based on the voltage, then it looks like the charger is running at about 100 milliamps (basically float charging).
  19. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    I think on the other battery, where the charger would go on & off, it is probably dead. The 0.49v and then the 14.48v readings are the charger cycling for '0 volt activation', but the battery is not activating. Still a puzzle as to why/how the other battery is taking so long to come up. Might...
  20. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    Following this battery charging saga . . . here is the progress summary. I do better with pictures :LOL:
Top