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  1. tpenfield

    Bellow condition??

    @Wave34 . . . the sight of your bellows makes me feel a whole lot better about the ones on my boat. Those bellows scream borrowed time. :oops::eek:
  2. tpenfield

    IBEX 2025

    An IBEX is where Scott goes each year in the Fall :LOL:
  3. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    Sort of like this . . . . :ROFLMAO:
  4. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    Are these what you got? . . Picture sort of looks like 2 x the 50 Ah battery . . . Are they both dead?
  5. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    Running 2 LFP batteries of different Ah ratings are 'outside' of general best practices and manufacturer recommendations. Not sure if the BMS within the batteries are going to like that. . . probably not. A few pictures of the batteries and your set-up may help us better understand what you...
  6. tpenfield

    Trailer Load musings

    As for musings . . . My Tri-axle trailer's tongue weight is at 9%, which I think is a bit on the high side for a 3-axle set-up. Maybe 7% would be better. I have thought about some re-engineering, but there is not much wiggle room of the bow-stop, axles, bunks, etc. I did approximate that...
  7. tpenfield

    boat trailer calipers vs auto

    Fresh water should be fine. You can always test the brakes (disc brakes) by disconnecting the electrical to the trailer and backing up a slight grade. Probably a good thing to do now & then, if you don't trailer often. The tandem trailer that I had for my 24 footer had a great set of brakes ...
  8. tpenfield

    Charging a LiFePO4 via an Inverter

    Sorry to be late to the party . . What is powering the inverter? (Engine battery(ies) ? I assume because of the mention of a Suzuki) Is this a one-time need, or will it be on-going? If a continuous need, I'm with @bruceb58 on this . . . get a DC-DC charger. My 'rule of thumb' is to stay...
  9. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    Most LFP batteries do. Brand and Ah rating? Got any pics to share?
  10. tpenfield

    boat trailer calipers vs auto

    Did you find the Kodaguard held up better? I dunk in salt water a couple time a year. After a couple of years, the HydraStar calipers were not having it.
  11. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    @redneck joe , About the LiFePO4 battery . . . > Brand and Amp-hour rating? > With nothing connected and no charging, are you getting any voltage reading from the battery (use a DVM to test it). > A charger with "0Volt charging" may be needed to bring them back to life. . . it looks like the...
  12. tpenfield

    boat trailer calipers vs auto

    My trailer has HydraStar brake calipers on all 6 wheels. According to the manufacturer's information - the piston, the mounting bolts, and slide bushings are stainless steel. The caliper bodies are "Dacromet" coated for rust protection, but I have found that they rust regardless, and the brake...
  13. tpenfield

    projects other than boats

    I'm enjoying seeing folks projects. . . Here is my current project: Hardwood flooring. . . . . It has been about 25 years since I installed hardwood flooring. I had forgotten how much work it is. Fortunately this stuff is pre-finished. In total it is about 725 Sq. Ft of flooring.:oops...
  14. tpenfield

    Seafoam vs. Marine Pro Seafoam

    I've always liked Mercury Power Tune over Sea Foam . . . it seems a lot stronger in terms of carburetor cleaning and combustion chamber cleaning
  15. tpenfield

    Where are the shutoff valves?

    The pump should prime itself from the water tank.
  16. tpenfield

    1979 Cobalt 18DV w/ MerCruiser 260 and Alpha 1 - No Raw water to engine

    I am wondering if there are additional clogs further along the intake line (hose). If you press a garden hose turned on about 1/2 way into the bell housing fitting, I am wondering if you will get the same trickle of flow up to the t-stat housing? You mentioned an oil cooler . . . I am...
  17. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    I've learned a few things the hard way over the past few years with solar and LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries. - Expect about 65% of the rated watt output from a solar panel . . . A 5 watt panel is not going to charge a decent sized battery any time soon (weeks). Since LFP batteries can take a lot of...
  18. tpenfield

    Where are the shutoff valves?

    I've owned 2 boats with water systems . . . no shut off valves. the only thing you might find with valves are the lines to/from the engine to the water heater (if it has one). If your pressure pump runs continuously, it may be broken or leaking, as AD stated. Most boat water systems operate...
  19. tpenfield

    225BR hull construction vs. engine size... any differences?

    KDAT plywood (i.e. treated) started to be used in the early 2000's. I did notice that the stringer grid was attached to the hull with chopper gun mat rather than biaxial cloth.
  20. tpenfield

    Ooo! Sparkly! Redfury's Grinding again!

    Great to see one of the early members (2006) back. (y)
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