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  1. Brentathon

    Alternator application for 5.7 Mercruiser

    I have a 1990 5.7 Alpha, and they seem to call out a 55 amp alternator 817119A4 (Sierra p/n 18-5966). Is there any problem using a 65 Amp alternator (sierra p/n 18-5965) instead? It looks like Sierra also claims their 65 amp replaces the 817119A4, too.
  2. Brentathon

    Example of Crevice Corrosion

    Here's a good example of how stainless steel can corrode (significantly) in an environment where there's a lack of oxygen. This is a screw that was in my transom, for my swim platform supports. This is why I HATE fasteners used below waterline. Note how the head of the screw (which is submerged...
  3. Brentathon

    "Home Made" Temp Alarm

    Not sure if anyone has an issue with the way I did this, but since my 1991 boat didn't come with the Temp & Oil alarm system, I bought the Merc temp switch (p/n 48952), and simply wired-up a 12 Volt source from my ignition switch. I would have to jump the wire to ground to test the alarm, and if...
  4. Brentathon

    Upper Swivel Shaft Seal is FIXED!!!

    (1991 Merc 5.7 Alpha) I launched the boat this past weekend, and was VERY happy not to see a leak from my Upper Swivel Shaft Seal....due to the replacement. I'll try to post some pics of the old parts. The non-stainless steel swivel shaft (a "design flaw" in my opinion) had significant...
  5. Brentathon

    Old Merc Installation Drawings?

    Does anyone have a copy of an older Installation Drawing for late 80's/early 90's Merc 5.0 & 5.7L V8's? Because back in 2007, I had the option of re-powering with a new TKS 5.7, but the dimension from crankshaft centerline to the top of flame arrestor seemed a few inches MORE (shown on DRW57-001...
  6. Brentathon

    Caution for all who use Anodes

    Not sure if you confirm continuity when installing new anodes, but I think it is a MUST. I learned the hard way, that if you don't clean-off a sufficient amount of oxidized material and debris, that you may not have a true conductive pathway between your zincs. I spent half hour yesterday...
  7. Brentathon

    Gimbal Housing Eyelit

    I just noticed that I didn't install the p/n 14705 plastic eyelit (item #19 in pic) that came with the Mercury shift cable, on my Alpha Gen I. I also, didn't remove one of these, when I removed the old shift cable (which may have been aftermarket). Where exactly does this plastic piece go, and...
  8. Brentathon

    Hose Clamps for Mercruisers

    I just finished installing my Alpha Gen I Bell Housing yesterday, and noticed/pondered why only the exhaust & U-Joint bellows clamps get grounding clips; yet the shift cable and water hose clamps do not. If anything, I would think the water hose clamps are commonly used for a longer period than...
  9. Brentathon

    Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

    I'm ready to install a new shift cable in my Alpha Gen I; I tightened the shift cable retainer nut into the Bell Housing: Should the inner core wire be inside the shift cable conduit when feeding it though the Gimbal Housing and routing it up to the shift plate? Or, can you simply insert the...
  10. Brentathon

    Perfect Seal vs. 5200

    The manual says to use Perfect Seal on the 2 plastic plugs that go into the holes I cut in my Alpha gimbal housing (for a swivel shaft replacement job); is Perfect Seal really better than 3M 5200?.......good for long-term below waterline applications?
  11. Brentathon

    Alpha I Upper Shift Shaft Seal upgrade

    I was thinking of installing the new seal kit in my Gen I Bell Housing, since it is removed for my Upper Swivel Shaft/Seal replacement job. I was wondering if the new/larger bushing (23-805041A2) impedes with the Exhaust Bellows expander tool.
  12. Brentathon

    40HP 2-Stroke Starter question

    On my 2000 40HP 2-Stroke Mercury, when I turn the key to start the motor, the little pinion engages & turns the flywheel for a brief period (approx 1 sec or so) and then disengages the flywheel (by dropping back down) and free-spins until I let go of the key. (The motor seems to start OK...a...
  13. Brentathon

    My Merc Upper Swivel Shaft/Seal Saga

    Well, I successfully dis-assembled everything, and replaced both bushings (large & small) and the seal for my Upper Swivel Shaft on my Alpha Gen I. I will then assemble everything, using my new SS (J&R) swivel shaft. I did this through the access holes drilled into the gimbal housing...
  14. Brentathon

    Alpha (Gen I) Bell Housing Install

    I have my Bell Housing all removed, for the replacement of my Upper Swivel Shaft and Lower Swivel Pin, as well as the seal at the Upper Shaft. When I go to re-assembly everything, I'm a little confused on the best order of the various steps. Would it be: (1) Install U-joint Bellows onto Bell...
  15. Brentathon

    Merc Bell Housing Removal (Alpha)

    So, I'm in the process of replacing my Upper Swivel Shaft Seal/Bushings; When you remove the Bell Housing, do you remove the water tube cover/grommets on the inside of the boat, and leave the water hose clamped to the Bell Housing? Is there any reason to remove the water tube from the Bell...
  16. Brentathon

    Rusted-out Drain Plug!!!

    I just hauled my boat out (salt water) for the season, went to remove drain plug....and it practically fell out with almost no pulling :eek: The brass plate on the inboard side corroded, and the threads were corroded/stripped. I've had the inboard plate of stainless steel drain plugs corrode...
  17. Brentathon

    Water Squirting from Side of Engine

    Just noticed a 2mm stream of water squirting from the side of the engine, between engine and exhause manifold. :confused: I plan to get the boat hauled tomorrow, I may try to make it over to the boat ramp, despite this water squirt. Any predictions on what this is? :( Reman 5.7 Merc Alpha 1...
  18. Brentathon

    Non-Tox Antifreeze with Alcohol?

    Has anyone had issues using a non-tox antifreeze for winterizing, which had alcohol as one of the ingredients (i.e. not just H20 and Propylene Glycol)? I'm thinking of using some of this, since Westmarine has more than doubled the price of their anifreeze, in the past 8 years, or so.
  19. Brentathon

    "Non-Tox" Anti-Freeze

    Anyone know a good (inexpensive) source for propylene glycol antifreeze ("non-tox")? Am I the only one that thinks the price increase for this stuff is getting out of hand? :confused: What is it, like $4.99/gallon :eek: I recall when it was only about $2/gallon, like 10 years ago. We need...
  20. Brentathon

    Resiweld

    So, I received the Resiweld that I ordered. It's a two-part epoxy, and the "kit" comes with wooden tounge depressers and a little graduated plastic shot-glass looking cup and a few napkins.....funny stuff. The ridiculous thing is the price and how much the kit has........each of the two-part...
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