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    Bunk spacing for a 70's StarCraft SS

    For a 16’ StarCraft SS, set the bunks under the strongest parts of the hull—ideally along the main stringer/rib areas, not just where the old rollers were. A good starting point is about 60–70% of the flat bottom width apart (center-to-center). Make sure the bunks support the hull evenly from...
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    1989 2.5L (not 3.0) mercruiser crankshaft pulley

    The thin stretchy piece is probably not a separate belt; it may be a strip from the belt that failed. A belt can delaminate and leave long rubber strands that look like another part. I would inspect the crank pulley/harmonic balancer closely for wobble or a separated rubber ring, since a failing...
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    5.0 XL Mercruiser possible carb/fuel pressure issue

    Sounds like it may have flooded. The pressure at the separator isn’t normal for a carb setup, so check for a stuck carb float/needle and seat or fuel pressure issues. Next time it won’t start, hold the throttle wide open while cranking (don’t pump it). If it fires, it’s likely flooding. Also...
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    Corsa Black plug 3 wire diverter to white plug 3 wire?

    It sounds like you have two different generations of Corsa diverter actuators. The older setup used the 4-wire solenoid with a built-in delay module, then converted to a 3-wire harness. The newer style actuators usually have the control electronics built into the actuator itself, so they only...
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    Yamaha 50 1985 2-stroke cooling problem

    Sounds like a restriction or a thermostat/popet valve issue rather than the impeller. Since air passes through the tube, the blockage may be higher up in the cooling passages, water jacket, or tell-tale fitting. Try removing the thermostat and checking for debris, corrosion, or a sticking...
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    Need help with steering cable.

    Try a local lumber yard or sawmill; they often have longer stock or can order 8 ft pieces. You may also be able to buy a longer length and cut it down.
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    Picked up a 1990 Force 50HP yesterday.

    Sounds like a good find, especially with all the controls and wiring included. After sitting three years, I’d start with fresh fuel, check compression, inspect the wiring, clean the carbs, and verify spark before trying to run it. If it was running when parked, there’s a good chance it just...
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    06-5.7 mpi mag starts,, stalls, starts stalls. ran fine last fall

    No, the IAC valve won’t cause low or incorrect fuel pressure. It only controls idle air. Your 43 psi prime and 39 psi hold look normal. Check for vacuum leaks, MAF/MAP issues, injector problems, or regulator vacuum line issues instead.
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    Small crack in lower unit

    Cast aluminum can be tricky to TIG weld because it’s often porous and contaminated with oil. A small crack can sometimes be repaired, but the area needs to be completely cleaned, ground out, and preheated properly to avoid blowing through or trapping contamination. If it’s not leaking and the...
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    Can't sync my 2003 25 hp 2 stroke...

    Sounds like a linkage preload/return issue, not a cable travel problem. With the cable disconnected, the throttle plate and timing arm should return fully to the idle stop by spring tension. Check for sticky throttle shaft, worn linkage, weak/misplaced springs, or incorrect cam/roller position...
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    Diode Battery Isolators vs Relay/MOSFET Isolators

    A diode isolator can drop about 0.6–0.8V, which may prevent a full charge. Best options: • Replace it with an ACR/VSR or FET isolator for less voltage loss • Increase alternator voltage only if the regulator supports it safely • Do nothing if you regularly top off with shore power Check...
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    Hard to steer, can i oil or grease unit

    Yes, but it depends on the steering type. Cable steering: Grease the tilt tube and cable end with marine grease. Do not oil the cable itself. Hydraulic steering: Do not grease; check and top up with the correct hydraulic fluid. Avoid WD-40 as a long-term lubricant.
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    1996 Penta 5.0GXI and SX COBRA

    Running fine on muffs but dying under load usually points to a fuel or ignition issue, not the lower unit. Check: • Fuel filter, fuel pump, anti-siphon valve, and carb main jets • Try adding choke when it bogs; if it improves, it’s likely starving for fuel • Verify idle speed and mixture in...
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    Temperature Switch OMC p/n 0386686 Test

    You may not be testing it the way the switch operates. The OMC temperature switch is a normally open switch that closes to ground only when it reaches its trip temperature. The correct test is: 1. Put one meter lead on the switch terminal. 2. Put the other lead on the ground ring...
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    1989 70 hp Evinrude Overheating:

    The lean #2 plug and carb cleaner test are the biggest clues. It sounds more like a fuel/air issue on #2 than a cooling problem. I would start with: • Replace the #2 carb gasket since spraying it affects idle • Check #2 float height, needle/seat, and all internal carb passages • Verify the main...
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    Leak through transom

    Check the shift cable bellows, U-joint bellows, trim sender wires, and gimbal housing seal. A bellows can look fine but still have a tiny crack that only leaks under certain conditions. Dry the bilge, put the boat in the water, and watch where the first drop appears. If it leaks sitting still...
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    Constant drain of 1 of 2 batteries

    A new battery going flat with everything off points to a parasitic drain. Check with a multimeter between the negative terminal and cable to see if there is current draw. Common culprits on boats are the bilge pump float switch, stereo memory, alarms, engine electronics, and a faulty alternator...
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    1997 5.7L thunderbolt ignition. Slow crank

    You’re doing the right thing by not forcing it. If the crank won’t turn by hand, don’t keep leaning on it as you could damage something. Since you have the manifolds off, check the cylinders through the spark plug holes for rust, water, or any signs of a stuck piston. The rust on the rocker...
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    Throttle cable and various adjustments Merc 35hp 2-stroke ?1987?

    You're welcome. Older Mercury serial numbers can be hard to trace because their online database does not always include older engines. The A951254 may need to be cross-referenced with the model number, engine details, or component markings. A clear photo of the full plate and any model...
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    Throttle cable and various adjustments Merc 35hp 2-stroke ?1987?

    For a 1987 Mercury 35hp 2-stroke, don’t adjust all four screws blindly because they have different purposes. The first step is identifying which is the idle stop, idle mixture, and linkage adjustments. Proper setup order: 1. Warm the engine fully and put it in neutral. 2. Check throttle cable...
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