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  1. J

    Quicksilver 5W30 for all sterndrives

    I always ran Rotella T6 15w40 for years. The 5w30 seems to crank and start easier which is a good thing. I was worried about the thinner oil but havent noticed any bad effects. The oil at the end of the season was still golden after a few WOT runs last year which I normally avoid but was feeling...
  2. J

    Quicksilver 5W30 for all sterndrives

    Quicksilver 5W30 for ALL sterndrives. What happened to only using 25w40? I've been using 5w30 full synthetic oil for the last few years in my 4.3. This debate has been going on forever and now Quicksilver which is synonymous with Mercury is making a lower viscosity oil for Mercruisers...has it...
  3. J

    Oil Filter, alt brands

    Any brand auto filters will work, If your really worried watch the Youtube videos when they cut them open and compare. For the amount of running time a year most boats get it's most definitely a mute point either way. Ranks up there with what's your favorite oil brand
  4. J

    Risers and manifolds at the same time?

    Mine is a 2 piece wet riser/manifold. I haven't heard the term batwing before. Is that a one piece riser manifold?
  5. J

    Risers and manifolds at the same time?

    It's in salt water but I trailer and flush as soon as I get home religiously since day one. It's a 32 year old 4.3 but was fresh water only till I got it 10 years ago. I don't even want to think about needing a new motor. Would be game over for the boat
  6. J

    Risers and manifolds at the same time?

    Why are they usually changed at the same time? If there is no water in the manifold shouldn't it last far longer than the risers? Is it just because of where they mate together being rusted out or corroded? If that area is good do they need to be changed out with a riser swap?
  7. J

    Bad knock and then not...Hydrolock?

    How do I test if the carb is leaking? I really haven't done much in maintenance besides oil changes. I rebuilt the carb a couple times, the last time being a couple years ago. New fuel pump last year. It has been a little rough starting, sort of sputtering bogging. the last few times with a...
  8. J

    Bad knock and then not...Hydrolock?

    1990 Mercruiser 4.3 Boat has been running flawless and never had any issues internally. After taking out the boat without issue I came home and put it on the muffs as usual. When cranking it over the boat made loud knocking sound. I immediately shut it down. I fired it up again and it happened...
  9. J

    Captain's Chair Pedestal and Carpet

    I ripped out my floor last year. Deck was shot but stringers were perfect. I added some 2x4 cca supports where I felt it needed it. Should last another 30 years. Used 3/4 plywood instead of the 1/2 that was there. I was debating swapping my back to back with a pedestal and was going to add a...
  10. J

    1997 mercruiser 4.3 starts right up, runs for about 30 seconds, idles down and dies repeatedly. Oil gauge doesn't peg at all. No oil pressure alarm.

    Someone smarter than me will chime in but it could be a carb float issue. I have the same motor. If it's a 2 barrel Rochester carb they are real easy to rebuild, Youtube videos to guide you through. I never did it before and now have done it twice. Rebuild kits are everywhere online
  11. J

    Bimini top advice needed

    My boat came with a bimini top that attaches to the windshied but it's to low and makes you feel trapped. I've seen the ones that you can stand under on other boats and see them for sale. They look like they need to be screwed in to the boat which is fine. My question is can they be set up and...
  12. J

    same speed with different props

    1990 19 ft Glastron
  13. J

    same speed with different props

    mercruiser 4.3 Alpha 1 gen 1 With a 19 pitch I hit 39 mph WOT. RPM around 4800 Switched to a 21 pitch and hit the same 39 MPH WOT With the 21 it's a bit more work getting out of the hole and the RPM dropped to around 4400 so the prop is making a difference correctly as far as that goes; Can't...
  14. J

    How to test tach for accuracy?

    The tach with the wire was set to the wrong value. It was set at one spark per revolution and it looks like a 4.3 is 3 sparks per revolution. I'll try it again the next time out. I never used one of these. Live and learn. If it still seems out of line I'll pick up an advanced timing light...
  15. J

    How to test tach for accuracy?

    It looks like with the photo laser tach you need to hold it in front of the flywheel with reflective tape. I wouldnt feel comfortable having my wife stick her arm in there at WOT with the chop we boat in
  16. J

    1991 carburated 4.3 fuel pump output.

    I have almost the same boat. 1990 Glastron 19 cuddy with a 4.3 I'm no expert but things I've done. Carb rebuild a few times New fuel pump. Should shoot clear across the boat with the metal line disconnected at carb. There is an inline filter in the carb that gets clogged, clean every year...
  17. J

    How to test tach for accuracy?

    My gauge works but I'm not sure how accurate it is. I bought one of those cheap tachometers you wrap around the spark plug wire to compare. At idle boat tach read 800 RPM. The wire one read 1500 At WOT the boat read around 4800 the wire one read 7000 Motor was definitely screaming at WOT but...
  18. J

    Changing upper oil seal in Mercruiser alpha one

    I think I saw in one of the videos they mentioned if the bearing falls out it's the old type and if it's pressed in it's the new type that needs to be done by rolling torque. Is that correct? If not where and what spacer exactly should I be looking for so I know I'm doing it correctly. Somehow I...
  19. J

    Mercruiser Alpha One Gen 2 Leaking Gear Lube from Intake + Not engaging in gear fully after lower shift cable replaced.

    This is great info
  20. J

    Changing upper oil seal in Mercruiser alpha one

    Leaking outdrive oil in bellows Going to change the seal in the bearings. Watching some videos and one recommends using the product in the link to make sure everything is lines up within the bearing assembly . Do I really need that or aligning the bearing assembly by eye and feel will be...
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