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  1. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    I've watched larger AWD SUVs that are more than capable of their tow load stalled on steep concrete ramps and need a helper tow strap to get them up. My theory is the auto traction control leaves them frozen to the ground. Traction control is an ABS and power control software feature that brakes...
  2. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    A weight distributing hitch will move some GVWR to the trailer axles and it will lighten tongue weight. These hitches also do a good job of reducing trailer sway. Key is not exceeding the trailer tire's load rating.
  3. harringtondav

    Combining gray and black water

    First thing that comes to mind is to collect all gray water in a bilge container with a float bilge pump into the black water tank. Many boats use this type of system to lift shower waste overboard. Connecting into the black water tank will take some work unless a second fitting is provided. One...
  4. harringtondav

    Lifting boat off trailer to repair bunk

    I replaced the bunks on my previous trailer with the boat on the trailer. I used a floor jack with a 2x4 under the keel with jack stands between the chine and trailer. I kept one tie down strap connected so the boat would lift and tilt away from one bunk at a time. ...it took a little trial and...
  5. harringtondav

    Upper shift control cable Mercruiser 228

    Your shift plate is different than my Alpha II plate, but the principle is the same. 1/2" shouldn't matter. What is important is having the lower cable/shift lever in the same FNR position as the upper before you set the barrel nut on the upper cable. Best practice is to get the drive into N...
  6. harringtondav

    1400 RPM loss from 13 to 15 pitch!!!

    The sage gray beards above have summed it up: You are too power limited to increase pitch from where you started. And lugging your motor will damage it. The rule of thumb holds true: +- an inch of prop pitch will change your WOT -+ 200 rpm......assuming you have adequate power. This may not be...
  7. harringtondav

    Bearing Buddies Ruined?

    I wouldn't worry. It looks like you have plenty of travel left BB makes rubber 'condom' caps to keep leak by grease from spattering your wheels. ...so I guess a little leakage is normal. I added them to my last boat's trailer, and the newest trailer came with the caps installed. IIRC BB states...
  8. harringtondav

    Cavitation Burns

    Good move. I do the same. Aluminum props act as a fuse in an impact and likely avoids a bent propshaft....better than a SS prop. My best performing prop is SS, but I save it for higher water once the spring flood trash clears.
  9. harringtondav

    Upper shift control cable Mercruiser 228

    Assuming the new cable has the same throw/travel as the original, you should be OK. You'll know when you start the engine, carefully. If the drive is in neutral, you'll know it. If in gear, you'll know it and shut down immediately. If in gear, the shift plate lever moves reward to engage FWD...
  10. harringtondav

    Depth finder

    In hull transducers must be installed correctly. My previous transducer's instructions stated embedding it in epoxy, and not to use silicone sealant....which is exactly what the dealer did, and it didn't work correctly. The transducer was a clothes iron shape designed for external transom...
  11. harringtondav

    Winterizing: Fuel in tank options?

    I've followed @Scott Danforth 's method for the last 26 yrs. Final ride I run the tank down as far as I dare. Partially to reduce the towing load on our 110 mi trip home. I add enough Stabil for the estimated fuel left over. Winterization fogging runs it through the system. I put a kit in the...
  12. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    We lucked out. Ford was offering very nice rebates and dealer incentives late in 2019 when we bought ours. Story was Ford had overbuilt and needed to move them. $7200 in total incentives. My dealer transferred one with my must haves, plus a few more gizmos and features. All in $29K plus a few...
  13. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    I bought our 2019 Ranger to replace our 21 yr old Durango which had a 5.2L V8 and topped a serious hill at 20 mph floored and seemed ready to die from COPD. The 2.3L I4 turbo Ranger w/10 spd trans tops it at 45 mph (speed limit 40) in 6th gear/2300 rpm with a 1000# heavier rig behind it. I only...
  14. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    If one knows what they are doing they can push things. If they don't they may find themselves in deep do-do.
  15. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    My theory is you can push rated towing capacity a bit if you're careful. Engine and drivetrain capacity are based on daily towing at max load through the warranty period. (From my 30+ yrs with Deere working with the drivetrain reliability group). GVRW and related braking capacity and handling...
  16. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    ...only if the 4H is full time...with an interaxle differential. Else you're putting a strain on the entire driveline and tires, especially on curves and turns. Our old Durango 5.2 would top a long steep paved hill doing the "I think I can" wheezing. Thinking I was smart I started pulling over...
  17. harringtondav

    Electric Engine Conversion?

    Same as above. State of art EV battery technology weighs about 10 lb per kWh. 13.4 lb per hp. Do the math. 100 hp battery capacity weight exceeds my 250 hp boat's rated weight capacity.
  18. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    We trailered 200+ miles round trip every boating weekend for 14 yrs. I started with a '94 Dodge Caravan 3.3L FWD. After loosing traction on a steep dry concrete ramp I installed a weight distributing hitch to give the front tires extra traction weight, as well as the electric brakes I put on the...
  19. harringtondav

    Upper shift control cable Mercruiser 228

    Assuming you have an Alpha drive, both FWD and REV gears are turning when the engine is running. Between them is a sliding dog clutch which couples either gear to the prop shaft depending on your choice of FWD or REV. Shifting into either gear with the engine off doesn't hurt a thing. The shift...
  20. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    My salty boating pal taught me the maneuver. His Toyota AWD Highlander 6 cyl doesn't have the stones to get his 202 Captiva started up the marina's steep ramp. It just grunts like the park brake is on. So he went through the process with his wife who took the helm. Same story as yours. She got...
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