Search results

  1. harringtondav

    Upper shift control cable Mercruiser 228

    Your starting problem could be the neutral switch in the controller, or the shift interrupt switch on the shift plate. If it starts and immediately dies it's likely the interrupt switch. The interrupt switch can be verified by disconnecting the leads which will allow a start, if the switch is...
  2. harringtondav

    Fix gel coat or use keel guard

    I agree. Keel repair is a good place to learn gel coat patch repair since it is almost invisible. ....completely invisible after you install the keel guard.
  3. harringtondav

    Store under tarp ?

    These are fairly inexpensive and work well for under cover/tarp ventilation. The snap in installation works fine in a dock or lift. For towing I drilled holes in the vent and stitched it into the cover. https://www.airlette.com/snapinvent
  4. harringtondav

    Store under tarp ?

    I winter stored my previous boat with a vented cover and a tarp. I fabbed a pair of "J" pipes from PVC, and hung them over the rear gunnels to provide extra ventilation. The boat stayed dry from rain etc, but there was some condensation that resulted in mild mold on the upholstery which cleaned...
  5. harringtondav

    oil leak on 3.0

    Heed the advice about alignment, adjuster height, etc. Alignment bars are fairly inexpensive and a good investment if you're into boating long term.
  6. harringtondav

    Wandering heading at slow speed

    Same response as several others above. Vee hull wander is common. My previous and current boat do it, as well as others I've driven. I'll adjust the steering a bit to get an average heading where I want to go. ....you'll wear your arms out trying to correct. I've read here that duo prop drives...
  7. harringtondav

    Need advice for getting boat on plane

    Knowledgeable replies above point to low power. Weight distribution will help. Also the boat could have waterlogged flotation foam. Weigh your boat, trailer, tow vehicle, launch the boat and weigh again for the boat's weight. Compare this to the dry weight spec, minus fuel, batteries and gear...
  8. harringtondav

    ATV and moving boat around on stone

    Handling the tongue weight is key in my mind. Towing capacity assumes pulling the load at higher speeds over hills and rough terrain. I wouldn't consider this a limitation moving your trailer around at slow speeds. Also I'd consider fitting a hitch ball on the front for better maneuverability...
  9. harringtondav

    Carter fuel pump for OMC 3.0 L

    I replaced the pricey Mercruiser electric pump on my 4.3LX. With a Carter pump. I had to purchase fittings to adapt it, then it fit perfectly. The key is getting a pump with enough, but not too much pressure. If I recall around 7 psi worked fine for my Weber 4 bbl carb, sustaining WOT for the...
  10. harringtondav

    oil leak on 3.0

    I'm pretty sure this will work. $16 at Advance, $20 at AutoZone. Includes gasket and crank seal. ...or you could buy OEM: "Replaces: GM 3992251 and Mercruiser 59341A1. SKU: 0014-058. $114.99" I Googled "GM 3.0L gas engine timing cover". Thinking back ,I think I was super careful to not tear the...
  11. harringtondav

    oil leak on 3.0

    I had the outdrive removed to replace the prop shaft. So yes. It is not that much trouble, and good to do regularly to inspect the drive shaft bellows, U joints, gimbal bearing etc. For Mercruiser, shift to full FWD, disconnect the speedo pitot pickup, remove the rear trim cylinder pins, remove...
  12. harringtondav

    oil leak on 3.0

    I replaced a timing cover for a neighbor's son's 3.0L Cobra. It's been a while but I think I purchased an automotive cover. It took a while to find a GM auto application, but the cover worked. BTW, per @Bondo the cover had a rusted hole in the bottom. I first assumed it was the seal. Also I...
  13. harringtondav

    1/4" crown staples for bunk carpeting?

    Sorry. My reply was too wordy. "Does it mean that if 1/2" wide staples are placed 4" apart, then space the 1/4" wide staples 2" apart?" is what I meant to say. Also I agree with your notion that air pressure with 1/4" crown staples may need to be reduced. ...I've had to do this. Test with scrap...
  14. harringtondav

    Water in the bilge

    I have a 1 yr old boat. I always get some drainage from the bilge plug. ....as I did with my previous boat. Rain through the cover. Condensation. Splash from waves/wake, leaking raw water clamps/plugs, drainage from swimmers, etc. Don't worry until it pees more than a quart for no good reason.
  15. harringtondav

    1/4" crown staples for bunk carpeting?

    I used the SS 1/4" crown staples shown below when I re-carpeted my previous boat. 5/8" length seemed good since I had to wrap carpet around the ski locker under deck and didn't want them poking feet. These worked fine for the boat and a bunk re-carpeting job. As far as retention vs. 1/2", reduce...
  16. harringtondav

    Water stains

    Assuming you have a fiberglass boat, acid is the cure. ...Not so green, but effective. Above recommendations like toilet bowl cleaner and others contain acid. Muriatic acid is available in any hardware store. It's basically hydrochloric acid. But take care, it's mean stuff. Dilute 1/4 muriatic...
  17. harringtondav

    Faria Gauges

    I've only had two issues with Faria gages on two boats over 26 years. The first boat's tach would climb to a false high rpm during a cold start. ...two taps with my knuckle would fix it, and it then worked fine. New boat's pitot speedo showed 22 mph with the boat on the lift. Warranty, but I...
  18. harringtondav

    Hull ID Number Location on pre-1972 boat - Pacemaker

    HID's, and maybe serial numbers can be in locations other than a transom badge. Mine has another badge in the engine bay, and I just discovered a third behind the dash gage panel.
  19. harringtondav

    determining trailer hitch height

    Keep in mind this will increase the 'effective' tongue weight on your receiver. It looks like you have plenty of truck for that boat, but it may make the receiver squat a bit more.
  20. harringtondav

    determining trailer hitch height

    Same here. With my last two boat/trailers I level the trailer frame. ...then I fuss with the bunks as much as possible to get the boat as low and level as possible on the trailer.
Top