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  1. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser 188 Open Cooling System

    Thanks that's an awesome detailed writeup!
  2. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser 188 Open Cooling System

    Thanks for the detail! I followed your directions and removed thermostat housing to be totally sure the passage was open and chased all the lines with the RV antifreeze from thermostat pocket. Saturated the whole system to overflow. I also then then circulated it through the block really well...
  3. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser 188 Open Cooling System

    Do you know if it is critical to get the thermostat open (or remove it) before switching to antifreeze inflow? I would think it is but videos I have seen of people doing it are only sometimes doing that. If the engine is known to reliably drain out really well with the plugs removed and be fine...
  4. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser 188 Open Cooling System

    Thank you both! I do intend to get a manual at some point if I can. Just looking to winterize the motor and understand the cooling system better. Hoping I can convert it to at least a half fresh water system before next spring but not sure if I'll be able to swing getting an intercooler setup.
  5. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser 188 Open Cooling System

    This is about all I can tell from tracing the hoses. Not sure how the flow goes as in direction, to where first, etc.
  6. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser 188 Open Cooling System

    I would but I do not own one unfortunately. Is it downloadable or available free online anywhere?
  7. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser 188 Open Cooling System

    Here are some pictures in case that helps:
  8. IslandExplorer

    Mercruiser 188 Open Cooling System

    Hello, was wondering if anyone happens to know where I can find a flow chart diagram showing the cooling system on a Mercruiser 188 (Ford 302) with the old log style manifolds. I have found diagrams of similar setups but usually a GM 5.0 or an engine with osco manifolds and such- not one that...
  9. IslandExplorer

    1975 oday 22

    I like the way that looks in there with the rounded opening framing it all up and making the panel nicely recessed to protect your switches! Seems like that's the best spot and to have tour battery near there would be really convenient and probably best for weight distribution too. Right under...
  10. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks, she's certainly going to have a lot of contrast and character! 😅 I didn't realize just how red the old console wood was until I sealed it with spar but I like it just the same. The boat was basically a total loss/blank slate to start with so I've definitely let my creativity with...
  11. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thank you, I am really putting my heart into this old boat. Have wanted one of these truly unique Chieftain 25's forever it seems so it's been great. This baby was 100% going to be scrapped and turned into modern day disposable garbage but I have found great satisfaction in saving her from such...
  12. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    So to elaborate on the overall plan so it may or may not make more sense if anyone is interested but also to see this laid out for myself: Color: This boat was originally two tone, Avocado/White, later painted monotone / all white. Plan is for the entire cockpit deck to be excessively orange...
  13. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks, me too. Now everything clashes equally! 😅 I know hardly anyone likes orange.. but there is going to be a whole lot of it elsewhere on the boat so I'm not peeling away from the tangerine course. I think the gauges work but I'm not fully sealing them shut until they are tested. The fuel...
  14. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

  15. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks, the factory ones are cheap enough online but I love having something different!
  16. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Fuel gauge was in worst shape and needle is gone (disintegrated while flooded with rain water likely) so decided to experiment with it pulling it apart for mock rebuild.
  17. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks! Any idea if these old SC guages come apart without destroying them? Would be cool to keep them all original. I'd like to clean the insides and polish up the faces if I could.
  18. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks, I was worried drilling through the pool ball would've been a problem but it wasn't bad. I have the wiring harness for the guages but I am trying to figure out if the guages will be operable or not... They are very weathered and the previous owner took all the light sockets out apparently...
  19. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

  20. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

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