Search results

  1. T

    Should I rebuild Mercarb myself?

    I have a Merc MCM170 that I would not start even with spark and gas in cylinders. The problem is described in this thread. The replies there suggest I may need to rebuild the carb 'cause it's flooding my cylinders. Looks like the mixture is also too rich as the plugs are all blackened.<br...
  2. T

    Engine runs for ~30sec, coughs, then quits

    Last year I bought an '85 Searay with a Merc 470 engine (model 170MR). The boat sat for 5 years when I bought it so I've been spending time fixing the floors, etc. I just recently started working on the engine in earnest. I've done the following work on it:<br />- installed new raw water...
  3. T

    Is 32oz of gear lube enough for Alpha One lower unit?

    I replaced the raw waterpump in my Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1. The manual says it takes 32oz of gear lube, and I pumped all 32oz into it, but nothing spilled out of the vent hole. It's likely that it'll take some more oil to top it off, but before I add more, I just want to check whether this is...
  4. T

    Where are my drain plugs?

    I'm trying to drain and replace the coolant on my boat but I'm not sure where the exhaust manifold and engine block drain plugs are. The engine setup is a '85 Merc 170MR (GM inline 4, I believe, Alpha 1 Gen 1 sterndrive).<br /><br />My Clymers manual has crude hand-drawn pictures that don't...
  5. T

    Can't shift after installing lower unit

    I replaced the raw water pump on my 85 Merc Alpha 1 (gen 1). After putting the lower unit back, I had trouble with shifing. First time, it wouldn't shift into reverse at the control box, like something is stuck. So I dropped the lower unit and tried again; this time, it would shift smoothly...
  6. T

    Can I bypass heater?

    I have an '85 SeaRay with a 170MR model engine (alpha I gen one Mercruiser). This boat is equipped with a heater that consists of a small radiator with a blower fan behind it. There's a tee on the hose that runs from the thermostat housing to the heat exchanger (port side); a smaller hose runs...
  7. T

    Replacing impeller... OEM or aftermarket?

    I want to replace the impeller and o-rings/gaskets on my Merc 170 Alpha I. I plan to get the waterpump kit which has impeller, gaskets, o-rings, and housing (top only), etc. The price difference between OEM (about $66 at GLM Marine) and aftermarket (about $20 at eBasic Power) is quite...
  8. T

    Ship N Shore carpet - any opinions?

    I'm recarpetting my 19' Sea Ray runabout. I'm thinking of using something called Ship N' Shore boat carpet; it's from CapriCarpet. Has anyone used this before? Do you have an opinion, for or against? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.<br /><br />tuan
  9. T

    engine turns but no spark... is it my coil?

    I just bought an 85 Sea Ray with a 170hp Mercruiser 4-cylinder. The boat has been sitting for several years when I got it; I'm now trying to get it started. The starter cranks and the engine turns but it does not start because I'm not getting sparks out of the plugs. The distributor looks...
  10. T

    Please help with boat decision

    I'm looking to buy a used boat and came across an '85 Sea Ray Seville (19'). It has a 170hp 4-cylinder (Chevy I think) and a MerCruiser. I was initially attracted to this boat because it has only 64 hours on the engine (according to the meter) and has fresh-water cooling; however, the boat has...
  11. T

    Should I come near this engine?

    My co-worker bought (second hand) a 92' Reinell 20' cuddy; it has a OMC 3.8L I/O. He used it for a couple seasons then let it sit; it's been sitting since 1999. The engine has about 300 hours on it. The engine does not have fresh-water cooling, and was used in saltwater. Before he put the...
Top