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  1. Stinnett21

    Aluminum trailer boating in salt

    I've never boated on the coast but would love to before my hour glass is empty. I know the protocol is to wash down and flush motor asap after exiting the ramp. But exactly how does this work with an aluminum boat sitting on the trailer? How does one rinse between the bunks and hull? These...
  2. Stinnett21

    MPI fogging mixture vs fuel return

    Let me see if I understand this correctly. On my 2002 5.0 MPI (serial #0M345638) the fuel pump puts pressure on the injectors, so much so that all of the fuel pushed to the injectors is not used but some is returned to the fuel filter. So when Merc recommends a 10:1 fogging mixture, 10:1 is...
  3. Stinnett21

    Merc prop selector

    Not that I'm loosing sleep over it but I wonder why the Mercury prop selector doesn't mention more prop families for my boat (21' bowrider 5.0MPI A2). No matter what parameters I input it never recommends the Mirage or the Tempest Plus.
  4. Stinnett21

    Date/name of Mercury props

    Does anyone know why Mercury chose to name what I believe is one of their newest props, the Spitfire aluminum, the same as one of their existing props, the Spitfire X7 which is SST? Seems like strange marketing.
  5. Stinnett21

    Alpha 2 not coming out of gear after new interrupt switch.

    2002 Alpha gen 2, 5.0 MPI serial 0M345638. In the spirit of preventive maintenance I replaced my 20 year old 1500 hour shift interrupt switch. I removed the shift plate to reach the small nuts on the back of the switch and put everything back together. Now it won’t come out of forward for...
  6. Stinnett21

    UFP Trailer Buddy retaining ring

    Has anyone ever removed the retaining ring from a UFP Trailer Buddy bearing protector to replace the zerk? When I try to remove the zerk the piston spins. I don't like the idea of simply replacing the entire protector because every time you remove one it slops out the bore of the hub.
  7. Stinnett21

    Tach at 0 when cranking 5.0 MPI

    I have a 2002 5.0 MPI A1 G2 serial 0M345638. I noticed my tach acting erratic only for a few seconds the other day. First time I've noticed this in 19 seasons and 1490 hours with the boat. After this I noticed the tach went to 0 when cranking. According to other posts on the forum I think it...
  8. Stinnett21

    Going electric vs marinas

    Man, everyone is working on electric power for the future. I see where tax incentives will be offered in the future for non-on the road vehicles, i.e. boats, RVs, aircraft, etc. Just wondering, how would this affect marinas? They would have to have charging stations. This would eat up a lot...
  9. Stinnett21

    Manual #31 spark plug torque

    Manual #31 page 4B-4 says the torque for my 2002 5.0 MPI spark plugs should be 15 Nm/11 lb-ft. Dang that seems light. Does this sound correct? Appreciate any input.
  10. Stinnett21

    Considering upgrading this season - prop exchange programs

    Considering undergoing a prop upgrade this season. I understand the technical aspects of prop optimization but what I have not experienced is the in/outs of dealing with prop retailers. If I want to get really dialed in I understand I need a retailer that offers an exchange program. I...
  11. Stinnett21

    Removing remnants of elbow to manifold gasket on still attached manifold

    Changing my elbow to manifold gaskets on my 2002 5.0 MPI (0M345638). I wasn't going to change the manifold to block gasket so the manifold is still attached. This is my first time doing this. This may be a dumb question but how careful do I need to be when scrapping off the remnants of the...
  12. Stinnett21

    Rusty film/staining on input shaft and inner ring of gimbal bearing

    Just pulled my alpha 2 drive (OM424120) and noticed a rusty film/stain on the input shaft where it contacts the gimbal bearing where the two o-rings are and of course on the inner ring of the bearing itself. No signs of water intrusion. Bellows is dry and I know for certain water has not...
  13. Stinnett21

    Center console for cool weather?

    I've only been on a center console one time, my uncle's 18' Wellcraft in Cape Coral, FL many years ago. I live in KY and love to get out in the fall. I have a 21' bowrider and can throw the bow cover on, close the windshield and stay warm. Considering downsizing in the future and was...
  14. Stinnett21

    Upgrade for Bluetooth?

    My boat has a 2008 standard DIN stereo head unit mounted the glove box. It’s not Bluetooth. I’m exploring options of upgrading to include BT. My wife is a sales rep with a new fleet vehicle every 2 years or so. It seems every time she gets a new vehicle or another family member wants to...
  15. Stinnett21

    How do you brace your prop for tightening

    I've always used a block of wood but I recently had my vent plate fixed on port side and I certainly don't want to damage the weld. Probably overkill but just seeking any input on how you guys do it?
  16. Stinnett21

    Alpha 2 top bearing

    Alpha 1 gen 2 (OM424120): I pulled my cap to take a look at things in the off season. The top bearing and cup are smooth to the touch and the bearing rotates smoothly but as you can see there is staining/discoloration. Merc Manual 14, page 3A-29 speaks of discoloration due to excessive heat...
  17. Stinnett21

    Steering arm pinch bolt

    I removed my “Frankenstein” plugs on the side of my A1 G2 (ser# OM424120) in an effort to torque my steering arm pinch bolt. To get a socket on one side I have to turn the steering wheel almost hard over so it will line up. This renders the other side well out of reach, seemingly, with normal...
  18. Stinnett21

    Nauticus Smart Tab question

    I'm considering them as a winter project. I feel like I've read through the most of the bizillion discussions of these on this forum but I still have a question for Smart Tab users. If I buy the SX series along with the PR500 plate retractor brackets, when in reverse what keeps the downward...
  19. Stinnett21

    4 blade vs 3 blade torque

    Considering a 4 blade for next season on my 21’ I/O and thought I would pose a question. There is one thing that bothers me about single engine right hand prop boats and that’s the fact that prop torque creates a port side list while underway. This is why most boats are controlled from the...
  20. Stinnett21

    Half full gas tank for winter storage?

    I realize much has been written on the subject of proper percentage of fuel in the tank for winter storage but it seems I've read where the worst scenario is a half full tank. Can someone help me understand the thinking behind this? I realize the logic ranges from completely full to keep out...
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