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  1. Chris51280

    What rack and pinion replacement?

    Steering for a alpha gen 1 outdrive with power steering. Cable read detmar 14.5ft. What rack and pinion should I get
  2. Chris51280

    Quicksilver grease - trailer and u-joints

    Ok. I should have maybe read up on it a bit sooner. When I rebuild my trailer bearings and my u-joints I used the quicksilver extreme with ptfe in it. It states its ok to use for it. Now here i see many saying it's bad because bearings might slip. So I used it for about 3 years. Should I...
  3. Chris51280

    When to change the steering cable

    Ok, stupid question. I see some videos where they use one finger to move the steering wheel. I have an I/O Alpha Gen 1 (1990) with power steering. I know my hydraulics are good. That was overhauled 4 years ago with a new pump and also the actuator got looked over with no leaks. However, how do I...
  4. Chris51280

    Wheel Bearing Inspection Interval

    General question. How often do you take the wheel hub off and inspect bearings and refill with new grease? I assume it depends on salt water, distance towed, how often it goes in the water, bearing buddies/ez-lube system?
  5. Chris51280

    Lifespan of airhead tubes

    Anybody know how long they last? Since we fold them and store them in the locker and do this a couple times a year and in the winter gets left in the locker covered up. Anybody have theirs for 5+ years, 10+ maybe?
  6. Chris51280

    Leaking Fuel Sender

    Ok, I have noticed a bit of fuel leaking through the center stud of the fuel sender on my I/O tank. (The round one with 5 holes and a center stud and a arm that pivots) It happens when I fill up almost 90% full and as everyone knows, when you are pulling tubes or skiers, the boat is always very...
  7. Chris51280

    E15 Gas experience

    Anybody have experience with E15 gas? I often get gas on the way to the lake and was not too worried about the E10 being in 87 octane fuel. I wonder, will this be another option to purchase at the pump or will it replace the current E10 that's available. I have an older 90's 2bbl carb on my 4.3...
  8. Chris51280

    Fuel stabilizer running through carb

    After spraying the engine fog and draining the block and changing the oil and filter, i noticed that I didn't add fuel stabilizer and run it through my carb. I added the stabilizer after I shut everything off. Boat will be in hibernation until mid April. Should I be worried about the fuel left...
  9. Chris51280

    Boat with no transom hooks! What to do?

    I got my 1990 Century bowrider about 2 years ago. There are no transom hooks installed. I do have 2 large eyelets on the side of the trailer. So what I did is, I ran a strap over the sun deck/ engine hatch to keep the boat from bouncing and have it secured to the trailer. This should increase...
  10. Chris51280

    Bell housing shift linkage seal

    How important is it to keep water away from the shift cable and the shift linkage. There is the upper bushing with a seal. #6. The ujoints are sealed off with the o-ring between the upper unit and the bell housing
  11. Chris51280

    Upper unit. Worth rebuilding? Probably not....

    I have a spare upper gen 1 unit that I got seized up. Adter opening, the bearings are shot and the gears are partially rusted. Looking for gear set and the bearing, it is probably not worth it. I can get a fairly good used one on ebay.
  12. Chris51280

    AL Prop selection for 4.3l 175HP and 1.98 outdrive

    The boat came with a SS 23P Prop but never ran it since it looks to be danged up. the prop is a mercury mirage without the vent holes. The boat weighs #2700. I currently run a 4 blade 19P Aluminum prop Turning point. I can tell that 2 blades have a slightly different shape like being cupped. I...
  13. Chris51280

    Spare parts availability in the future

    I was wondering. How long do you think will spare parts available for a 30+ year old boat. I have the alpha 1 gen1 drive. Even with today's internet access, some parts won't be around forever I assume. Like water impeller or gaskets, risers or elbows. Whats your take on this? Not talking OEM...
  14. Chris51280

    Power Steering Actuator Valve Not Actuating

    I noticed that my steering should move more easily so I took it apart to clean. I took the steering cable off the linkage to clean the tube and lube the rod. I noticed that the wheel actually turns really good without the outdrive hooked up. Then I wondered if my power steering is not working...
  15. Chris51280

    WOT not reached after rebuild

    I rebuild a 19ft Century Boat over the winter and it won't reach WOT. I only get 3000rpm and after a while 3400 rpm trimmed and a max of 25mph. The engine is a 4.3L with a 2bbl carb rated at 175hp. Outdrive ratio is 1.84 Currently run a turning point 4 blade 14x19. The boat weighs #2700 empty...
  16. Chris51280

    Pulsating trailer surge brakes after pulling out from water

    I noticed that after I take the trailer out of the water after I put the boat back on that when I step on the brakes that they hop/pulsars. They are fine when dry. Anybody wlse have the same problem with hydraulic surge brakes with drum setup?
  17. Chris51280

    2bbl to 4bbl conversion on 1990 4.3L

    I looked at the mercruiser manual and it says I can use the Rochester MCM185 or MCM205 to get 205 HP out of my current 175HP model, Is this correct? Are these two the same 4bbl carburetors? The manufacturer number is 3300-8886 or 3304-9354 What is the difference? Is there anything else that I...
  18. Chris51280

    1990 vs 1992 4.3 block swap

    I have a 1990 4.3 non balance shaft maercruiser with the 2bbl carb and fluid mounts. I found a 1992 4.3 automotive engine from an s10 for $50. I would like to have a backup maybe something to work on over the winter. I know I can only use the head and block with crankshaft the intake should...
  19. Chris51280

    1990 4.3 Century 2000 - Floor,Transom,Stringer,Upholstery Project

    Back in April I asked about to purchase this boat. Well I did knowing it needed everything looked over and alot of things fixed and replaced. Here is what I did so far on the Trailer (2003): - Fixed the trailer brake system with new actuator and brake pistons (drum brakes). - New LED lights and...
  20. Chris51280

    Lower Unit Gen One Rebuild

    I need some advice. I got a lower unit that was what I thought seized up. The upper unit is seized up due to being run without enough oil in it. Lots of discoloration. When I got the lower unit split from the top I could not move it in forward or reverse. I pulled the bearing carrier out the...
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