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    Lazy alternator

    1998 7.4 MPI 0L347054 Alternator doesn't start charging till RPM gets above 2500 but will continue charging at lower revs once it starts. Is it just time for a rebuild or is there something else at play here?
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    Hour Meters growing apart

    No, I wish it were that easy to explain Jim. I haven't tried it on this boat but I believe the alarm for zero oil pressure would be on constantly if I left the switch in Run without the engine running. That's what happens on my other boat with 5.7/Alpha setup.
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    Hour Meters growing apart

    My hour meters (built into the tachs) are inexplicably growing apart. 340 Sundancer, factory "Sea Ray" tachs, no other info. Fair to guess they at Teleflex? Engines are 1998 (Boat is '99) Mercruiser 7.4 MPI, Bravo 1. This is my second season with it. Bought it with 22.2 hrs apart. End of last...
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    Gear oil reservoir system - 1988 vs 1998 Bravo TA

    FT your image wasn't visible to me previously, thank you. Is this the '88 model? The hose I traced from the reservoir went to 5B in the left middle image. 5.-Gear Lube Fitting
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    Gear oil reservoir system - 1988 vs 1998 Bravo TA

    It would be fun to experiment. 3s became an option in 2000 on the same boat. The 340 with outdrives is rather uncommon and I appreciate the performance at the top end over shafts. It begins to slip off the step below 30 mph and I've wondered if 2s or 3s would change that. No doubt that more...
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    Gear oil reservoir system - 1988 vs 1998 Bravo TA

    *groan* Just my luck. Dubs, I'm aware of the external system you speak of from it's use on Alphas. Perhaps I'll consider something like it. Frequent haul outs are inconvenient (expensive) on a 34' Sundancer. I have experience with an Alpha that ran without gear oil/with water. I guess I'll...
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    Gear oil reservoir system - 1988 vs 1998 Bravo TA

    I have 1999 boat with twin Bravo 1s, 0L159373 and 698. Starboard Transom #0L531223. The PO replaced the Port transom assembly with an older version (1988), 0C372852, and decided for whatever reason not to connect the gear oil reservoir to the bell housing. I feel this is an important system and...
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    Mystery diode on alternator

    Thank you. I agree that it takes two leads to make a circuit, which made these even more mysterious. The tabs for that second connection had been removed. I ran the boat today without them with no issues.
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    Mystery diode on alternator

    This is the device. I wish I could show you how it was connected. I too thought it was some remnant of previous device and so I removed it without documenting exactly which stud it was on. Now that I've found the diode inline I worry that it is indeed a necessity.
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    Mystery diode on alternator

    Hello, New to me 1998 7.4 MPI Bravo 1 (0L347054) twins. I believe the alternators are Mando, but I've been wrong before. I've discovered a fuse holder dangling from each alternator, completely unsecured excpt by the ring terminal. 20A MDL type fuse inside, intact. It is just a tail, only one...
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    Tune up - Ignition Sensor?

    I am planning to perform a tune up on my 1989 5.7 engines with Thunderbolt IV ignition. I expect to replace the cap and rotor, plugs and probably wires. I have not yet dismantled the distributors the inspect the ignition sensors. Assuming there are no signs of deterioration, should they be replaced?
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    Old paint removal

    Greetings All. My boat is a 1989 Sea Ray 270 Amberjack. I'm afraid do not have any properly formatted photos to show but I will work on that if it becomes important. The previous owner banished the original forest green colour scheme with the exception of the cockpit dashboard. Said green dash...
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    Exhaust flapper issue

    Prior to this past season I replaced the old style exhaust flappers with the modern version on my 1989 5.7 engines. I used OEM parts. At that time they moved freely and closed firmly, as designed. I have now discovered that at least one set are not closing completely, leaving a gap for possible...
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    Bell housing removal

    I'd like to remove my Alpha 1 gen 1 Bell housing to clean/paint. Is it likely that the bellows will be damaged in the process?
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    Engine oil extraction

    I cannot reach the engine oil drains on my twin 1989 5.7 Mercruisers. What are my options to change the oil? They are equipped with remote filters. I am aware of pumping the oil out through the dipstick but have no experience with this. Is this an effective method? I appreciate your expertise.
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    Broken water drain on manifold

    I've had the misfortune of breaking off the brass drain **** on one of my manifolds during winterizing. 1989 5.7 Alpha 1. I see that the brass fitting has been discontinued in favor of a plastic drain by Mercury. The brass version is still readily available. Is there an advantage to one over the...
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    Alpha One gen 1 ratio question

    Hi. Looking for info to grow my knowledge as I learn this boat. This post isn't about solving a problem per se. This has been my first season on a new to me boat. Twin 5.7 Alpha One gen 1 (1989). I replaced the stock 1.5 Upper gear case with a new SEI 1.47 on the Port drive. Question is Do I...
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    Engine temp climbing at WOT

    Hello all, My 1989 boat has twin 5.7s with Alpha One gen 1 drives. The port engine (0C523213) is getting hot only when running at or near WOT. It runs normally at 3500 rpm but above 4000 it climbs. I've never seen how high it goes as I back off when it gets up to the 200 range. Stbd engine...
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    5.7L Water Heater Connection

    I am working on connecting the heat exchanger portion of my water heater to my 1989 5.7L Mercruiser. The previous owner disconnected and closed the loop, as seen in the attached photo. This configuration is NOT what the Merc manual (15) recommends. I wonder if anyone sees a problem with the...
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    Alpha One Upper gears stripped. Is Lower unit ok?

    Hello! I have been studying many of the very helpful posts here since I bought a 1989 Sea Ray 270 in September. Twin 5.7 GM, Alpha One (0C733590), both standard rotation. Second thing I bought was a service manual. Short version:Port drive upper gears destroyed themselves, I suspect due to...
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