The iboats forum moderators are excited to announce that at this time it appears the iboats forums posting pictures function is working once again. Though we cannot promise for how long, we're hoping for indefinitely.
I recently purchased an old 1969 Fiberform v-hull sport runabout that was in terrible condition. After fixing a host of mechanical problems with the motor I decided to work on the totally trashed interior. After tossing the seats, sideboards and carpet I noticed a few cracks in the fiberglass...
I recently purchased a Fiberform boat and I am trying to determine a few of the specifics about the boat like weight etc. The metal rating plate I found in the glove box say it is a Fiberform 16V serial # 69480 and has a max H.P. rating of 125 H.P. The max fully loaded weight is listed as 1740...
Testing ignition trigger on 1969 merc 1250 " FrankenMerc " trigger part # 393-2918A6
Does anyone know how to test these old ignition triggers. I took it to my Mercury dealer and he said he hadn't tested one in decades and he didn't remember how to test it. I thought he might be able to test it...
I recently acquired an old 16' fiberform with a Merc 1350 inline 6 on it and I can't get the engine to fire. Checked for spark with an inductive timing light and could not get the light to flash. Connected the timing light on the coil output wire and still no flash. I am thinking it has to be...
I recently purchased an old jon boat with a 45 h.p. jet drive and stick steering!! I took the boat out a few weeks ago and it worked okay except that the steering requires extreme effort to move the stick in either direction. I know they recomend a light machine oil for the output ram, but was...
I recently purchased a aluminum boat with a 175 evinrude Ocean Pro outboard. Started it this morning on a set of muffs and let it idle for a few minutes and all seemed okay. Then ran it down to the lake and started it up again. It idled down smoothly and I put it in gear and started to advance...
I recently acquired an old flat bottom jon boat with an old Mercury Mark 58E ( 1958 model) with a San Leandro jet (outboard Jets) jet drive attached to it. After some cleaning and servicing of the powerhead it fired right up! I serviced and painted the jet drive which seems to be in really good...
I was servicing my lower unit last night with a new pump impeller and lower unit lube when I noticed a small of amount of engine coolant dripping out of the hole in the bottom of the upper unit. I have a 1987 Mercruiser 3.7L inline 4 with an Alpha 1 outdrive and the closed cooling system. I...
Can anyone tell me what the differences were between an old merc 400 and an old merc 500?? The block is the same part # so I am assuming that the intake side of the crankcases are the same. The exhaust baffle plate #'s are the same as well, so I don't think there is any difference in that...
I am trying to track down a frustrating ignition problem on my 1963 merc 850 inline 6. Last time out last season I was running W.O.T down the lake doing about 5200 rpm when all of a sudden the motor backfired and stalled!! Tried restarting it and it did start, but it ran very, very rough. Turned...
I was thinking about trying some new reeds for my old (1963) Merc 850 inline 6. Have any of you tried these reeds? and if so did they work to your liking. I am still running the old original metal reeds that came stock on my motor. Boyesen advertises that their reeds will produce more power...
I was thinking about adding a small universal electric fuel pump(Mr. Gasket 42S) to my old inline 6 Merc 850. Anyone out there ever tried this and how well did it work? Any special concerns or things to consider?
I bought an old 1973 Larson Bowrider 186 with a Mercruiser 888 sterndrive. I was curious what the total overall timing advance should be. The manual I have for it shows 10 degrees BTDC at idle for the initial timing , but I wondered what the total timing should be at cruise RPM or WOT RPM. It is...
I have an old Mercury inline 6 (merc 850) that is a 1964 model. This old motor runs incredibly well, but it has a water-jacket leak around one of the spark plug holes. No cooling water gets in the engine, it just runs down the block by the spark plugs. I rebuilt this motor 3 years ago and I used...
Is it a major job?or is it relatively easy? I know there is no simple answer to this question, but I don't know how else to ask it. Has anyone added power steering to their boat? I have a Lund Baron 2100 with the 3.7 mercruiser and the engine compartment is fairly accessible. I also have a older...
I just bought this boat and I do not yet have a manual for it. What is the base timing and overall timing supposed to be for the 888. 1973 Ford mercruiser 302 c.i.
I am looking for a complete upper unit repair kit for a 1973 888 sterndrive. I am looking for a complete kit with all the bearings and seals and o-rings, gaskets etc, for rebuilding the upper half of my drive. It is the Ford 302 engine and the drive ratio is 1.5 to 1. I believe it is a pre Alpha...
I recently bought another used boat (1973 Larson All American 186 Bowrider). It has a number of small holes in the transom from transponder mounts, speedo pitot mounts, etc. The previous owner just filled them with blue silicone sealant ( transom is white fiberglass). What is the best way to...
I know that many parts on an automotive engine are considered a big no no on marine engines of the same design. My water pump on my mercruiser 888 is leaking, can I replace it with an automotive water pump, or will an automotive pump not hold up under marine use. Standard ( not closed ) cooling...
I am looking at a 1973 boat with a mercruiser 888. Supposedly has some lower unit issues. I am assuming it is a generation 1 outdrive. I rebuilt one of those 3 years ago, but I don't know much about the marine 302 Ford. Have you guys had good luck with them? Any peculliarities with this version...
