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  1. SternDriveEd

    Carburetor Issues, Dripping Carbs...

    If the float drags on the inside of the fuel bowl, it could easily cause flooding when the needle valve doesn’t close against the seat. Overflowing the bowl past the designed fuel level is likely the cause of the dripping fuel you see at idle in the Venturi area. At idle you should never see...
  2. SternDriveEd

    What is wrong with my alternator

    I also suspect a battery issue causing the alternator to go into full output mode. I suggest that you pull the battery/ batteries and have them load tested at a trusted shop. When removing the battery clean the connections on the battery terminals and the cable ends.
  3. SternDriveEd

    Two fuel pumps in series??

    So after hearing from a few folks I could do this. Have the “Test Fuel Pump” ready to install. It would consist of 3/8 fuel hose, an in-line filter and of course the pump, along with the correct fittings on each end. If the issue repeats itself, I can by-pass the current filter and Mercruiser...
  4. SternDriveEd

    Two fuel pumps in series??

    1993 Chaparral, 2050 Cuddy. 4.3 LX . Engine Serial OD 843641. So I replaced the Fuel Pump 2 seasons ago. Mercruiser $400 part. Original one failed. I just experienced a fuel issue and needed an emergency fuel delivery. $$. Seems okay now with only a short run back to our home dock. Either the...
  5. SternDriveEd

    Oil everywhere

    When you removed the old oil filter did the gasket seal stay on the engine block? If so, there will be two stacked gaskets on the new filter once installed. This will quickly lead to a catastrophic oil loss.
  6. SternDriveEd

    1987 4.3l 205 high oil pressure

    To be clear about the relief spring in the alldodge pic of an oil filter mounting base - which shows the oil filter BY PASS VALVE. It’s job is to allow for oil circulation around a totally plugged up oil filter. Better to get dirty oil delivered to the engine than to have no oil at all. The OIL...
  7. SternDriveEd

    starter

    Perhaps begin with a battery voltage test. This is battery voltage even before you turn the key and crank the engine. Typically 12 to 13 volts. Now leave the voltmeter hooked up to the battery and crank the engine over. Watch the voltage go down. Typically 11 to 10 volts remains at the battery...
  8. SternDriveEd

    Spark plug gap difference

    If you are changing spark plugs you will always need to check and correct the gap on the new plugs. Otherwise you should not be attempting this service on your engine. I would compare this to filling the tires on your car without checking the tire pressure when you’re done.
  9. SternDriveEd

    Fuel pressure loss on Mercruiser 140

    Do you have an actual fuel pressure gauge teed into the fuel line at the carburetor fitting? Sure sounds like a bad fuel pump.
  10. SternDriveEd

    Merc 470 coil problem

    So it looks like your ignition system uses breaker points. Old school but dependable if you maintain it. With the key on and engine off, Coil positive voltage check should be 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 volts with the points closed. Coil negative voltage should be less than .2 volts with the points closed...
  11. SternDriveEd

    Oil Change question

    You did fine. Ignore the dipstick reading until you start up and run the engine. Check for oil leak at the filter. Rev it up to 2000 rpm. Observe oil pressure on the helm gauge. Shut her down and clean up your mess while the oil drains back to the oil pan. After 15 minutes or so you can check...
  12. SternDriveEd

    Rochester 2 jet running rich before and after rebuild

    The power valve circuit only opens up a by pass passage around the main metering jets. When the power piston senses engine load it moves downward to open up the power valve at the bottom of the fuel bowl. This is where extra fuel will supplement the main metering circuit provided by the two...
  13. SternDriveEd

    Spark plug

    Look closely at the seat of the spark plug. The one with red paint is called a tapered seat. The cylinder head is specially machined to match up with this style spark plug. The other spark plug uses a flat gasket to seal against the cylinder head. Again the cylinder head on some engines is...
  14. SternDriveEd

    2011 4.3 not starting.

    Just to chime in a bit here. Please do all the maintenance items during the off season. That way you won’t be breaking down during the boating season. Nobody likes an interruption when traveling on their boat.
  15. SternDriveEd

    Trim Clicks and Makes noise, but won't go up or down

    Or try this. If it’s possible to get into the water safety, engine off, disconnect both of the trim ram cylinders from the rear of the out drive. Pretty straightforward. Now you can use a ratchet strap to hoist the drive up to trailer position. No loss of hydraulic trim fluid.
  16. SternDriveEd

    1995 Searay 5.7 GM winterizing mods..

    I like your idea of a ball valve on the p.s. cooler hose. The barbed adapter you made up should work. Just wondering about how flush the inside surface of the 1/4 n p t fitting is to the inside of the metal barbed piece. Draining all the seawater out during winter lay up is important.
  17. SternDriveEd

    Mercruiser 4.3L not started since 2019, tips and advice on maintenance please!

    Has the block been drained? Is it a closed loop style cooling system or a raw water only system? Check oil level. Other fluid levels. Charge battery. Air up the trailer tires. Trailer lights all work?
  18. SternDriveEd

    3.0 mercruiser i/o

    If you’re concerned about deposits in the carburetor fuel bowl, why not just add the best additive to the fuel tank when you fill up? I prefer Seafoam to protect my whole fuel system- every time I fill up.
  19. SternDriveEd

    Galvanic Isolator in a ‘91 Express Cruiser

    Looking for information about if a 390 Express Cruiser -1991 vintage- has a galvanic isolator. If so, where is it located? Thanks All.
  20. SternDriveEd

    Is this a ground wire for hydraulic pump?

    Is the circled nut loose? I would think that whoever removed the black wire would not have completely retightened the nut. Knowing that the wire would be going back there eventually. Just thinking of how I do things.
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