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  1. J

    Sewing machine for canvas,Which brand??

    I picked up a used Consew 206. I changed the clutch motor out to a servo motor with a smaller diameter pulley on the servo and it works great. Many professionals use that model without issue. Any walking foot machine should be okay, a triple feed like the 206 is preferred.
  2. J

    Alpha 1 Gen 2 - leak & transom service questions

    The seal on the front timing cover you can replace by just removing the harmonic balancer and then pop out the old seal and install a new one. Just go to your local auto parts store and ask for one for a 1999 S-10 with the 4.3, you can pick any vehicle with a 4.3 to have them look it up. I’d try...
  3. J

    looking for recommendations for gimbal bearing puller

    I just use a slide hammer.
  4. J

    My block is drained, right?

    I’ve found that O’riellys near me actually stocks the Sierra PG antifreeze. I try to capture what I use each year to use again the next year and test with refractometer. Price isn’t terrible, $29 and it make two gallons...
  5. J

    The easiest and most precise way to install a gimbal bearing

    I use a large socket with an extension that fits the outter race, a few hammer hits and they go in without much trouble.
  6. J

    4.3 diesling

    My old boat with a 4.3 would diesel if I ran it mildly and shut it down shortly after coming to idle speed. My fix - run premium gas or if it was easy to get at a fill-up ethanol free.
  7. J

    Shift cable bellows.

    On my Alpha 1 Gen 2 the shift cable had a plastic spiral warp on the cable for protection that needed to be removed first. Just reach in and unwind the wrap, must be done from inside the bilge are.
  8. J

    Replace Transducer Mount - Seal Old Holes

    On a new-to-me boat the transducer mount was broke. I ordered a new one and need to replace it. The previous owner used what appears to be silicone on the original mount. I have 4200 and was going to use that. What can I do to clean out the screw holes to ensure that the 4200 adheres well and...
  9. J

    Help! Coupler Wobble and Alignment Issue? 2005 4.3L MerCruiser Alpha 1..

    Is it possible the coupler sat for a period of time with more pressure on one side being out of alignment. Have you thought about getting the alignment as close as you can and running it for a bit to see it gets any better and “re-centers”. Just something that came to my mind, may not work. Just...
  10. J

    I'm doing my Bellows. Mercruiser A1G1. Are the Amazon Bellows Kits any good?

    Mercruiser parts are made to their standards. When they are copied they are made to a price point. When that happens concessions have to be made in the manufacturing process and cheaper materials are used.
  11. J

    I'm doing my Bellows. Mercruiser A1G1. Are the Amazon Bellows Kits any good?

    Last fall when I changed out the bellows on one of my boats I was surprised by the condition. They were the originals from 2005 and still useable with no cracks but I figured it was time. Garage storage with the drive down seems to have been kind to the rubber components.
  12. J

    I'm doing my Bellows. Mercruiser A1G1. Are the Amazon Bellows Kits any good?

    They can feel pliable, however it’s the fitment that matters. Perhaps you got luckily and found a good aftermarket kit, you’ll find out when you install. For me, the labor involved I wanted to use OEM. Numerous people have had issues with the OD tolerance of some aftermarket gimbal bearings. I...
  13. J

    Snapped the dreaded Mercruiser transom Drive Lube Fitting....

    The telescoping pen magnets I have stuck fine to it. Most of the stainless fasteners used on my Sea Ray are low grade stainless and fairly magnetic.
  14. J

    Snapped the dreaded Mercruiser transom Drive Lube Fitting....

    When I changed out my bellows and gear line fitting I used a long pick to remove the e-clip. For reinstallation I tied a piece of thread to it so it wouldn’t fly away trying to get it on. I used a telescoping pen magnet and put the clip on the magnet and was able to maneuver it into place and...
  15. J

    New Exhaust Manifold surface prep? 4.3 Mercruiser

    Barr recommends to remove the paint on the gasket sealing surface.
  16. J

    4.3 milk maker

    When the plugs are removed to empty the water in the block and manifolds, you must insert a screwdriver or something similar into the holes to verify they aren’t blocked by rust and holding water.
  17. J

    Harbor freight jack.

    I have a few of the Daytona jacks and nothing but good things to say. If you get any jack from HF, check the oil level. Often they’re low.
  18. J

    Leak into bilge, bellows?

    Your splines on the outdrive driveshaft most likely need rotated some to mate with the coupler. With the outdrive in gear I use the prop while pushing it on and it will fall in once the driveshaft lines up.
  19. J

    Leak into bilge, bellows?

    I used zip ties.
  20. J

    Leak into bilge, bellows?

    Here is a thread from when I did my bellows in the fall and an order I used for assembly. Post in thread 'Bellows Installation' https://forums.iboats.com/threads/bellows-installation.775185/post-5949853 I used a zip tie on the gear lube hose.
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