72 Thunderbird Formula w/twin 165hp Mercs

[ahmincha]

It almost sound electrical like the solenoids are not open or closing

 

[Mark72233]

ahmincha, I did see that, AllDodge sent it to me over the weekend and I printed it out and its in my library now. The motor is working great I pulled both lines and ran it up and down and it pumps like crazy and I know the pressure is there. What I really need is the gauges so I can be sure of how much pressure. Like I said before I am in very deep and over my head and it may be best to throw in the towel and involve a pro $$$$$$ :facepalm:

 

[Mark72233]

Never one to really call it quits I looked for and found one of these on ebay. Test Gauge Kit Part# 91-52915A6


They retail new for about $300-$400. He was asking $120 for this used one and I offered him $75. He accepted. $75, but if its working as advertised and it helps me figure this mess out then money well spent.

 

[alldodge]

I understand the frustration but the trim system is fairly simple, with the gauge you should be able to find the answers

 

[goin70]

Good luck with the diagnostics. It is a good investment if you can determine the issue. When you get it completed, you can sell the gauges and recoup your cost. I do exactly the same when I run into the same type situation but never sell the tool.

I know exactly how you feel about throwing in the towel. You will be rewarded when you have corrected the issue and have the satisfaction that you fixed it yourself and learned another valuable skill for the next time.

Please keep us posted on your progress.

Randy

 

[Mark72233]

I got the gauge and it looks in good shape but I haven't tested it yet or messed with the hydraulics yet. I sanded down the entire cap which had some primer on it. I still need to fill in a few minor pin holes and blemishes and than cover it with a good coat of primer and one last sanding before I paint it. I also got some work done on the console. I figured out where I wanted all the gauges mounted. I am mounting them on a black piece of Starboard. I also figured out where the 2 bilge pump switches are going along with about 6 toggle switches for the Nav and Anchor lights, courtesy lights under the gunnels and a light in the engine cover to be able to see the engine at night, lights in the cabin, bilge blower and an extra for some thing.

 

[alldodge]

Looking good

 

[Johark53]

No Title

I've been building boats 4 28 years you need any questions answered I'll be more willing to help you

 

[kramerpage]

Console looks fabulous Mark. I know it's alot of work. Keep moving forward guy....

 

[kcassells]

U can doit! Mark...looking so very Good!

 

[Mark72233]

Thanks guys. I am still at it. Didn't get much done this week other than I took a flashlight at an angle looking for small blemishes on the cap in the old gel coat which is completely gone. The light makes them easy to find and circle with a sharpe marker. I then mixed some resin and 3M glass bubbles to a mayonnaise mixture filling in all these little holes and blemishes. Drove over to visit the father in law today with the family so no boat work. Sunday I will sand down the cap and one more coat of primer.

 

[Corjen1]

Your attention to detail will pay off!!! keep up the good work Sir!!

 

[Mark72233]

Well as usual nothing goes as planned. I sprayed a good coat of primer on the cap but forgot to put hardener in the last batch and the next day when I was trying to sand it down in preparation for spraying it with paint the primer was not hard enough to sand yet and kept clogging up the sand paper so I had to give up the idea of painting the cap before my vacation. We just got back Sunday and I haven't been able to do anything with the boat and this weekend it may rain on us again so probably no painting. I also haven't had an opportunity to mess with the hydraulics either.

 

[WOEISMEIGOTTA470]

Well as usual nothing goes as planned. I sprayed a good coat of primer on the cap but forgot to put hardener in the last batch and the next day when I was trying to sand it down in preparation for spraying it with paint the primer was not hard enough to sand yet and kept clogging up the sand paper so I had to give up the idea of painting the cap before my vacation. We just got back Sunday and I haven't been able to do anything with the boat and this weekend it may rain on us again so probably no painting. I also haven't had an opportunity to mess with the hydraulics either.

:blah: worst update yet...:caked:

I'm one to talk though, I've had nothing to report in ages, I've been in a serious winter slump! That ends tonight though, beginning with the outdrive! :madgrin:

 

[WOEISMEIGOTTA470]

Just wanted to add that I'm being very selfish, and that the lack of work on my boat has made me seek out entertainment through other means, such as this marvelous boat-building thread of yours, to fill the ever deepening void. So keep up the good work Mark!

Sound like you needed that vacation! I bet you can't wait to be finished with all the paintwork, some massive effort you've put into that hull! Your almost there!

 

[Mark72233]

Woe, this updates for you.

I got the cap primed, sanded and all taped up and ready for painting this morning and this afternoon I got it all painted so technically speaking the boat is painted.

 

[Mark72233]

With the cap painted I can start putting new shiny parts back on the boat. So far I attached the new LED stern light, both air scoops, both bilge hose through hull pieces, fuel tank vent. The next things will be the 6 cleats and 8 rod holders.

 

[Woodonglass]

Mark, I'm so pleased to see this progress. I'm sure you are too!!!!

 

[sphelps]

Wow ! she's really looking nice !

 

[alldodge]

Always good to start seeing the chrome go on