Commander_47
Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2016
- Messages
- 86
I haven't posted in years, but feel the need to do so now. This is sort of engine related, but not the main thrust, so I hope I picked the right forum.
I just got two of the best tips of life on this forum from researching old threads. And I want to say, you are never to old to learn new tricks. I'm in my mid 70's now and have worked on engines for well over 50 years. Not as much boats, but lots of autos.
Having said that, one of the biggest PITA jobs in the world has to be changing the plugs on a Mercruiser Alpha 1 5.7, non vortec head motor.
Anyone familiar with these knows that Mercury placed the huge exhaust manifolds on top of the plugs. This makes them very difficult to get to. Especially on the stern side, and especially if there is ANYTHING, like a bulkhead or another motor close to it.
While researching easier ways to do this basic job, I discovered on this forum that the AC DELCO MR43T plugs have the socket nut about 1/2 inch further out on plug. Original plug I believe is MR45T
OMG, what a breath of fresh air this resulted in. How much easier to remove the plugs.
And the little trick of using a 1/4 inch rubber fuel line to put on the new plug to snake down and start the new plug was heaven sent information. This was one of those "I could have had a V8 moment". If you remember that you are old also.
Thanks to those two tips, a former all day job has been reduced to a couple hours including having a break and a cup of coffee.
Thank you for being here Iboats. It's never too late to learn new tricks.
I just got two of the best tips of life on this forum from researching old threads. And I want to say, you are never to old to learn new tricks. I'm in my mid 70's now and have worked on engines for well over 50 years. Not as much boats, but lots of autos.
Having said that, one of the biggest PITA jobs in the world has to be changing the plugs on a Mercruiser Alpha 1 5.7, non vortec head motor.
Anyone familiar with these knows that Mercury placed the huge exhaust manifolds on top of the plugs. This makes them very difficult to get to. Especially on the stern side, and especially if there is ANYTHING, like a bulkhead or another motor close to it.
While researching easier ways to do this basic job, I discovered on this forum that the AC DELCO MR43T plugs have the socket nut about 1/2 inch further out on plug. Original plug I believe is MR45T
OMG, what a breath of fresh air this resulted in. How much easier to remove the plugs.
And the little trick of using a 1/4 inch rubber fuel line to put on the new plug to snake down and start the new plug was heaven sent information. This was one of those "I could have had a V8 moment". If you remember that you are old also.
Thanks to those two tips, a former all day job has been reduced to a couple hours including having a break and a cup of coffee.
Thank you for being here Iboats. It's never too late to learn new tricks.