Recent content by JohnWI

  1. J

    1988 V135 Reeves timing method vs the Merc book?

    I appreciate all the replies as everyone is helping me in my understanding. For ex: -importance of proper nomenclature. -That the purpose of the primary screw is to "sync" with the butterflies (this might be why I feel it idles well but in that 1000RPR area it's a bit rough (my fat jiggles)...
  2. J

    1988 V135 Reeves timing method vs the Merc book?

    That was going to be my next post: The 1988 sticker and service manual state 11* and 18* whereas the 2000 service manual shows your stats of 0-9* and 21*. It does state that it's for 2000 engines and to check your sticker for other models. In addition to that, I believe the models with the...
  3. J

    Faulty heat gauge or ? 1988 V135

    She's new to me. Not overheating (via the warning horn) but the temp does rise to 3/4 on my dash gauge. Generally operates at the mid to 3/4 reading. I've tried my best to get in IR reading on the different areas of the heads and my readings have only been around 150. Both sides seem close...
  4. J

    1988 V135 Reeves timing method vs the Merc book?

    Backstory, it's new to me. First run gave me about 37, then drifted down to 25. I changed a power pack as I I thought one side was cooler. Realized the red wire going to the idle box was missing insulation and likely grounding out. Taped it all up. Ran fast on the muffs so I downed the idle...
  5. J

    1988 V135 Reeves timing method vs the Merc book?

    Is the Reeves method more for OMC rather than Mercs? The book says it will retard at 5000+ by 2*. I'm not about to try testing it on the water at high speed. I believe Joe's method says to set lower by 4* as they will advance when running faster. Mine calls for: 18* cranking and 16* WOT...
  6. J

    Looking at '89 SS180, gas tank issues?

    No known issues but anything I can't see or get access to has me concerned considering it's a 30+ year old boat. That's why I was hoping to hear folks saying that it is or isn't a well known trouble area. I'd guess it's a metal container of sorts but ethanol/water issues can probably destroy...
  7. J

    Cost? Anybody in S. Wisconsin want to rebuild my transom?

    Mid 80s SS160 with a 70 on it but I'm really not the most mechanically inclined. I know there's a bit more that could be done, but the transom is most involved. Anybody hear of someone sinking their yacht because of a marginal transom while just trolling along at 10mph or so? I'm OK with...
  8. J

    Looking at '89 SS180, gas tank issues?

    I understand this has an 18 gallon inboard tank. Who's got some experience, good or bad with this setup? I'm only used to the 6 gallon cruise a day tanks. T/Y
  9. J

    If starter disengages too early, is it a low battery or ?

    Old school thought was that it was flooding, but I tend to think the battery is kind of low. Silly that it would be the battery considering it's only a 25HP, but it doesn't seem to engage for more than 2 seconds half of the time.
  10. J

    Any issues with long periods of going Slow No Wake (70HP)?

    I've kind of been smitten with just putting along on a 20 mile lake (sort of like I'm pontooning) and I know that some of the 2strokes changed over to change the oil ratio depending on the speed of the engine. So my Q is do I need to be concerned with the engine "loading up (if I'm getting the...
  11. J

    16' SS with 70 HP Evin. - please offer a prop suggestion

    Not pulling anything as of yet, but am looking for opinions for a nice overall size/pitch. I might dream for a 35 MPH top end, but if 1-2 MPH cripples its ability to giddy up too much, I'm OK with that, too. PS-I haven't a tach so I can't do anything by reading. The previous owner included a...
  12. J

    Tip for first start of the season?

    RE: my 70 Horse Ev. My Dad gave me his "tip" that whenever he's firing up after sitting for the winter, he will use the pull cord to turn the motor over a bit before using the electric start. His thought is it's gentler on the impeller (no we don't follow the rules about changing it out...
  13. J

    Best way to fill in old screw holes in the aluminum skin

    The P.O. had transducers or other stuff screwed into my transom area. Of course now they're just holes. So what are the recomendations to fill these in? I believe they're all lower than the wooden section of the transom and most likely "backed" by the spray foam.
  14. J

    Captaining the SS is overrated! So is always going fast.

    Had to take the opportunity to sit up front for a change and I have to say I LOVE IT!!! Granted, conditions were ideal yesterday with very little wind over our neighboring 5,000 acre aqua-playground. Not that it is loud (in the cockpit) or anything, but sitting up front is WAY COOL. It is...
  15. J

    Testing compression...in water or not?

    Trying to decide how bad it is to test compression while out of the water? Seems that to do all cyl's for 6 seconds each isn't tooooo, bad, but then again, running the impeller dry is never a good thing. I recall seeing some damage that supposedly happens over a very short period of time if...
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