Water Intrusion in 1987 Mercruiser 3.0L Engine: Causes & Solutions

QuestionDo you know if a 1987 130hp 3.0 mercruiser that is ideling to fast can suck water back into the cylinders on shut down ,and only just two of them o

Legal Horsepower Limits for Aluminum Boats: Understanding Safety Regulations

QuestionIs there a way to legally reinforce a 10 ft aluminum boat rated at 7.5 hp to run a 9.6 hp motor thanks AnswerHi Brian...Thank you for selecting th

Troubleshooting a Non-Functional RPM Gauge on a Bayliner Boat

QuestionI have a 99 Bayliner with a 125 Mercury outboard.  The RPM gauge is not working.  What can I look for to so I can fix it? Thank you. Ans

Mercury 85HP Outboard: Fuel Level Gauge Point Settings & Support

Questiondo you have the stats for set the points for this motor (filler gauge)?? AnswerHi Karen...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your

Troubleshooting Slow Start-Up on 200 HP Johnson Outboard

QuestionI have a 200 hp Johnson on my boat and when I go to crank it, it takes about 3 to 5 minutes for the engine to crank up. I pump the fuel bubble, i h

OMC 7.4L King Cobra Reverse Gear Issue - Troubleshooting & Help

QuestionJust had the gimbal bearing and u-joints replaced. Now will not go into reverse. Porp will rotate like it is in reverse but when you give it gas th

Yamaha 150 4-Stroke Oil Consumption: Causes & Solutions

QuestionI have a Sailfish 218 with a yamaha 150 4-stroke engine on it. I recently checked the oil level and it was above the high mark gauge on the stick s

Troubleshooting a Stuck Outboard Motor: Causes & Solutions

QuestionOne of my inboards, a 350 mercruiser, seems stuck.  Just six weeks ago it would turn fine. I think it is nothing mechanical, just some light r

Troubleshooting 25hp Evinrude AE25RALCDC: Starting & Idling Issues

Questionhave a 25hp evinrude model number ae25ralcdc. runs well mongrel to start,sometimes dies when idling,takes 20 - 30 minutes to restart. Have checked

Troubleshooting 1986 Regal Medallion Tilt/Trim Motor Issues

QuestionI have a 1986 regal medallion 140 hp i/o mercruiser. the problem is the tilt/trim is not working properly.  The tilt/trim will not move up or

Outdrive Not Engaging: Troubleshooting & Potential Solutions

QuestionFew days ago while on entering idle zone to slip placed engines into neutral. When attempting to gear up for approach though, starboard drive did n

Gimbal Bearing Failure in Volvo 3.0L Engines: A Marine Mechanic's Perspective

QuestionI recently had two replacement bob tail engines (Volvo 3lt) owing to a flooded engine room. Both engines were seized with salt water (both these en

Evinrude 130 Reverse Tilt Issue: Troubleshooting & Potential Solutions

QuestionI have twin Evinrude 130s. When giving throttle in reverse the motor will begin to raise from the water. All fluid levels are fine. Any ideas? Ans

Troubleshooting TRS Outdrive Steering Issues - Course Correction Problems

QuestionDear Mr. Blanchet: I am new to boating, I have a 1977 Fiberform flybridge cruiser with dual steering stations. The engine is a Mercruiser 350 (260h

Buying a Used Hydrostream: Risks & Considerations

QuestionOur family is looking to buy a hydrostream.We found many boats. but many of the boats we found that were in our price range were older boats with o

Mercruiser Outdrive Oil Inspection: Identifying Water Contamination & Normal Color

QuestionQUESTION: I recently bought an 84 Sea Ray with a 5.7L Mercruiser.  I am draining the outhdrive oil and am wondering how to tell if there is wa

Johnson 115hp Outboard Cooling System - Is It Normal?

QuestionI have a 1995 115hp Johnson 2cycle outboard.  The stream that comes out of the top of motor is relatively non-existent.  The previous own

Yamaha 8HP Outboard Won't Start After Refloating - Troubleshooting

Questionhi ron my boat sunk for 48 hrs after refloating her my outboard yamaha 8hp would not start there is no spark,i just bought the engine 3 weeks previ

Marine Vinyl Degradation: Causes, Prevention & Solutions

Question  We have a boat that we suspect was not made with marine grade vinyl.  The company has said they did use some vinyl that had not been tr

Gray Milky Oil in Engine: Causes & Repair - Expert Advice

QuestionHi Ron,  Ive got a 1984 Imperial 192 with a 140 Mercruiser in it.  I just drained the oil from the oilpan and its gray and milky.