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| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
| Hard starting 7.4L MPI engine | 1/27/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a 1999 Mercruiser I/O with a 7.4L MPI engine. In cold weather (below 60), it cranks for 5 or ... A: Make sure you aren't opening the throttle when starting. What you describe isn't that unusual. You ... | ||
| Locked in reverse | 1/27/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: 70 HP Tohatsu Engine locked in reverse A: Hal, do you mean the tilt is locked or the motor will only go in reverse or will not shift. If it ... | ||
| boat repair | 1/26/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: Alright, I'm trying to figure out how to fix these 2 fuel gauges for this boat. The gauges are good! ... A: The pink wire from the sender goes to the S on the gauge. Black wire goes from ground to the G ... | ||
| 1986 15 hp johnson | 1/25/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: tried to change the water pump.shaft is stuck in bottom of power head. how can I get it out ... A: It isn't easy. Try this, get two large blocks of wood and shape them into wedge shape. Put them ... | ||
| 25hpMercury / No high end | 1/25/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: Jeff, I have a 1995 25hp Merc. Serial#0G120315. It runs great and idles great. However, recently I ... A: Your carb has two circuits, idle and high speed. If the engine sat for quite a while it could have ... | ||
| Suzuki DT65 fuel problem | 1/25/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a Suzuki DT65 outboard (serial 06502 501488)which was running fine when last used . It sat ... A: Greg, you will need to pull the carb back apart. Get a complete carb rebuild kit and replace all of ... | ||
| omc tilt/ trim problem | 1/24/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a 1996 oceanrunner 225. Tilt switch stuck in the down position an ran for hours before we ... A: When the trim unit trims either up or down once it reaches it's limit there is a hydraulic pressure ... | ||
| 115 hp johnson | 1/24/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a 1978 115 hp Johnson v4. One weekend it worked great. One week later, the motor will rev ... A: I suspect you have an ignition problem. I would also check the fuel system and for carbon on the ... | ||
| 7.4 L I/O Serial Numbers | 1/23/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: Trying to order a new engine manual from Mercruiser, but cannot read the serial number on the flame ... A: Shawn, I believe this is the correct manual. 90-8232242 I would call your local dealer and give him ... | ||
| 7.4 L I/O Serial Numbers | 1/23/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: Trying to order a new engine manual from Mercruiser, but cannot read the serial number on the flame ... A: Some of the motors have a serial plate on the back of the motor, but most newer models don't. If ... | ||
| 1971 135 hp | 1/23/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a manual and have checked the wiring diagram all wires are in correct places,this problem ... A: More than likely your switchbox is bad. You should have 9vdc. If the voltage is not making it ... | ||
| 1971 135 hp | 1/23/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a manual and have checked the wiring diagram all wires are in correct places,this problem ... A: John, check the voltage going to the switchbox from the wiring harness, the red and white wires. You ... | ||
| Opinion of a 76 Century Inboard | 1/23/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I am looking at a 1976 Century Inboard with a big Chrysler and a V-Drive. It was rebuilt about 8 ... A: First of all I am not an expert on V drives by any stretch of the imagination. If you are interested ... | ||
| new power head | 1/22/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: . i have a 24 ft grady white with a 2003 yamaha 250hp 2 stroke with 102 hrs on it...i had a problem ... A: Joe you probably don't have anything to worry about. You do need to ask the shop what caused the ... | ||
| Underheating | 1/22/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a 1996 Mercury Black Max 3.0 L outboard, carburated which is running to cool. I have replaced ... A: Larry you need to have a good service shop look at the motor. How do you know it is cooling too ... | ||
| 1971 135 hp | 1/22/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I already replaced the switch and wire harness do you have any suggestions. A: First of all make sure the switch is the correct one for your engine. OMC used separate choke ... | ||
| Mercury 1500 150 HP Timing and synchronizing | 1/21/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a 1977 Mercury 1500 outboard 150 HP. It did seem to run fine at low speed but had no top end. ... A: OK, go to your local Mercury dealer and buy a dial indicator with the adapters for use in a spark ... | ||
| outboard shaft length | 1/21/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: i just received a pelican bayou canoe. i am looking for an outboard motor for it. but I'm not sure ... A: A 20 inch motor may be right for you. You will want the anti-ventilation plate from just above to ... | ||
| Mercury 1500 150 HP Timing and synchronizing | 1/21/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a 1977 Mercury 1500 outboard 150 HP. It did seem to run fine at low speed but had no top end. ... A: David, the timing on an inline is not that difficult, IF you know what you are doing. For the boat ... | ||
| rebedding portlights, hatches | 1/20/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a hunter 27 sailboat with opening portlights with plastic frames and lenses. The frame is in ... A: Any sealant made for bedding fixtures will work. I don't have a 3M catalog here where I am so I ... | ||
| bass boat | 1/20/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I need to know how you separate the top shell from the bottom of my 86 pro craft I have a bad ... A: Chris this is one of those jobs I would recommend to an expert. When the top cap is put on more than ... | ||
| buzzer | 1/20/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a 1979 55 johnson 55etl79l that started to make a buzzing noise from the throttle control. ... A: Brad you need to have the hot horn, and wiring checked out. If the horn does not sound with the key ... | ||
| Tilt trim solenoid? | 1/20/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I think that is what they are. The tilt trim just clicks and won't move like a starter with a weak ... A: Tim, I need the engine make and model to tell you everything you need to know. But try the ... | ||
| mercruiser bellows and leg replcement | 1/19/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have old heavy Mk3 mercruiser outleg which needs fitting. However as the drive joints are ... A: If the gimbal housing was not taken off of the bellows there is no need to remove as you have found ... | ||
| tilt trim sender | 1/19/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: what is the funtion of tilt and trim sender ? A: It depends on the engine. Mostly they are used with a trim gauge to tell the angle of the engine ... | ||
| engine info | 1/19/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: i need info about my engine, all i got is E130TXACB, G0443B542. want to know what year and horse ... A: Are you sure the model number is correct? It would appear to be a 130 hp. Any online or local dealer ... | ||
| BOAT SLOW START FOR 90 FORCE ENGINE | 1/18/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a 90 HP Force Engine which runs fine when I can start it> How ever I had a rebuilt ... A: If the starter was not rebuilt properly you can run into a host of troubles down the line. Make sure ... | ||
| oil sensor shutdown | 1/18/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have a 1997 175hp Johnson outboard. After running the motor hard for less than 3-5 minutes the ... A: Are there any alarms? Your engine may be going into a "protect mode". It can be triggered from the ... | ||
| Outboard motor cooling system operation | 1/18/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I own a 1984 9.9hp Yamaha outboard for my 1984 Hunter 25.5 sailboat. Often the telltale stream of ... A: The problem probably isn't in the water pump or the main water tube as they are quite large. More ... | ||
| Fuel sending unit | 1/18/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have 3 wires white, black and gray, which wire goes on top of sending unit, and which other 2 get ... A: Adam those wires are the wrong color code for a fuel sender. You should have a black, red and pink. ... | ||
| trim draining battery | 1/18/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: my trim motor is draining my battery on the spot, system goes up and down if i keep a charger on the ... A: Joel, I'm not sure what you mean. Are you saying the trim goes up and down by itself? Is that how it ... | ||
| mariner 40 magnum 97 | 1/17/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: my tilt is acting up theres power going to it because when i press the button i hear a clicking ... A: If you hear clicking but the trim is not working check the relays or solenoid which ever one you ... | ||
| Crusader | 1/17/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I replaced the starter on my crusader 350 recently and it worked great. Did not crank it for awhile ... A: If the battery terminal is getting that hot one of a few things is happening. The connection on the ... | ||
| Replacing throttle mechanism and large amount of smoke | 1/17/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: Jeff I am considering purchasing a 1988 Stratos with a 150HP mariner, but it seems to need some ... A: Dan, it is a 20 year old motor. The compression is kind of uneven, it may be sticking rings. Some ... | ||
| Outboard motor cooling system operation | 1/17/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I own a 1984 9.9hp Yamaha outboard for my 1984 Hunter 25.5 sailboat. Often the telltale stream of ... A: Most service manuals have the information you need about the cooling system. The slightest piece of ... | ||
| torque pulls boat to the left | 1/16/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I have an '01 (model J25TELSIS) 25 hp Johnson that does not have a trim tab. Internet diagrams show ... A: Your motor should have a trim tab, you will need to use it to counter the torque. You can pick one ... | ||
| i/o steering play | 1/16/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: hey, i have a 99 26'seamaster w/a with an merc 350/alpha 1 setup. For some reason or another i have ... A: Joe your best bet is to take the boat to a good servicing shop. You could have slop in the outdrive, ... | ||
| Johnson 115 V4 O/B | 1/15/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I'm looking at buying a Larson 186 SEI which is fitted with a Johnson 115 V4 outboard motor, both ... A: I would never buy a boat with anything but the most minor of problems. You could have a motor ... | ||
| mercruiser out drive | 1/15/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: I bought a 1993 30'Sea Ray with twin mercruisers. Both outdrives lost the anode on the lower gear ... A: If you are careful you can pull the carrier. You will need a cover nut tool and probably a torch as ... | ||
| Zodiac boat repair | 1/15/2008 | Jeff Grigg |
| Q: We have a 15 ft Zodiac made in the 1980's. The transom is becoming pulled away from the boat. I ... A: Maureen, whether it is worth it or not would be your decision. One of the leading problems with ... | ||
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Top Expert on this page
Can help with most any question related to outboards, high performance, hull repair, rigging, if it floats and uses a motor. From a 9.9 on a aluminum boat to DFI two strokes. Outboard motors are my specialty. I can help with some I/O questions as well. Ratings are the only way we know if we are helping. If you are pleased with the help, please rate us. 20% don't bother reading my answers! If you are not going to read the follow up then why ask? Keep in mind we do this at no charge and are not paid. We do it to help you!
32 years in the marine business. Own a service facility, in coastal South Carolina certified Master Tech by Johnson/Evinrude, certified Mercury/Force, Tohatsu/Nissan. Former technical director for DMI Pistons. 30 year racing career including 3 APBA Formula V National Championships
Organizations
AMTECH, APBA
Publications Written For
Boat & Motor Dealer, Car Classics, Custom Vans (tech articles), Miami News, powerboat racing column
Awards and Honors
Certified Master Technician Johnson/Evinrude

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