Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: AAJagerX on May 24, 2012, 02:58:36 PM
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I'm wondering if any of you guys on here have experience with the 4.3 Mercruiser. I've found that I've got a small oil leak in mine and am having trouble pinpointing the source (it'd be easier if the whole thing wasn't painted black :rofl). It looks to be on the front side of the motor, and is getting on one of the pulleys (oil spray is apparent on the top of the engine compartment cover... and just about everywhere else). It's not leaking a whole lot, as I had to top off about half a quart after 4-5 hours on the water. Overall the engine runs out great, I just want to identify and fix the leak.
I'm wondering if it could be the crank seal, but I'm not sure. Apparently the timing seal ALMOST never leaks, so I've ruled that out for now. Also, could it be that the crank case vent tube is clogged somewhere, forcing internal pressure to get too high resulting in oil being forced by the seal? I read on another bbs that the vent clog issue happens from time to time but wanted some AHer opinions on this.
I've degreased the engine, run it, and inspected again but still can't see exactly where it's coming from...
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When cool spray pam on the front of the engine... then white paint if you think it would help you to see it. Then rinse off with water.
I believe the spray you seeing is the oil thrown off the pulley.
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I've used the oil dye, it showed me were my boat motor was leaking.
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I've used the oil dye, it showed me were my boat motor was leaking.
Yuppers,quickest and easiest way to trace a leak, oh you'll need a UV light source too
I would also change out the PCV valve,cheap insurance! While you're at it might aswell change "ALL" the filters. If it sat for any length of time you'll be doing yourself a favour by changing out the filters,amazing the things you'll find doing just that!
Do a degrease of the engine before you run the dye,this will make the trace much easier.
:salute
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I had one of those in a 28' Baretta. IMHO, Mercruiser makes great anchors.
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I had one of those in a 28' Baretta. IMHO, Mercruiser makes great anchors.
Have any problems with the gimble in outdrive?
:salute
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I'm wondering if any of you guys on here have experience with the 4.3 Mercruiser. I've found that I've got a small oil leak in mine and am having trouble pinpointing the source (it'd be easier if the whole thing wasn't painted black :rofl). It looks to be on the front side of the motor, and is getting on one of the pulleys (oil spray is apparent on the top of the engine compartment cover... and just about everywhere else). It's not leaking a whole lot, as I had to top off about half a quart after 4-5 hours on the water. Overall the engine runs out great, I just want to identify and fix the leak.
I'm wondering if it could be the crank seal, but I'm not sure. Apparently the timing seal ALMOST never leaks, so I've ruled that out for now. Also, could it be that the crank case vent tube is clogged somewhere, forcing internal pressure to get too high resulting in oil being forced by the seal? I read on another bbs that the vent clog issue happens from time to time but wanted some AHer opinions on this.
I've degreased the engine, run it, and inspected again but still can't see exactly where it's coming from...
Entirely possible that the seal in the timing cover is leaking, and the harmonic balancer has a groove worn in the hub. You'll know that is the case if the back of the balancer is wet, and you'll see evidence of oil being slung from the hub and seal area, it will make "oil tracks".
Yes, the crankcase vent system could be blocked. In fact, the crankcase vent system being blocked will cause the leak you describe.
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Thanks for the replies. From what you all are saying, I think I'm on the right path. Fuel and oil filters are fresh, so that's out of the way. I'll check the crankcase vent to make sure it's clear, degrease the engine again, and see what happens. If I still get leakage, I'll degrease again and use the dye.
I failed to mention this earlier, but the boat sat (winterized) for roughly 2 years before I bought it. If the crankcase vent isn't a problem, I'm wondering if I may have an issue due to a seal drying out. Is that also a possibility?
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I had one of those in a 28' Baretta. IMHO, Mercruiser makes great anchors.
4.3 in a 28 ft boat? Are you sure it wasn't a 5.0 or 5.7?
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Thanks for the replies. From what you all are saying, I think I'm on the right path. Fuel and oil filters are fresh, so that's out of the way. I'll check the crankcase vent to make sure it's clear, degrease the engine again, and see what happens. If I still get leakage, I'll degrease again and use the dye.
I failed to mention this earlier, but the boat sat (winterized) for roughly 2 years before I bought it. If the crankcase vent isn't a problem, I'm wondering if I may have an issue due to a seal drying out. Is that also a possibility?
Yes !
check what Virgil wrote and follow what he said. Seal can and will dry out and this can cause leaks.
:salute
PS: could be a valve cover leak in just a bad spot.clean there first,should be easy to see if thats the problem.
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Yes !
check what Virgil wrote and follow what he said. Seal can and will dry out and this can cause leaks.
:salute
PS: could be a valve cover leak in just a bad spot.clean there first,should be easy to see if thats the problem.
Will do. I really don't want to have to yank the engine to do a crank seal... I guess I'll just have to get used to being upside down for a bit trying to sort this out.
I hope to get the leak squared away quickly so I can start on the cosmetic stuff (vinyl replacement and a good polish). Btw, the boat is a 1990 Maxum 21ft sport cuddy. I made a hell of a trade to get it ($0 out of pocket, just some extra guitar equipment that I probably paid too much for a few years ago). The people I got it from bought it new, and switched to jet skis when their kids moved out. It sat for two seasons in a heated building (right beside a 69 Camaro that he bought brand new) and he wanted one of my guitars and amps (and space in the building) to unload it.
Anyway, this is the boat. I love the looks and layout of it. She's gonna be sweet when I'm all done.
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/maxum1.jpg)
On the lake last Sunday
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/wake1.jpg)
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I've used the oil dye, it showed me were my boat motor was leaking.
this
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i don't see "money pit" on the hull yet. :neener:
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4.3 in a 28 ft boat? Are you sure it wasn't a 5.0 or 5.7?
Yep. It was a POS and constantly in the shop. The routine was go to the lake, go to the boat shop, empty wallet, repeat. I sold it after 2 years and it was the best day I had while I owned it.
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:rofl thats the first thing I thought of Cap. Ah dont worry boats are fun I have a "money pit" too in need of a starter.
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:rofl thats the first thing I thought of Cap. Ah dont worry boats are fun I have a "money pit" too in need of a starter.
i'm just messin with him. we all have some sort of money pit. it's just easier to pick on the ones on the water. :devil
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i don't see "money pit" on the hull yet. :neener:
LMAO! I know... I'm trying to think of a clever WW2 Fighter themed name though. Money pit is a bit too obvious. :D
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Yep. It was a POS and constantly in the shop. The routine was go to the lake, go to the boat shop, empty wallet, repeat. I sold it after 2 years and it was the best day I had while I owned it.
Wow... 200hp in a 28 footer is way underpowered. No wonder it had so many issues. That's like strapping a chihuahua to a dog sled.
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:rofl :rofl well here lately I have called mine about everything in the book EXCEPT a boat, until I atleast got it to drive up the river
:old: paddling a big boat SUCKS if your starter isnt quick to turn it over, DO NOT GO OUT you will be dissappointed
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LMAO! I know... I'm trying to think of a clever WW2 Fighter themed name though. Money pit is a bit too obvious. :D
i can't think of a fighter theme....but with the right paint, and accessories, pt109 may work?
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:rofl :rofl well here lately I have called mine about everything in the book EXCEPT a boat, until I atleast got it to drive up the river
:old: paddling a big boat SUCKS if your starter isnt quick to turn it over, DO NOT GO OUT you will be dissappointed
Lol, I've done the paddle home routine before with my last boat... My arms still hurt!
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i can't think of a fighter theme....but with the right paint, and accessories, pt109 may work?
New gelcoat in pt109 grey? Yikes!
Maybe I'll just go with something like money pit...
EDIT: Just thought of this one... "Water Landing" That's going in the possible list. :rofl
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Wow... 200hp in a 28 footer is way underpowered. No wonder it had so many issues. That's like strapping a chihuahua to a dog sled.
It really had trouble pulling skiers out of the water, but somehow it was excellent at pulling money out of my wallet.
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New gelcoat in pt109 grey? Yikes!
Maybe I'll just go with something like money pit...
EDIT: Just thought of this one... "Water Landing" That's going in the possible list. :rofl
Wallet Flush!
:salute
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"Flyin' Low"
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Break
Out
Another
Thousand
:bhead :bhead :bhead
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The 454 in the VIP Vindicator (24') would suck gas if you ran at 75 mph. It was 390 hp FI through a bravo 1. Liked the silent choice on it.
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The two happiest days in a boat owners life:
1. When he buys his boat.
2. When he sells his boat.
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The two happiest days in a boat owners life:
1. When he buys his boat.
2. When he sells his boat.
Lol, I can see how there would be some accuracy to that for some folks.
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The 454 in the VIP Vindicator (24') would suck gas if you ran at 75 mph. It was 390 hp FI through a bravo 1. Liked the silent choice on it.
Yeah, I love VIP and Baja boats. Maybe in a couple more years I'll be in a position to get something like that.
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"Flyin' Low"
Possibly with a pic of Snoopy on his doghouse plane... Hmmm... We may be on to something here...
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Possibly with a pic of Snoopy on his doghouse plane... Hmmm... We may be on to something here...
Snoopy better be kicking up a roostertail like that painting of the B-1 flying low over the lake :)
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Snoopy better be kicking up a roostertail like that painting of the B-1 flying low over the lake :)
LMAO!!! That's EXACTLY what I was thinking!
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I was thinking about something similar to this. I'll let a graphics expert figure out the details, as I'm not very good with the artsy stuff.
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/snoopyboat-1.jpg)
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AAJagerX nice boat good luck on getting her all back in tip top shape, boats are only money pits if you buy lower end boats or ones that you don't keep up, i have a 1992 MasterCraft Prostar mid engine 325Hp 351 Ford in a 1,900lb Boat i keep it in flawless condition and always take care of it, the boats 20 years old and still has a mirror reflection in the gelcoat, AAJager i suggest doing a wetsand of your hull with 200 grit at first to remove the oxidation and small scratches then finish with at least 600 to 1000 grit, then use some buffing compound followed by a few good coats of wax to seal the shine in, MasterCrafts gelcoat colors go the thickness of the hull, i don't know if your manufacture does so be careful when wetsanding as to not wetsand through the color, Here's some pics of my Girl
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s35/68zoom/mastercraft2.jpg)
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s35/68zoom/mastercraft1.jpg)
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man that wetsanding sucks, I have about 1/4 of my boat sanded with 220 and have countless hours. Was just reading this morning on a boat forum that they dont agree with wet sanding they rather dry sanding with a da. I think I will stick to my wet sanding though. BTW thats a sharp looking boat. I have redone all trim inside with pine, couldnt afford oak but I did seal everything on the pieces including the screw holes, the wifey is going to redo all the seats also eventually but for now I am just trying to get it on the water and reliable. You are correct low end boats are expensive to get seaworthy, as mine didnt even have the right shift cables in it, a lot of the wiring was cobbed and so on.
(http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx199/homersipes/150.jpg)
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Seriously, 320 or 400 is plenty aggressive enough to just remove oxidation. Especially if you do not know for sure what has been used before. Coarse, aggressive sandpaper merely makes much bigger deeper scratches that you must sand or buff out later, and removes a lot of paint, leaving you less to work with. Unless it is horribly oxidized, 600 grit wet will remove any oxidation you could run into. Usually you could remove any oxidation with just an aggressive compound like Meguiar's heavy duty, and not even use sand paper.
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oops yeah I meant 320 :D I have tried everything on this thing, the only thing that works is elbow grease and sandpaper. I have tried several rubbing compounds and to no avail, all it does is make the grey shinier.
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oops yeah I meant 320 :D I have tried everything on this thing, the only thing that works is elbow grease and sandpaper. I have tried several rubbing compounds and to no avail, all it does is make the grey shinier.
If you use paper be careful not to cut through the gelcoat! I agree with Virgil,most cases an aggressive compound is all you need but a dual action buffer isnt the tool to use. an angle grinder with a buffing head will cut though almost any oxidation.
I would reduce the compound with some water to help stop it drying out on you and burning the gelcoat. If you can get a helper,this is best,the helper can apply the compound while you buff. The biggest problem you have is the compound drying out and then it gets to hot and burns.
2 guys working together can get a 24 footer done in about 3 to 5 hours depending on how bad it is and how good you are. I've done a couple boats but mostly worked on cars,same principle just need to be more careful with cars.
After you go over the boat with the aggressive compound,use a polishing compound to remove any swirls or marks then finish with a high quality wax,failing to wax will only cause the boat to reoxidate at a faster rate.
Any good quality auto compound will work,get a 2 quart bottle,you'll use most of it!
YMMV.
:salute
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Claybar works nicely too.
Every boat I've seen had the color as base. The gel coat is like the clearcoat on autos.
If you beach your boat much then you have to reapply gelcoat to the bottom where it runs onto sand.
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AAJagerX nice boat good luck on getting her all back in tip top shape, boats are only money pits if you buy lower end boats or ones that you don't keep up, i have a 1992 MasterCraft Prostar mid engine 325Hp 351 Ford in a 1,900lb Boat i keep it in flawless condition and always take care of it, the boats 20 years old and still has a mirror reflection in the gelcoat, AAJager i suggest doing a wetsand of your hull with 200 grit at first to remove the oxidation and small scratches then finish with at least 600 to 1000 grit, then use some buffing compound followed by a few good coats of wax to seal the shine in, MasterCrafts gelcoat colors go the thickness of the hull, i don't know if your manufacture does so be careful when wetsanding as to not wetsand through the color, Here's some pics of my Girl
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s35/68zoom/mastercraft2.jpg)
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s35/68zoom/mastercraft1.jpg)
WOW! That's a beaut! The oxidation on mine is definately there, but it isn't horrible, so I think that I'm going to start with an aggressive buffing compound. I'll keep a spray bottle handy to keep water on it as it gets thick. Obviously a good wax after that.
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Update... The oil leak issue isn't an issue anymore. It decided to resolve itself for the time being. I ran it over memorial day weekend, with very little to no oil loss. I'm wondering if retightening the oil filter and blowing out the crankcase vents did the trick.
She really ran like a champ. Planes out well, handles well, etc... I'll take it. :aok
That issue not being such a worry now, I decided to start on the gelcoat.
Starting with buffing compound and elbow grease.
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/boatpolish1.jpg)
After about 4 hours of buffing.
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/boatpolish2.jpg)
After a wash and coat of wax. (I'll get the lower hull done this weekend)
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/boatpolish3.jpg)
Now, after much deliberation, the boat name is settled. She's going to be named "Rott'n Rudder", after my Rottweiler "Tira" that I lost to cancer this year. Everyone used to call Tira "Ra" (sounded like Ruh). I took it a step further and called her Rudder (initially in reference to an aircraft rudder) most of her life. I think it's a great boat name, and a great way to remember Tira.
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:rofl great name
She's looking good.
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Its possible that a plugged PCV could have caused oil to seep out of the front main (internal pressures). The oil could have seeped out the forward intake seal as well (above the crank).
Mine never leaked, but I upgraded to a 350 CID in my Four Winns 170 Horizon (had the room for 2 more cylinders). Now she really flies! I call mine "waterfront property"..... the best truck accessory I've ever owned!
Enjoy the summer!
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Ordering a starter for mine from psep.biz tonight 69.99 and 7.95 shipping vs the marina 256.78. now its supposed to rain all week. Hopefully its easier to do an oilchange on yours than mine :neener: I dont have the suction tube so while starter is out did it. 1 qt drained at a time. with the starter in :headscratch: :headscratch: I dont see how you would use the drain plug for oil change. looking good Jager :cheers:
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Ordering a starter for mine from psep.biz tonight 69.99 and 7.95 shipping vs the marina 256.78. now its supposed to rain all week. Hopefully its easier to do an oilchange on yours than mine :neener: I dont have the suction tube so while starter is out did it. 1 qt drained at a time. with the starter in :headscratch: :headscratch: I dont see how you would use the drain plug for oil change. looking good Jager :cheers:
The previous owner used the drain plug.... Once. It took them hours to sop up all the oil in the engine compartment after. I've got fresh oil in it now, and that'll probably last me until I need to winterize it in the fall. I'm not sure yet whether I'll buy the pump and do it myself or just have it done at a shop.
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yeah I think when its due for oil changes I am going to take the starter out, much easier and the starter is only 2 bolts and 3 nuts, takes about 5 mins to take it out and about that to install it. The previous owner of mine also drained it into the bottom and he said"NEVER DO THAT" :lol
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i don't know what type of engines you guys have but on my MasterCraft theres a 3ft Oil drain line that's attached at the drain plug on the Oil Pan (351 Cleveland), the hose is long enough to go out through the drain plug in the Hull i just push the hose out the drain plug hole and drain the oil from the outside under the hull, you should be able to find the oil draining kit at most auto parts stores, it saves a heck of alot of time and makes no mess at all.
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hmmmmm now that you said that I have seen petnoodles that can accept a hose just cant remember where. will have to see if I can find it. Thanks for the idea.
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If you're draining oil out of a narrow line from a drain plug valve or sucking it out through the dipstick, remember that having the oil warm will reduce your drain/pumping time by a considerable margin.
If you use these two methods in the winter, you might to bring out a tent and sleeping bag.
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i don't know what type of engines you guys have but on my MasterCraft theres a 3ft Oil drain line that's attached at the drain plug on the Oil Pan (351 Cleveland), the hose is long enough to go out through the drain plug in the Hull i just push the hose out the drain plug hole and drain the oil from the outside under the hull, you should be able to find the oil draining kit at most auto parts stores, it saves a heck of alot of time and makes no mess at all.
Yep. There's a kit that you can buy for just about any engine that will drain out through the bilge drain.
If you're draining oil out of a narrow line from a drain plug valve or sucking it out through the dipstick, remember that having the oil warm will reduce your drain/pumping time by a considerable margin.
If you use these two methods in the winter, you might to bring out a tent and sleeping bag.
QFT
Spent most of the day yesterday working on the gelcoat again... Buffed for hours, then 3 coats of wax to seal things up. I'm pretty damn happy with the result.
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/IMG428.jpg)
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/IMG429.jpg)
Still need to get new registration number stickers, but hot damn! Shiny!
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/IMG434.jpg)
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Dang, with that shine, and all those coats of wax, if you just push her away from the dock, shes gonna be 30ft from ya :lol
Lookin good Jager!! :aok
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WOW!!!! :cheers: :cheers:looks DANG good! Wish mine would shine like that, but the previous 2 owners way neglected it. someday it will lol. The only thing I have found to work is 320 sandpaper, and lots of elbow grease.
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Dang, with that shine, and all those coats of wax, if you just push her away from the dock, shes gonna be 30ft from ya :lol
Lookin good Jager!! :aok
:rofl Made me think of the scene from "Christmas Vacation" where they coat the bottom of the sled with that spray lube...
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WOW!!!! :cheers: :cheers:looks DANG good! Wish mine would shine like that, but the previous 2 owners way neglected it. someday it will lol. The only thing I have found to work is 320 sandpaper, and lots of elbow grease.
Are you hand sanding, or using an electric sander?
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Yep. There's a kit that you can buy for just about any engine that will drain out through the bilge drain.
QFT
Spent most of the day yesterday working on the gelcoat again... Buffed for hours, then 3 coats of wax to seal things up. I'm pretty damn happy with the result.
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/IMG428.jpg)
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/IMG429.jpg)
Still need to get new registration number stickers, but hot damn! Shiny!
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jager515/IMG434.jpg)
looking real good, i worked on mine till i could see my reflection in it from 5ft away, then i power buffed and put on 3 coats of wax and two years later it still has a mirror shine to it.
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hand sanding, I tried a palm sander but that dont even touch it. was thinking earlier about an disc sander to go in a drill. used my dremel on a small spot with sand paper and it work beautifully, but could do it faster by hand.
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hand sanding, I tried a palm sander but that dont even touch it. was thinking earlier about an disc sander to go in a drill. used my dremel on a small spot with sand paper and it work beautifully, but could do it faster by hand.
I wonder if Maguire's heavy duty and an orbital buffer would do the trick... That stuff seems to cut through most anything.
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Yeah zoom, I'm hoping for the same result with mine. Labor intensive, but sooo worth it!
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Yeah zoom, I'm hoping for the same result with mine. Labor intensive, but sooo worth it!
You said it! Looks real nice! If your real anal you can polish up all that chrome! That's were a dremel comes in handy,I have a cheapy cordless unit that with the right attachments and jeweler's rouge will let you see your face in the screw heads... :devil
Last boat I worked on was a 28ft searay,only took us 3 days but I used 3 different compounds and we put 3 or 4 coats of wax. Well it wasnt really a wax but a polymer coating that they use on "new cars". Oh and I didnt do his chrome work either. I have polished a couple of sailboat jewelery though.
:salute
PS: Jagar,you missed a spot! :devil
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You said it! Looks real nice! If your real anal you can polish up all that chrome! That's were a dremel comes in handy,I have a cheapy cordless unit that with the right attachments and jeweler's rouge will let you see your face in the screw heads... :devil
Last boat I worked on was a 28ft searay,only took us 3 days but I used 3 different compounds and we put 3 or 4 coats of wax. Well it wasnt really a wax but a polymer coating that they use on "new cars". Oh and I didnt do his chrome work either. I have polished a couple of sailboat jewelery though.
:salute
PS: Jagar,you missed a spot! :devil
I work at a dealership, so tomorrow I'm heading back to the detail dept. to pilfer some items... :devil After that I'm going to replenish my supply of Mother's polish for all the chrome. I've got a dremel with a 2 gazillion piece kit that I've been looking to find a use for.... I guess I'll be busy for a while longer. :D