Search found 118 matches

by pcrussell50
Tue Jul 04, 2023 3:18 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Buying a Vintage 18 to 22-footer with Four-stroke-power-cycle-engine
Replies: 3
Views: 2484

Re: Buying a Vintage 18 to 22-footer with Four-stroke-power-cycle-engine

You may be in a dead zone with your wish for a low hour four-stroke-power-cycle engine in that age range. I have a collection of boats and motors, well five boats, two of which are Boston Whaler boats, and both two-stroke and four stroke motors, and I can tell you this, My two-stroke-power-cycle eng...
by pcrussell50
Tue Jul 04, 2023 1:17 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)
Replies: 30
Views: 27057

Re: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)

I think the carburetors on the Yamaha powerhead are made by Mikuni. That would be a reasonable guess. But they are not. They are made by Keihin. Both on the Mercury 90 FourStroke and its twin, the Yamaha F100. Other interesting bits: ⋅ I buy parts for this motor from Yamaha sources becaus...
by pcrussell50
Mon Jul 03, 2023 1:42 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)
Replies: 30
Views: 27057

Re: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)

Good morning Jim. Q1: were the tapped holes for connecting those tubes already there? Affirmative. The tapped holes were already there. In fact, both Yamaha and Mercury include the discussion on balancing in their respective factory manuals. Of course as usual, the factory tool they refer to is expe...
by pcrussell50
Sun Jul 02, 2023 5:38 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Predicting Future Value After Re-power to More than Maximum Power
Replies: 9
Views: 2645

Re: Predicting Future Value After Re-power to More than Maximum Power

I always like to weigh the “hassle factor.” For me, if I can straddle the tongue and hoist it onto the hitch, that reduces the hassle factor in a spontaneous, go/no-go decision to go boating. Our 1998 Alert 17 (special service Montauk) is about the limit. We don't lust after anything bigger.

-Peter
by pcrussell50
Sun Jul 02, 2023 4:45 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1990 Montauk 17 Re-power Yamaha F90LB
Replies: 7
Views: 3535

Re: 1990 Montauk 17 Re-power Yamaha F90LB

After a little reading, I have seen it asserted that when moving from two to four stroke at the same power, a slightly larger prop may be called for because power typically occurs at somewhat lower RPM. Wrong. Typically a naturally-aspirated four-stroke-power-cycle outboard engine only develops its...
by pcrussell50
Sun Jul 02, 2023 3:45 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)
Replies: 30
Views: 27057

Re: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)

Perhaps you could explain exactly what element or elements of the carburetor are adjusted to achieve the “balance” that is to be indicated on the test gizmo. I think the test gizmo measure vacuum or negative pressure in the region of the carburetor venturi areas. Here is a youTube short of my engin...
by pcrussell50
Sun Jul 02, 2023 3:25 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2000 Mercury FourStroke 90 Voltage Regulator
Replies: 12
Views: 2948

Re: 2000 Mercury FourStroke 90 Voltage Regulator

I was not familiar with the term Pommie …. A POME is a "Prisoner of Mother England". That is a term Australians use to refer to Brits who lack the drive for liberty and sense of adventure, to leave Great Britain. I am an American citizen now, married to an American with two little America...
by pcrussell50
Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:27 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2000 Mercury FourStroke 90 Voltage Regulator
Replies: 12
Views: 2948

Re: 2000 Mercury FourStroke 90 Voltage Regulator

[My Mercury engine] has been working a treat….[A used elecrical part] is installed and working a treat. Buying used electrical parts is often a roll of the dice, to use an American phrase (meaning an uncertain outcome). In contrast, your twice-used phrase “working a treat” sounds very British. That...
by pcrussell50
Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:33 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)
Replies: 30
Views: 27057

Re: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)

And the boring saga of continued reliable operation continues. Started right up after nine months of non-use, and settled into a nice purring idle. I tested out a carburetor balancing tool called the Carbtune Pro. It worked a treat even though the carburetors were pretty well in balance as it was. I...
by pcrussell50
Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:26 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2000 Mercury FourStroke 90 Voltage Regulator
Replies: 12
Views: 2948

Re: 2000 Mercury FourStroke 90 Voltage Regulator

I am surprised that CDI does not have a replacement part for a c.2000 Mercury engine voltage regulator. Good point. So I just checked. And surprisingly, CDI does not. I bought an immaculate used [voltage regulator for my c.2000 Mercury engine] from an auction websit. It is installed and working a t...
by pcrussell50
Sun May 29, 2022 3:25 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2000 Mercury FourStroke 90 Voltage Regulator
Replies: 12
Views: 2948

Re: 2000 Mercury FourStroke 90 Voltage Regulator

Thanks guys. The Yamaha part will fit. As with the Yamaha carburetor parts, the regulator is part of the engine, not the rigging. It was a good idea Jim, to check with CDI. But alas, they only have parts for Yamaha engine older than my my 2000 four-stroke-power-cycle version. I’ll be stuck with fact...
by pcrussell50
Sat May 28, 2022 9:20 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2000 Mercury FourStroke 90 Voltage Regulator
Replies: 12
Views: 2948

2000 Mercury FourStroke 90 Voltage Regulator

A Mercury OEM replacement voltage regulator for a 2000 Mercury 90 FOURSTROKE engine is listed as "unavailable" at parts websites. The same part is widely available from Yamaha at $275. Aftermarket voltage regulators are about $75. Among aftermarket brands of voltage regulators for a 2000 M...
by pcrussell50
Sat May 28, 2022 8:52 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1985 Yamaha 40 Replacement Key for Ignition Key Switch
Replies: 8
Views: 2763

Re: 1985 Yamaha 40 Replacement Key for Ignition Key Switch

I should add here that for my end of the situation, I found my key. So for now, case closed.

-Peter
by pcrussell50
Sun Jul 25, 2021 6:47 pm
Forum: Introduction to the Forum Software
Topic: Can this phpBB resize photos during upload?
Replies: 4
Views: 7427

Re: Can this phpBB resize photos during upload?

jimh wrote:No. The file upload function does not perform any resizing of image files.


Any idea why 900 x 675 doesn't work? Your guideline post says maximum size is 900 x 900.

-Peter
by pcrussell50
Fri Jul 23, 2021 1:32 pm
Forum: Introduction to the Forum Software
Topic: Can this phpBB resize photos during upload?
Replies: 4
Views: 7427

Can this phpBB resize photos during upload?

Tried to post a great picture of great times Whalering. Got the dreaded "file too large" admonition. Yes, I read the post about how 900 x 900 is big enough. And I don't disagree. But having to resize images on the poster end is... cumbersome... and discourages participation. One of the oth...
by pcrussell50
Tue Jun 15, 2021 11:22 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)
Replies: 30
Views: 27057

Re: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)

I hate to sound like a broken record, but yet again, de-winterized (such as the winters are in the South West), and she fired right up. Had a nice day motoring around the lake, stop, start, run smooth, repeat. Again, this carbureted Mercury 90hp FourStroke might as well be the fuel injected version ...
by pcrussell50
Fri Aug 14, 2020 12:20 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)
Replies: 30
Views: 27057

Re: Life with my carbureted Mercury/Yamaha FourStroke (continued)

As summer draws to a close, another 15 hours or so on the carburetor 2000 Mercury 90 FourStroke. It continues to behave as if it were fuel injected. Starts quickly and easily without a choke. Runs smoothly and smoke free or so little it's hard to notice, sips fuel in comparison to my two stroke-cycl...
by pcrussell50
Fri Aug 14, 2020 12:10 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Running Fuel Tank Dry
Replies: 4
Views: 2042

Running Fuel Tank Dry

Now in my 11th year in boating and nearly as long here at CW, but I am still learning things. One of my boats has two fuel tanks. We want to embark on a range test where we get everything we can out of one of the tanks before we switch to the other. Is leaning out the engine as the first tank goes e...
by pcrussell50
Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:44 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: OUTRAGE 18 E-TEC 150
Replies: 3
Views: 3503

Re: OUTRAGE 18 E-TEC 150

My previous engine was a 1996 Johnson 130. That was a great engine but terrible on gasoline. I bought a new OEM fuel [pump] for the 130 at a cost of $450. I sold the engine for $600. OEM part sales is a profitable business. You sold a 1996 Johnson 130 with a new fuel pump and nothing else wrong wit...
by pcrussell50
Fri Aug 07, 2020 12:42 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Electrical Loads from Ignition Switch
Replies: 1
Views: 4673

Electrical Loads from Ignition Switch

I was under the dashboard of a boat today solving a electrical wiring problem that was "installed" by my otherwise superb mechanic. (It's not germane to my question but if you are curious, the fuel gauge would work when you turned on the Perko master power switch, but would drive back to z...
by pcrussell50
Fri Jul 24, 2020 10:52 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Dual battery setup using different batteries
Replies: 4
Views: 5724

Re: Dual battery setup using different batteries

Thanks guys. Fantastic info, Jim. Looks like I can use my existing ACR too and won’t need to buy a new one.

-Peter
by pcrussell50
Fri Jul 24, 2020 1:46 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Dual battery setup using different batteries
Replies: 4
Views: 5724

Dual battery setup using different batteries

I have a boat that uses one battery. As that battery ages but is still serviceable, I would like to transfer it to my 1999 Alert 17 (Special Service classic smirked Montauk), as a second battery. It has had two batteries before, has a Perko OFF-1-BOTH-2 battery selector switch, and a simple old “bat...
by pcrussell50
Tue Jul 07, 2020 7:08 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Fuel Additives
Replies: 6
Views: 2761

Re: Fuel Additives

I use ethanol fuel. No choice. I drain my carbs and tanks at the end of every season, stabilize the fuel I catch, then use it little by little the following season by mixing it in with fresh gas. I did hear/read somewhere that ethanol in the fuel, notwithstanding the bad things we know about it, is ...
by pcrussell50
Tue Jun 16, 2020 11:54 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Fuel Additives
Replies: 6
Views: 2761

Fuel Additives

Fuel additives are a time honored subject, and there are probably as many opinions are there are people. What additives are you putting in your fuel--if any? My latest additive cocktail, recommended by my now deceased mechanic (who died in a boat racing accident in Fall 2017), is ordinary Chevron Te...
by pcrussell50
Mon Jun 15, 2020 1:34 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1985 Yamaha 40 Replacement Key for Ignition Key Switch
Replies: 8
Views: 2763

Re: 1985 Yamaha 40 Replacement Key for Ignition Key Switch

biggiefl wrote:It might be cheaper to buy a new aftermarket switch and key.


Maybe. But it’s in the remote, so I’d have to disassemble. Then again if I don’t find this key I’ll have to disassemble anyway to find the three letter code.

-Peter
by pcrussell50
Fri Jun 12, 2020 10:40 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1985 Yamaha 40 Replacement Key for Ignition Key Switch
Replies: 8
Views: 2763

1985 Yamaha 40 Replacement Key for Ignition Key Switch

[How can I get a replacement key for the ignition key switch on a 1985 Yamaha 40-HP remote control?] Backstory: For some reason I took the key out of the ignition key switch on the remote control for a 1985 Yamaha 40-HP, which I usually don’t do. I didn’t use the boat for nine months, and now I don’...
by pcrussell50
Fri Jun 12, 2020 5:56 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Outboard Engine Service Manual Lack Rigging Information
Replies: 2
Views: 1557

Outboard Engine Service Manual Lack Rigging Information

One of the first things I learned when I became a boater in the middle of 2008 was that the actual factory service manual for outboards was preferable to the Clymer or Seloc manuals. Yet ever since then, the one thing I have not found in either Mercury or Evinrude OMC manuals, or the online parts ca...
by pcrussell50
Wed Jun 03, 2020 9:57 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC
Replies: 58
Views: 23636

Re: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC

As you said. It’s been talked about. And planned. There are no requirements yet for catalytic converters on outboards because no bureaucrats in charge have had the courage to sign a death warrant on human lives. Someday one will.

-Peter
by pcrussell50
Tue Jun 02, 2020 9:19 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC
Replies: 58
Views: 23636

Re: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC

Ultimately the way to take outboard emissions to the next level will be through the addition of weight, cost, bulk, and complexity. Regulators couldn’t care a whiff about weight, cost, and bulk, but adding complexity has dire consequences in marine applications where continuation of propulsion and a...
by pcrussell50
Tue Jun 02, 2020 12:26 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC
Replies: 58
Views: 23636

Re: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC

biggiefl wrote:I do my best not to be outraged about European headlight laws.


It’s not just headlights, mate. Not. Even. Close.

It’s not even merely what the guy/Don above me posted. Although he is exactly right.

-Peter
by pcrussell50
Tue Jun 02, 2020 11:37 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC
Replies: 58
Views: 23636

Re: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC

This. ^^^ And for some reason it’s mostly USA/North America with the “our way or the highway“ mindset that is intolerant of the slightest differences in regulatory standards. Even ones that are higher. EuroDOT headlights have much more stringent standards than USA DOT due to the higher speeds on Eur...
by pcrussell50
Mon Jun 01, 2020 3:21 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Setting wide open throttle timing: Mercury v. Evinrude
Replies: 3
Views: 2116

Re: Setting wide open throttle timing: Mercury v. Evinrude

Unless you rebuilt the engine, there is no need to check or adjust the timing, especially on conventional two-stroke engines. On my Mercury, when I changed the stator and timer base, I had to unscrew the linkage to the timer base. You also have to do this if you are going to remove and adjust the t...
by pcrussell50
Mon Jun 01, 2020 12:49 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Setting wide open throttle timing: Mercury v. Evinrude
Replies: 3
Views: 2116

Setting wide open throttle timing: Mercury v. Evinrude

I started in boating 12 years ago now with carbureted, two-stroke-cycle Evinrudes, whose manuals specify running the motors at full throttle with a timing light and adjusting the timing linkage to read the specified timing advance. Dangerous and cumbersome. Later, back in about 2015 I got my first M...
by pcrussell50
Mon Jun 01, 2020 11:07 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC
Replies: 58
Views: 23636

Re: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC

I love Larry :)

What is his user name here in the new forum? I'd love to use the search function on his user name and catch up on his posts.

-Peter
by pcrussell50
Sun May 31, 2020 1:59 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC
Replies: 58
Views: 23636

Re: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC

According to enlightened thinkers, all two-stroke-power-cycle engines have been suspect and prone to catastrophic failure since the day a four-stroke-power-cycle engine was produced by the engine manufacturer that those thinkers think is the greatest of all time, and insert your favorite brand ther...
by pcrussell50
Sun May 31, 2020 10:51 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC
Replies: 58
Views: 23636

Re: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC

There are many other forums discussing this topic, and I came across a very optimistic comment: in the future BRP would resume production of outboard engines under the JOHNSON brand, avoiding the stigma and tarnish of the EVINRUDE brand being associated with two-stroke-power-cycle engine manufactur...
by pcrussell50
Sat May 30, 2020 4:20 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC
Replies: 58
Views: 23636

Re: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC

Very insightful and informative post, Jim. I disagree with none of it. Regarding engine weight, it is no longer a concern with new boats. New boats are all designed for heavy engines. Because the new boats are also heavier. I have trouble understanding how more weight in the same sized package adds ...
by pcrussell50
Sat May 30, 2020 2:13 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC
Replies: 58
Views: 23636

Re: BRP Ending Production of Evinrude E-TEC

Four contributing factors to ending E-TEC production: ⋅ COVID is an excuse, not a cause ⋅ Prior to G2 the E-TEC two-stroke technology was superb, light, clean, fuel efficient ⋅ BRP marketing failed to get that message across in the onslaught of four-stroke technology &s...
by pcrussell50
Wed May 27, 2020 11:49 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Cleaning Boat Carpet
Replies: 3
Views: 2052

Re: Cleaning Boat Carpet

I occasionally wash my hair while swimming in Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan has a volume of 400,000,000,000-gallons of water. Another boater chastised me for adding suds from my hair shampoo to the lake water. Even without the nearly infinite dilution, I would not be too sure that a little shampoo w...
by pcrussell50
Wed May 27, 2020 11:39 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)
Replies: 30
Views: 27057

Re: Life with my carbureted Mercury/Yamaha FourStroke (continued)

Just put the drain screws back in, filled with fresh gas, and the engine fired right up again. I didn't take her out today, but got her pretty close to ready for use. This time, I decided to take the lower clamshell off of the midsection. The "tray" comes off with it. And this action makes...
by pcrussell50
Sat May 23, 2020 1:08 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Cleaning Boat Carpet
Replies: 3
Views: 2052

Cleaning Boat Carpet

While I have two Boston Whaler boats, a SPORT 13 and an ALERT 17, I have another boat: an 18 foot open boat with no cabin and with the ubiquitous gray marine carpet. The carpet is only four season old, but it's never been cleaned and starting to look a little grungy. But I'm still new enough to boat...
by pcrussell50
Thu Aug 22, 2019 10:36 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Mercury-Yamaha 90 FOURSTROKE: Testing Tachometer Signal
Replies: 4
Views: 7507

Re: Mercury-Yamaha 90 FOURSTROKE: Testing Tachometer Signal

I wondered about that but it’s hard to say, because at the end of each day, I put the boat battery on a maintainer so it’s always charged at the beginning of a day anyway. I suppose I can watch the volt meter. If it gets up to the mid-upper 13V range while cruising at say 4000+rpm, can I assume it’s...
by pcrussell50
Wed Aug 21, 2019 7:13 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Mercury-Yamaha 90 FOURSTROKE: Testing Tachometer Signal
Replies: 4
Views: 7507

Mercury-Yamaha 90 FOURSTROKE: Testing Tachometer Signal

On a 2000 Mercury 90-HP FourStroke with Yamaha powerhead: The tachometer is dead—no reading at all—nothing at all. During the last couple years, the tachometer would spring to life for a few seconds before dying. Now it doesn't even do that. The gray wire is properly and securely attached at the bac...
by pcrussell50
Mon Aug 12, 2019 9:52 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Stator Autopsy on 1987 Mercury
Replies: 2
Views: 6929

Stator Autopsy on 1987 Mercury

On a 1987 Mercury 2.0-liter150-HP: In another thread I complained about a miss fire at idle, but the engine ran very nicely at medium and high RPM without a miss. It was suggested that the first culprit to look at might be the stator, so I got a new Mercury Quicksilver stator. Upon examination of my...
by pcrussell50
Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:33 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Life with my Carburetor Mercury-Yamaha FourStroke (continued)
Replies: 30
Views: 27057

Re: Life with my carbureted Mercury/Yamaha FourStroke (continued)

After another two year hiatus, stored with the fuel tank and carburetors drained and the drain screws loose, I filled the tank with fresh gas, (and my additive cocktail), closed the carburetor drain screws, pumped the bulb firm and she started almost as if she had been used yesterday. Then I took he...
by pcrussell50
Tue Aug 06, 2019 6:55 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: c.1980 Mercury Stator Wires Are Like Rubber Noodles
Replies: 7
Views: 10052

Re: c.1980 Mercury Stator Wires Are Like Rubber Noodles

The spark plug wires are not exhibiting signs of decay. Some of the other ignition system wires, specifically some of the motor ones associated with the stator and timer base/trigger can turn rubbery.

-Peter
by pcrussell50
Tue Aug 06, 2019 1:07 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Mercury Stators: OEM v. CDI
Replies: 3
Views: 8238

Mercury Stators: OEM v. CDI

I noticed that the original Mercury stators are coated in black plastic, and the stators sold by CDI are not. Any thoughts on the advantage of one versus the other? The outboard engine in question is used in fresh water only, but used in hot desert conditions, more than 100-degrees-F ambient. -Peter
by pcrussell50
Mon Aug 05, 2019 9:48 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: c.1980 Mercury Stator Wires Are Like Rubber Noodles
Replies: 7
Views: 10052

Re: 1987 Mercury 150 Stator Wires Are Like Rubber Noodles

There is widespread evidence that the “rubberizing” of outboard ignition system wires is not in any way limited to 1987 Mercury 150’s.

Food for thought.

-Peter
by pcrussell50
Sun Aug 04, 2019 1:28 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: c.1980 Mercury Stator Wires Are Like Rubber Noodles
Replies: 7
Views: 10052

Re: Cause of “rubbery noodle” stator wires?

Good to know, thanks.

The engineer in me would like to understand the physical process at play, but what you have given is a start.

I have since learned that the timer base is susceptible as well.

-Peter
by pcrussell50
Sat Aug 03, 2019 11:06 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Old (renewed) member coming back, I hope
Replies: 5
Views: 8931

Re: Old (renewed) member coming back, I hope

“Tohsgib” ;)

Been slow here since “the change”. Didn’t you get a Donzi mini back then?

-Peter