Recent content by LiquidWrench

Any mercruiser dealer should have them or be able to get them. I had to replace a couple on a boat I used to have. I seem to remember them only being a couple bucks

My bad part was I had to redo it on two engines. Twice the fun. Going on 3 years now on the sierra bellows and they still look new. My boat is dry rack stored and I will have them put it on a wash rack before I go out so I can give the bellows a good checkover (amazing how fast water comes in...

Do yourself a favor and use only the quicksilver or sierra bellows. Do NOT buy one of the kits off eBay. I was cheap and did that right after I got my 260 and guess what, a year later the shift cable bellows was in shreds and the driveshaft bellows had a couple small tears in it. Its not a fun...

The amp meters was actually a change that mercruiser did. They found there was enough resistance in the length of the wires that they changed over to a volt meter. I would suggest doing that change. Just need a small wire from the ignition switch to the gauge and then to ground. Pretty easy to...

My 260 has twin 470s but they both have functioning charging systems. The hull is the same except for the length. On the port engine there at least on mine would be room for the upper mounted. The starboard engine I would have to use the lower mount as that engine has the power steering. In...

You will be looking for the merceuiser factory repair manuals. I forget which ones you need but there are a couple websites that you can view them on or look on eBay. Unless your drive has been changed you will have the #1 outdrive.

Probably the lower shift cable sticking causing the interupter switch to kick in. Pretty common problem. Need to pull the drive and bell housing to replace it. Good time to replace the bellows while your in there.

My steering cable is siezed solid. Got it pulled out today and it's a ride guide 16.5' cable. Does anyone know a source for a cable or am I doomed to replace the whole steering system? I want to get this boat seaworthy again so it can find a new owner that will have the time to use it.

Ive contacted them about some parts I needed. They told me they had them and would send pictures. Never heard a thing back from them nor will they return my calls.

On my 72 240 pre alpha drive I have a 16x15 3 blade prop. Been on there for years with no problems. As far as i know the clearances should be about the same for the alpha gen 1.

Very good article and something everyone should read and learn

Just got my engines running again and surprise surprise my steering cable is siezed up. Would anyone happen to know the length of cable I need to order? I've tried looking all over the cable to find part numbers but no luck. I have twins with power steering if that makes a difference.

The couplers for his engines are unique to those engines and not used past 82. Just went through it myself about 8 months ago.

Yes outdrive has to come off. You will also need an alignment tool when you put the engine back in. I had the advantage of being able to borrow a fork truck with a boom extension from a local marine repair place over a weekend. While I had the engine out I also replaced the cam seals on the...

If the boat has twins you will most definitely have to completely remove one engine to do it. I just went through this on my 260 a few months ago. Pulling the exhaust riser helps too. It's very tight. While you have it out, it's also worthwhile replacing the rear motor mounts as well. They...