Masterlube in a 600SCi

[hkunz]

I bought the Masterlube kit but haven't put it in yet. My Merc Racing book doesn't have a picture that looks like my boat's engine - it says it is for a 600 SCi, but the oil filter location is different, and I certainly don't want to screw up some special deal fitting that Merc put in there. Then again, the fitting I think I want to hook into could be just the place.

So, the question - how do I tell, in my garage, no water under the boat, where to tie the Masterlube in? Ideas? Call Merc?

[TooMuchFun]

I've got one in my Innovation Marine version of the 600 ... similar setup.

I could not tell you without looking ... will be at the boat this weekend or next. Pretty simple install, the trick is setting the pressure with a pump and having the right amount of oil in the masterlube. Otherwise it works once and then depressurizes.

On the install, just call Masterlube ... they've been pretty good when I scratch my head.

TooMuchFun

[hkunz]

I talked to Masterlube a long time, they said to tap into the pressure side. I was just hoping that the "extra" bung on the oil filter, the one with the pipe plug in it, was a pressure side location that didn't have another purpose (oil pressure bypass, priming vent, etc.) The problem is that the boat is in Havasu, and I'm in Bakersfield. I get to Havasu well after the shops close on Friday, want to go Jeeping or boating on Saturday, then run home again on Sunday. Since I just got a day job, I can no longer run to Havasu midweek and stay for a few days.:dunno: If I break into the line, then take it down to Windsor for testing, it takes two people (my wife will want to go if the boat is going in the water), and it better run if she goes. Yeah, I know, Catch 22. Such is married life with a non-motorhead wife.:D

[TooMuchFun]

I keep telling my wife, it is a freakin boat ... prepare for it to break down and just because my head is in the hold does not mean I have the miracle cure or the parts necessary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not everyone understands the pleasure to be had fixing s%^t on the water, or in storage all day, and another day, and another day LOL.

All you really need is a fitting to tap into the pressure side anywhere like you said. Then done. Bring a bicycle pump to pressurize initially, then what I find helpful is a turkey baster if I need to pull some of the overfill back out of the masterlube cylinder ... should be all the extra tools you need. About 1/2 full on the oil in the masterlube cylinder (about an extra quart to quart and 1/2 when changing the engine oil) is max on the additional oil.

TooMuchFun

[hkunz]

INot everyone understands the pleasure to be had fixing s%^t on the water, or in storage all day, and another day, and another day LOL.

BTDT, when we put the Garmin sounder/GPS and the VHF radio in just before we went to Powell last year.:laugh:

All you really need is a fitting to tap into the pressure side anywhere like you said. Then done. Bring a bicycle pump to pressurize initially, then what I find helpful is a turkey baster if I need to pull some of the overfill back out of the masterlube cylinder ... should be all the extra tools you need. About 1/2 full on the oil in the masterlube cylinder (about an extra quart to quart and 1/2 when changing the engine oil) is max on the additional oil.

TooMuchFun

I was going to charge it with my air compressor, add the extra quart and a half, turn the engine until I had a little pressure, close the valve and refill with oil.

The hard part was going to be wiring the switch - I'll use the "ACC" switch, but that currently shuts off the Sirius, VHF and GPS. I'll have to hook them up seperately to the power buss behind the dash. The hardest part to wiring is getting my wiring to look as nice as Advantage's, especially when I am crammed into that helm console crosslegged.:party:

[Essex502]

Just call Absolute Marine in Havasu and let them do it! Probably won't cost much as they are pretty fair.

[TooMuchFun]

Agreed on the wiring ... I am too big and fat to get under the center console in mine, or down below ... use my youngest with much directions and sarcasm.

I set up a separate switch dedicated to the Masterlube. Be careful if you drill the dash gel as Advantage's is a bit thin and if you are not careful you will crack it.

Agreed with Essex 502 as well ... for an hour of labor on the wiring you get a professional looking job and someone else responsible if they screw up the dash. I had someone wire mine ... I built the harness and bulkhead to attach the cylinder to. Would have taken me all day which equates to about $5 an hour but same price as an hour of someone who knows what they are doing.

TooMuchFun

[relaxalot]

What prop are you spinning with the 600sci? what speeds and rpms are you running?

Thanks,

Dan

[Red Horse]

Anytime you drill, cut or modify any fiberglass, wood etc. cover it with a masking tape layer or two. Mark out your are on the tape and then cut, drill, whatever. Benny is two fold. You will be able to make complete marks on the tape for accurate drilling and when you do go thru you will minimize or eliminate cracking, splintering etc.

Just food for thought...

[hkunz]

Just call Absolute Marine in Havasu and let them do it! Probably won't cost much as they are pretty fair.

I'm with you there, I've had them work on my boats before and the quality was first rate. The downside is that I get into Havasu late on Friday, and want to take it out on Saturday, then go home on Sunday. I might not be back for a month after that. This causes problems with outside storage, etc.

[hkunz]

What prop are you spinning with the 600sci? what speeds and rpms are you running?

Thanks,

Dan

The current prop is a 24 that we nicked on delivery day. We had cavitation problems for a while, then we got it fixed wrong, then we still had problems, so we got it fixed right. We run right up to redline (5400) at half throttle now, and that's 70 MPH. The best I've seen is 74 at 5300 at full throttle with the nicked prop. I'm thinking we may have to go to a good, clean 26, but between prop prices ($600 - 700 stock, 1,200 labbed, and 5,800 for a Merc Racing cleaver) and the current business climate, we may stay with this prop for the season.

[hkunz]

Anytime you drill, cut or modify any fiberglass, wood etc. cover it with a masking tape layer or two. Mark out your are on the tape and then cut, drill, whatever. Benny is two fold. You will be able to make complete marks on the tape for accurate drilling and when you do go thru you will minimize or eliminate cracking, splintering etc.

Just food for thought...

Yes, when I put the Garmin in-dash, I had to be very careful not to mess up my brand new boat. I took pics, just haven't posted the story yet.

[Essex502]

I'm with you there, I've had them work on my boats before and the quality was first rate. The downside is that I get into Havasu late on Friday, and want to take it out on Saturday, then go home on Sunday. I might not be back for a month after that. This causes problems with outside storage, etc.

Talk to Absolute about a Saturday delivery and see if they will deliver it to your storage facility or house when they are done. Savage used to offer this and I'd bet Absolute can do it too. You do need to give them access to the storage or garage though. Just a thought.

[hkunz]

I've thought of that. Advantage, Mercury Racing, and Gary the trailer guy (can't remember the name of his business, starts with an "E") have all moved my boat in and/or out of the garage. The problem is that the truck has to be high enough that they don't scrape the bottom of the trailer, and has to be 4 wheel drive so they can put it in low range to make it up the hill. My 07 Dodge Ram with a Cummins has to be put in 4 low to push that boat up the hill, as did Gary's Chevy diesel, so I know most any other rig would need to have low gears as well.

[TooMuchFun]

Be happy in the mid 70s range. Anything much over 75 in a big open cat like that and it gets a bit wiggly for these old bones ... can't see very well without goggles, need a big batch of open water ahead to avoid hitting anything, etc. and etc. I've scared myself a few times in my party cat when I approach 80.

TooMuchFun

[Essex502]

I've thought of that. Advantage, Mercury Racing, and Gary the trailer guy (can't remember the name of his business, starts with an "E") have all moved my boat in and/or out of the garage. The problem is that the truck has to be high enough that they don't scrape the bottom of the trailer, and has to be 4 wheel drive so they can put it in low range to make it up the hill. My 07 Dodge Ram with a Cummins has to be put in 4 low to push that boat up the hill, as did Gary's Chevy diesel, so I know most any other rig would need to have low gears as well.

I hadn't thought of a steep driveway. We were lucky when we've built the two houses in Havasu that the driveways are relatively flat - only slight inclines. I look at some driveways there and can't fathom how people get their stuff up them.

[hkunz]

It isn't a cat, it is a modified "V". I do need the goggles, I have some prescription Harley glasses that have a deep tint and push the wind away from my eyes. As Keith can testify, it handles very nicely at 70. As for shutting down, I know how to use full astern if needs be.:D

[hkunz]

I hadn't thought of a steep driveway. We were lucky when we've built the two houses in Havasu that the driveways are relatively flat - only slight inclines. I look at some driveways there and can't fathom how people get their stuff up them.

We got a discount for the driveway, but it doesn't bother me. I've even taught my DIL to back thier boat up on the gravel next to the house - initially they were paying for storage at the place they bought it. I convinced them to bring it home, I shot it up in the spot, and now they do it.

Ours is one of those on the side of a steep wash. But, I've driven up Sledghammer backwards - in reverse, going uphill. If you rockcrawl, you know how that is.... the stunt got me a magazine cover, my avatar on Pirate4x4.com:laugh:

[hkunz]

I finally got started on the MasterLube install. The complexity of the install isn't in the system itself, but in the fact that the boat is so nice that I want it all to be "just right". The wiring must be just so, follow the contours, all in looms, etc. The canister has to go just right. The switch has to have the proper bezel.

I know I'm preaching to the choir on detail, but that detail adds to the complexity, especially when you only work on it every third weekend or so, AND want to go boating.

Here is the future site of the switches taped up to prevent (actually minimize) cracking.

http://lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1840&stc=1&d=1206042174

The Livorsi GPS speedo tattletale switch. It has been hiding in the back of the dash since September. Its new home will be in the dash again. Obviously not a feature I was greatly concerned about:rollinglaugh:

http://lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1841&stc=1&d=1206042174

The switches installed from the back - very tight in there.

http://lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1842&stc=1&d=1206042174

Wiring into the existing while keeping my work transparent.

http://lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1843&stc=1&d=1206042174

The switches in thier new location. The outer bezel must be modified to fit the curvature of the 'glass, and a new bezel and switch plate are coming from Advantage. I'll modify the new bezel as well, and both will fit the curve.

http://lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1844&stc=1&d=1206042174

[kimswang]

Looks good there mister, awesome job. Just a question, are your terminals not shrink tubed? Maybe it is just the picture....

[TooMuchFun]

My .02 ... do what Kimswang suggests and shrink tube all electrical connections. Go over the entire boat ... one thing Advantage does not do and if yours is anything like my PartyCat, over time all the crimped connections will rattle loose and you will be down in the hold reconnecting and shrink tying all :(.

TooMuchFun

[hkunz]

Looks good there mister, awesome job. Just a question, are your terminals not shrink tubed? Maybe it is just the picture....

No, you are correct, they are not shrink tubed. I've done a few that I thought were vunerable, such as my VHF radio connections. I guess I'll send the bride to the elex shop to buy me a heat gun (the matches thing is OK for a few, but not a whole project).

[hkunz]

I finally got ahold of Masterlube yesterday, the gauge remote kit is on its way, should have it for next weekend. I can thn finish the project!

[kimswang]

No, you are correct, they are not shrink tubed. I've done a few that I thought were vunerable, such as my VHF radio connections. I guess I'll send the bride to the elex shop to buy me a heat gun (the matches thing is OK for a few, but not a whole project).

Harbor freight for heat gun, http://stores.ebay.com/Genuinedealz for assories. It will save you big time headaches in the future to shrink everything...

[hkunz]

I got the heat gun and shrink, took them to Havasu, and got it done. Pics up later.

[kimswang]

I got the heat gun and shrink, took them to Havasu, and got it done. Pics up later.

You will not regret it...

[hkunz]

I didn't shrink the whole boat, just everything I touched. I can see why it is needed - my Livorsi tattletale switch didn't work. I was checking it out from behind, and one wire had pulled out of the connector. I repaired the connctor and heatshrinked that - viola`! the tattletale works.:Thanx:

[kimswang]

I can see why it is needed - my Livorsi tattletale switch didn't work. I was checking it out from behind, and one wire had pulled out of the connector. I repaired the connctor and heatshrinked that - viola`! the tattletale works.:Thanx:


That's why I shrinked every connector when I rewired the boat. Veeeery time consuming but the result is what counts!

Here is a picture I shot when I was building the left side of my console:


http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/51449/2002869414083701164_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002869414083701164)

[hkunz]

Here's the motor before I started. Note the filtermag I put in last year - really simple install.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1880&stc=1&d=1207232234

The Masterlube unit on the swim step preassembled and ready to fit in the bilge.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1881&stc=1&d=1207232234

Unit in place with lines loose. You can see the transponder unit for the sonar/GPS/fishfinder I put in last year, just aft of the factory depth finder unit.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1882&stc=1&d=1207232234

Unit and lines in place with wires loose

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1883&stc=1&d=1207232234

Gauge installed, not filled with oil or charged yet. When I charged it, I charged it to 80 PSI, my cold oil pressure reading.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1884&stc=1&d=1207232234

[hkunz]

That's why I shrinked every connector when I rewired the boat. Veeeery time consuming but the result is what counts!

Here is a picture I shot when I was building the left side of my console:


http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/51449/2002869414083701164_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002869414083701164)

Very nice job.

Before there were tie wraps/zip ties, before shrink tubing, there was string and "installation tape". I wired an entire teletype communications facility with waxed string and installation tape. I haven't cared to do that level of detail since:laugh:

[kimswang]

Very nice job.

Before there were tie wraps/zip ties, before shrink tubing, there was string and "installation tape". I wired an entire teletype communications facility with waxed string and installation tape. I haven't cared to do that level of detail since:laugh:

:Thanx:

Well, if that facility is still working you know you did it right!

The masterlube looks awesome - as well as that engine. One might wonder why Merc did not put that in as standard, seems like they would have had far fewer warranty issues with that system...???

My engines still looks like stock, aka booooring. But belive me there is plans! Wonder what kind of paint Mercury used on the engines of yours??? Looks like it might be the ticket to get mine colored.

[Akamatsu]

Looks good..


Those are some BIG pictures.. It took two monitors to see them...

[Essex502]

RESIZE the pictures to 800 x 600 pixels and it'll make them easier to view - especially for those peeps with smaller than my 21" monitor.

Another note...the differences you encountered (i.e. not shrinkwraping the electrical connectors) between boat builders somewhat explains the differences in pricing.

[hkunz]

RESIZE the pictures to 800 x 600 pixels and it'll make them easier to view - especially for those peeps with smaller than my 21" monitor.

Another note...the differences you encountered (i.e. not shrinkwraping the electrical connectors) between boat builders somewhat explains the differences in pricing.

I figured that out AFTER I saw the post.:dunno:

I'll try to figure out the resize now....

[hkunz]

:Thanx:

Well, if that facility is still working you know you did it right!

I think it was decommissioned after the cold war ended/clinton started.

The masterlube looks awesome - as well as that engine. One might wonder why Merc did not put that in as standard, seems like they would have had far fewer warranty issues with that system...???

I hadn't heard of waranty issues, it just seemed like a good idea for an expensive motor that sits a lot and then gets run hard.:party:

My engines still looks like stock, aka booooring. But belive me there is plans! Wonder what kind of paint Mercury used on the engines of yours??? Looks like it might be the ticket to get mine colored.

It almost looks like a powdercoat, very shiny still (although it has been waxed:rollinglaugh:)

[kimswang]

RESIZE the pictures to 800 x 600 pixels and it'll make them easier to view - especially for those peeps with smaller than my 21" monitor.....

That engine looks good enough to have them pics at that size, don't you think?

[hkunz]

That engine looks good enough to have them pics at that size, don't you think?

Yes, I do:insane: but he has a point about fitting the screen. Low bandwidth folks might also have trouble.

[Essex502]

Looks much, much better when you don't have to scroll left and right and up and down to try to see the picture! Good job on the resize.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1883&stc=1&d=1207232234

The above picture doesn't do anything to impress me though on Advantage's rigging. Those red cables/hoses don't look properly supported with Adel cushion clamps. Hopefully this isn't typical for the rest of the rigging.

[kimswang]

The above picture doesn't do anything to impress me though on Advantage's rigging. Those red cables/hoses don't look properly supported with Adel cushion clamps. Hopefully this isn't typical for the rest of the rigging.

Have you ever tried to pull one apart? They are incredibly strong unless you buy the cheapo copies from Harbor freight... I prefer the SS clamps with the rubber on them, but cannot see any production line using that kind of parts. I would not hesitate to use the kind that is used on the advantage..

[hkunz]

I have broken a few of those nylon zip-tie clamps, by stepping on them with all 220 pounds. Otherwise, they hold fine, and weigh less than the metal ones. That may not seem like much, but the entire boat's rigging is tied up, and I know I used up a 100-pack tying up just the sonar system to the existing wiring, and it adds up.

I did most of my rock crawler with zip ties versus adel clamps, and they hold fine Oh, and we rig US Navy ships with zip ties.

I do agree that the adel clamps look nicer, I'm just not sure they add strength.

[hkunz]

More Masterlube install pics. I know I could do this faster, but I have two grant request applications to get out by Monday.

The moment of truth - I take out the allen pipe plug in the filter base. Removing this does indeed cause the oil filter to start gurgling oil out towards the bilge (I got a rag in place before any got too far wayward). The fitting goes into the hole to hook up the hose.

http://lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1885&stc=1&d=1207287587

The hose is hooked up.

http://lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1886&stc=1&d=1207287587

1.5 quarts of oil in the tank, and the tank is pressurized to 80 PSI - the cold/max oil pressure.

http://lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1887&stc=1&d=1207287587

Another view of the install. As you can see, the bracket is long and thin (although not "that" thin), and not supported on the top. I am thinking to add a support on the top of the bracket by usning an "L" bracket, or adding another adel clamp to the top of the tank that ties to the forward bulkhead.

There is a near interference with the blige light, still not sure how I will resolve that. There isn't much of any other place for the tank:jump:

http://lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1888&stc=1&d=1207287587

[kevnmcd]

How does this work? Does the tank get charged while the motor is running and then holds that charge? How does the motor get charged before starting? Is there a switch or valve that needs to be turned prior to turning the motor over?

[hkunz]

How does this work? Does the tank get charged while the motor is running and then holds that charge? How does the motor get charged before starting? Is there a switch or valve that needs to be turned prior to turning the motor over?

Much of this requires pushing the "I believe" button, but I put 1.5 quarts of oil into the tank. Its full capacity is 3 quarts, 1.5 is half that. Before I start the motor, I flip the switch to the momentary on position, which opens the valve operated by the solenoid under the tank. This pushes oil out of the tank into the engine's oil galleries. The tank pressure goes down while this is happening, but as soon as you start the engine, it starts pushing oil back into the tank with the oil pressure. Since it runs on a one-way valve, oil can flow into the tank, but not out. Oil will stop going into the tank whe the pressure is equalized, i.e. the tank is at engine pressure.

There is a switch that I flip before starting - it has three positions: off, momentary on, and on. Before starting I put it to the momentary position, which opens the solenoid and pressurizes the oil gallereis. After oil pressure reaches 20-40 PSI or so, I start the engine, which has now been pre-oiled.

I charged the tank by putting 1.5 quarts of oil into it, then capping it and pressurizing it to 80 PSI with my air compressor, my highest observed runing pressure. This will keep it from pushing more oil into the tank. Other gasses can be used to charge the tank - nitrogen, CO2, etc. I only had the air compressor in the Havasu house at the time.

If this is unclear, let me go get another beer and try again:drinkers:

[kimswang]

If this is unclear, let me go get another beer and try again:drinkers:

That will do it! :D

[hkunz]

I think I forgot to mention the switch positions - momentary "on" is for the regular daily startup - push it on until the oil pressure shows on the gauge, then release it, off, and then the "on" for oil changes - the solenoid stays open so all the oil can drain out - then when you refill, just remember that you'll have to add an extra quart and a half after the first startup.

The switches - top is the Livorsi tattletale, below is the Masterlube. I forgot to bring the belt sander last time we went to Havasu, so the bezels aren't fit up yet. The dash has a slight curve where the switches are, so i have to shape the bezels to fit, and I figured modifying the back's curvature was better than bending them in a press.

http://lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1889&stc=1&d=1207404720

The nice thing about the bezels and cover plates is they will cover the pencil marks from the drilling.

[boaterboy]

I have a Masterlube system on my boat and it works great.. The only problem i've had is remembering to flip the switch. Its more a user problem then anything else..

[TooMuchFun]

Agreed ... I can really tell the dif if I forget after the boat has sat for a month or so.

TooMuchFun

[kevnmcd]

If this is unclear, let me go get another beer and try again:drinkers:

Makes perfect sense so I guess you haven't drank enough beer yet! :thumbs_up:

[hkunz]

Here's the last thing I did - heatshrink the switches inside the helm console cabin. Upper left and lower right are the ones I played with - I'll get to the rest in good time:poke_eye:

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1890&stc=1&d=1207442790

Fuzzy shot of the Livorsi switch, after I repaired it by putting the wire back on and heatshrinking over it.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1891&stc=1&d=1207442790

Another fuzzy shot of the Livorsi and the Masterlube switches. I'll heatshrink the Masterlube switch next time in there (next weekend) when I do the bezel modifications.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1892&stc=1&d=1207442790

[hkunz]

I remembered to bring the machine tools to finish the switches. Here is my high-tech aluminum machining operations area. If it looks like it might be the gravel on the side of the house, well, that's because it is. I set my belt sander on its side and used first the 50 grit, then the 120 grit belts. Since the belts are designed for wood, the billet aluminum wore them out rather quickly. I swapped the belt direction a few times to extend their life. I even managed to only sand a little of my fingertips off.:poke_eye:

The rings sit, waiting for the upcoming modification/mangling.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1928&stc=1&d=1208044988

The unmodified bezel on the right, one that is almost ready to fit up on the left. They both had to be ground/sanded down quite a bit, although the contrast between these two doesn't seem to be all that much. I felt it best to only take a small amount off at a time - it is easier to take a little bit more off than to add a little bit.:smashfreak:

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1929&stc=1&d=1208044988

The back of the holes, one more time. I've already heatshrunk all the wires I touched, and got the bottom one (the Masterlube switch that started this whole thing) reinstalled. It'll have to come back out but I don't know this at the time I took the picture:cussing:

It turns out that I should have used one of the switch nuts (those 1/2" fine thread nuts they give you with switches) to secure the switch UNDER the bezel and cover plate. Makes it all go together so much better. I had to take it all out and redo it to get the switch nut back on, but I'm much happier with the final result.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1930&stc=1&d=1208044988

Here the switches are in and look good. There are two holes per plate to secure them, but the Phillips head screws kept stripping until I ran out of screws, so only two are holding right now. I'm going to try to find some #4 allen-drive pan-head screws in Bakersfield, then I'll replace them all. Notice the kill switch? Kewl, eh? More on that later.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1931&stc=1&d=1208044988

Here's the gauge after a quick run up the river. 90 PSI max, not 80. I'll have to adjust the static pressure. I did use it several times, and it charges the oil galleries to 40 PSI before startup. Very nice to use, and simple. Seems like a worthwhile effort, and really not that hard to install (except for the crosslegged in the bilge part). If your boat has a more open bilge than mine, I'd say to go for it.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1932&stc=1&d=1208044988

[hkunz]

OK, since I was messing with switches, and there was an article in a magazine about this part, I got the polished billet kill switch from Extreme Custom Marine to replace the black plastic Mercury switch. It's a nice piece, but watch them on the shipping - it was almost $20 from Lake Elsinore to Bakersfield for a 4x4x4 box.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1934&stc=1&d=1208046932

The back is set up to fit either an ignition ground or an ignition interupt type circuit. Just cover the unused wire.

http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1933&stc=1&d=1208046932

For the installed pic, see the previous post.

[PUMP 'HER']

Looooking good.

[kevnmcd]

I just saw the add for those billet kill switches and thought they would look good...now I know! Looks great! BTW...you did a great job documenting this project with pics at each step! Thanks for the thread!

[hkunz]

BTW...you did a great job documenting this project with pics at each step! Thanks for the thread!

Thanks!:Thanx:

I knew I was scared to mess with that very valuable motor, and figured others would be as well. It actually was rather painless (as opposed to the 700R4 in my Jeep all torn apart for two months now), as long as I took my time and thought out each step. If I'd taken the boat apart such that I (she) couldn't use it, that would have been ugly:director:

Now that it is in, I just want to find the screws to afix the plates, and a place to engrave the lower plate with "Masterlube", "Prime", and "Change"/"Oil Change" so that it matches the tattletale.:lookaround:

[kevnmcd]

It actually was rather painless (as opposed to the 700R4 in my Jeep all torn apart for two months now), as long as I took my time and thought out each step.

That is 99% of it right there....taking your time and think it out is where most people go wrong!

[kimswang]

There is a near interference with the blige light, still not sure how I will resolve that. There isn't much of any other place for the tank:jump:

http://lasvegashotboats.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1888&stc=1&d=1207287587

What is the dia of that piece? Might have an idea for you...

[hkunz]

What is the dia of that piece? Might have an idea for you...

I think it is about 5 inches. I was considering getting another Adel clamp and mounting it on the forward bulkhead. Something to consider is the fact that the picture is taken with my arms stretched out down into the bilge holding the camera - my body isn't going there without disassembling the front of the engine.:insane:

[hkunz]

What is the dia of that piece? Might have an idea for you...

After talking with Masterlube today, it is either 4.25 or 5.25 inches.

I just don't like that the bracket only restricts motion in one plane. I feel if I could restrict motion in a second , 90* plane, the vessel would be more secure.:chin_scratch:

What's your idea?:Thanx:

[kimswang]

After talking with Masterlube today, it is either 4.25 or 5.25 inches.

I just don't like that the bracket only restricts motion in one plane. I feel if I could restrict motion in a second , 90* plane, the vessel would be more secure.:chin_scratch:

What's your idea?:Thanx:


I was thinking of Livorsi's fire extinguisher clamp, looks awesome, easy to mount and will secure in all planes and put it a little bit further out. They are made for 3" dia though. With your size I would research some of those fancy billet bumber holders.
Here is one of my fire ext holders so you see what I was thinking:
http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/39731/2115385520103325923S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2115385520103325923wfRVJT)

[kevnmcd]

I bet if you were to contact Eddie Marine or Dana Marine, they could probably make you a custom one to fit your exact diameter. Might be worth a call. I would probably start with Mike @ Dana first since he is on the PB site. Just my .02

[hkunz]

[QUOTE=kimswang;137130]I was thinking of Livorsi's fire extinguisher clamp, looks awesome, easy to mount and will secure in all planes and put it a little bit further out. QUOTE]

Further out puts it closer to the motor and moving parts. Further port puts it closer to the battery tops, further starboard puts it closer yet to the belts. It is hard to see from the pictures as I cropped them, but that is about the only spot for it (barring placement in the ski locker or other inappropriate storage location). I do like the billet idea from Dana or Eddie. Maybe I coulsd get a switch panel to fit the curvature of the dash at the same time. I like what I did with the switches, until I looked at better ideas (your fault Kim). I could have a seperate switch for the VHF, the GPS, the master arm for the Masterlube, etc, and still have a "new" spare.

[AnchorNPlay]

These threads are soo funny to me.... I have a huge addiction to modding my car, but never even thought about how much fun it would be to be modding the boat. No sense in modding a cruiser, so I may have to just get a hotboat for this particular addiction:laugh::bowdown:

[kimswang]

[ I do like the billet idea from Dana or Eddie. Maybe I coulsd get a switch panel to fit the curvature of the dash at the same time. I like what I did with the switches, until I looked at better ideas (your fault Kim).


Please accept my appologies...:D

[hkunz]

These threads are soo funny to me.... I have a huge addiction to modding my car, but never even thought about how much fun it would be to be modding the boat. No sense in modding a cruiser, so I may have to just get a hotboat for this particular addiction:laugh::bowdown:

LOL, I have trouble leaving anything alone, much to my wonderful bride's chagrin..... I have a 69 Camaro SS that I started cutting up in '74; now there's something that caused depreciation.

[kimswang]

These threads are soo funny to me.... I have a huge addiction to modding my car, but never even thought about how much fun it would be to be modding the boat. No sense in modding a cruiser, so I may have to just get a hotboat for this particular addiction:laugh::bowdown:

And the car is limited to 70MPH anyway... Get some performance that you can put in to action without risking your future..:D

Although not as convenient as your cruiser, an old Cigarette or Scarab still has a lot of comfort as well as lots of performance. A board member got a 38 Cig for sale..... Niiiice..

[AnchorNPlay]

Well, I like to take my Z out to LVMS and Spring Mountain to race. So thats not exactly the case. A hotboat seems like it would be just as fun if not funner because there are so many other challenges then you have with a road. Things are starting to pick up in the mortgage biz for me so maybe by the end of this year I will be able to pick something up that I can actualyl fit in my garage:)

[Seas]

Khunz,

Please check your PMs.

Thanks!

Wes