Recent content by family affair

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    One clean spark plug, 5 dirty. Why?

    I can't comment on how common it is for a 30 year old outboard exposed to salt to look like that. I'm in fresh water. I'm sure others here can comment. However, I do have a lot of experience dealing with rust belt cars and corrosion. To improve your odds of removing those bolts (if required at...
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    One clean spark plug, 5 dirty. Why?

    I used to think the same. After following this site an THT for 15 years, my crystal ball is pretty well calibrated! :cool:
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    One clean spark plug, 5 dirty. Why?

    X2 on a head gasket/water intrusion. No, you shouldn't have to open the throttle on an ox66 to start it unless something is way off. There are a litany of other checks to perform when an ox66 isn't behaving correctly. A little searching will help you find those. Mr Seasick should be here...
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    258 Journey, the space below deck and between the seats?

    It is a massive area that should have been used by GW for some purpose other than an aux tank. With 4 strokes, the 248/258 had plenty of range on the main. The challenges you will have is how to execute the installation while keeping it convenient to use and water tight. If you have a lot of...
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    Motors for a 268 Islander

    Are these the newer 4.2 v6s or the early 2000s vintage v6? If the older, you will have the same issues as the OP of the thread. It's the same engine. If newer, you won't have as much of an issue since the engines are much lighter, but it is still more weight than the boat was designed for. Also...
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    This is close to what we want: Kas, sorry for taking this off the rails, but we all might learn something of value from the discussion. Otherwise, I might have to walk through the snow to my garage and stare at my boat because I don't have much else to do! :)
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    Good thing my wife doesn't read this forum. Otherwise she would have evidence to support this statement! :) Ive done this multiple times with my own trailer. Some brands make this easy. As for the math, it should be a simple free body diagram, but I don't have the time ATM to make one for this...
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    I'm not sure I follow the your thought. I wouldn't think it would need to change. If you take a triaxle and remove the center axle to make it a tandem, your weight distribution shouldn't be far off. I would think only a minor change would be required to get the right tongue weight. Otherwise...
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    As long as the center of mass is smack in the middle of the 2 axles, weight distribution can be 50/50 regardless of spacing.
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    Hey Dennis, With all of your trailer experience, have you ever seen a tandem with the axles further apart for stability? If so, did it make a worthwhile improvement?
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    Just curious. Have you owned both? From my experience, it didn't matter enough to notice the difference in maneuverability. Yes, it is more maintenance, but the tri-axles do seem to be more stable. He needs that.
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    Most boat trailers can't handle the loads induced to them from a WD hitch. It also becomes a PIA when launching. When you start towing things that heavy, knowing your numbers is critical to good handling. Weigh safe is a good idea, but once your trailer is set up, you probably won't need it...
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    I had read Ram was losing sales because 2500 payloads were so low, despite owners going way beyond rated payload without issue. Ram considered revising the numbers. They probably will, then have customers b!tch about registration costs going up! You can't make them all happy.:D
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    Yet the f150 has about as much or more payload than the Ram 2500. Me thinks Ram is sandbagging to keep registration costs down, and Ford is swinging for the fences! Although the unloaded ride in my truck would make you think the Ford is sandbagging too - until you put 700 + lbs on the ball. :(
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    I own a an 18 f150 Eco, max tow, SCREW, short bed. With the Islander fully fueled and watered, I'm at 10k lbs. Power and stopping are no issue. Be sure to use 91+ octane. I turn off 8th-10th gear on the freeway for best mpg and minimizing shifting. However, weight distribution is critical. Too...