Hi Folks...Some Questions for you experienced guys and gals.

Does anyone know where to buy shear pins in the uk or Europe for a 4hp
mariner, also would any 4hp pin fit it, I.E Tohatsu.

Is it possible to fit a 12volt output unit to a "2005 model" mariner 4,
if so what is the part called (I have googled all over) and is it easy
to fit, do you get fitting instructions with a new unit. (fairly
mechanically and electrically minded)

Is it possible to fit electric start? again if so is it easy to fit.

Although it dosen't look like it can take an external tank, is there
any problems running a line in where the internal tank outlet feeds the
outboard.

What is the difference between a "normal" car battery and a boat
battery.

What roughly would the extra fuel consumption be from running at max
throttle as opposed to trolling/turtle speed......one third?

Does an 8 horse outboard use twice as much fuel as a 4 at the same
speed?

Does using the dearer unleaded fuel (uk) give any performance boost
and/or is it better for engine lifespan. (or same/worse).

Is it ok to run it dry or keep it topped up?.

How often should one service it and what does it involve (used 8-10
weekends per year for 10hrs per weekend)

We have another boat now with a teleflex system, all parts seem to be
there except the bit to connect the "end steering rod" to the outboard,
does anyone know what this part is called (we are using tiller arm at
mo)

Sorry about all the Qs but it is the first time I have bought an
outboard.

Thanks for any help/advice on any of the Questions.

Dave

I cant answer all your questions so I'll take the ones I know
Lochawe wrote:
Hi Folks...Some Questions for you experienced guys and gals.

Does anyone know where to buy shear pins in the uk or Europe for a 4hp
mariner, also would any 4hp pin fit it, I.E Tohatsu.

Take the pin & the instruction book down your nearest chandler or marine
mechanic and ask. Several brands use the same power head and for a few
the only difference is the badge. This varies from model to model and
year to year so unless you see the two pins side by side, its not a safe
bet.

Is it possible to fit a 12volt output unit to a "2005 model" mariner 4,
if so what is the part called (I have googled all over) and is it easy
to fit, do you get fitting instructions with a new unit. (fairly
mechanically and electrically minded)

Is it possible to fit electric start? again if so is it easy to fit.
Both are more usual on larger engines. Pop the lid and inspect the
flywheel for a ring gear, No gear = No electric start option. Small
outboards that do have a 12V output often have whats known as a lighting
coil. Delivers a nominal 12V AC, not much at idle and tends to go over
voltage at full throttle. Usually only just enough current to run two
nav lights. CANNOT be connected to a battery. Those outboards with an
electric start option will also have a battery charging option.

Although it dosen't look like it can take an external tank, is there
any problems running a line in where the internal tank outlet feeds the
outboard.
YES, DONT DO IT. Its almost certain to be a gravity feed system. It
cannot therefore draw from a tank below the engine and if you put the
tank above the engine excessive fuel pressure will probably cause the
carb to flood at low speed or idle.

What is the difference between a "normal" car battery and a boat
battery.

What roughly would the extra fuel consumption be from running at max
throttle as opposed to trolling/turtle speed......one third?
Probably somewhere around a factor of three or four, Why not try it for
yourself, you will be horrified. Back off a bit top around 3/4 throttle
and it will be more reasonable.

Does an 8 horse outboard use twice as much fuel as a 4 at the same
speed?
No, Probably a little more, but it depends on many things including
gearing and whether the 4 HP is being run flat out.

Does using the dearer unleaded fuel (uk) give any performance boost
and/or is it better for engine lifespan. (or same/worse).
No, dont bother. Our standard unleaded is better octane rating than the
premium petrol in many countries in the rest of the world. Engine life
is purely dependant on usage, maintenance and cleanliness. ALWAYS
filter the fuel through a fine filter funnel before putting it in the
engine, You'll be astonished by the dirt and other crud you occasionally
can get streight out of the pump. Its difficult to use a filter funnel
on board so filter the fuel when you put it into a clean plastic can at
the petrol station. If its a two stroke, and you need the fuel within
the month, add the oil then but still shake well before use.

Is it ok to run it dry or keep it topped up?.
Try to avoid running it dry while afloat. Best to drain it completely
including the float bowl on the carb if you are'nt using it for a few weeks.

How often should one service it and what does it involve (used 8-10
weekends per year for 10hrs per weekend)
Read the instructions. Its often every 50 hours and definately every
winter. Get the service manual. I would expect that most of the time
it will just be check the prop, check the plugs, change gearbox oil,
miscellanious clean and lube etc. On a modern outboard it would be very
rare to have to take the flywheel off or dismantle the engine.

We have another boat now with a teleflex system, all parts seem to be
there except the bit to connect the "end steering rod" to the outboard,
does anyone know what this part is called (we are using tiller arm at
mo)
I cant help you much but does the missing part mount on the rod or the
engine?

Sorry about all the Qs but it is the first time I have bought an
outboard.

Thanks for any help/advice on any of the Questions.

Dave



--
Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED)
ianm[at]the[dash]malcolms[dot]freeserve[dot]co[dot]uk
[at]=@, [dash]=- & [dot]=. *Warning* HTML & 32K emails -- NUL:
'Stingo' Albacore #1554 - 15' Early 60's, Uffa Fox designed,
All varnished hot moulded wooden racing dinghy.

Ian, Thank you very much for taking the time to reply with your
enlightening and detailed answers, I am printing this off as it is very
usefull to me. The gravity feed and things like that are just
somethings I would never have thought about...Dohh

You wrote "I cant help you much but does the missing part mount on the
rod or the
engine?"

I am not sure, the end of the rod can swivel a bit and has a hole in it
around twice the size of this "O" and the outboard has two vertical
holes (about the same size) in the handle but I dont know if that means
anything.

Thank you again.

Dave the novice.

Lochawe wrote:
Ian, Thank you very much for taking the time to reply with your
enlightening and detailed answers, I am printing this off as it is very
usefull to me. The gravity feed and things like that are just
somethings I would never have thought about...Dohh

You wrote "I cant help you much but does the missing part mount on the
rod or the
engine?"

I am not sure, the end of the rod can swivel a bit and has a hole in it
around twice the size of this "O" and the outboard has two vertical
holes (about the same size) in the handle but I dont know if that means
anything.

Thank you again.

Dave the novice.

OK, well it sounds like there should be either a loose vertical pin that
drops through the end of the rod into a hole on a fitting on the engine
or the fitting should have a vertical pin permanently attached to the
front of the engine.

As to the battry question, read http://www.batteryfaq.org for the full
explanation or http://www.barden-uk.com/faqs-batteries.html for the
dumbed down quick highlights. Remember Google is your friend, the
search [marine leisure battery faq lead acid] got both these sites on
the first page of results.



--
Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED)
ianm[at]the[dash]malcolms[dot]freeserve[dot]co[dot]uk
[at]=@, [dash]=- & [dot]=. *Warning* HTML & 32K emails -- NUL:
'Stingo' Albacore #1554 - 15' Early 60's, Uffa Fox designed,
All varnished hot moulded wooden racing dinghy.