Tech Talk

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Tech Talk by Bill Grannis

Bill Grannis is a long time marine technician with over 47 years of experience in the repair sector. He also authors technical articles and has received 4 writing awards from Boating Writers International. Read full bio

[ May 15, 2013 ]

Build Your Own Outboard Spark Tester 2

by Bill Grannis

Spark Tester

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Photo by: Bill Grannis

Purchasing specialized testing equipment to fix your own outboard motor is expensive. Often a DIY mechanic can fabricate his own special tools making troubleshooting a lot easier on the budget. Especially on older outboard motors, checking the ignition system for spark is a common procedure when the engine will not start or if it runs poorly. With this easy to make tester, observing the spark output on an engine will not require a costly special tool.

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[ April 30, 2013 ]

Fuel System Service Tips 13

by Bill Grannis

Fuel System Service

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When the warmer weather finally arrives and you are ready to take the boat out on the first spring-like day, you may find your motor hard to start, running roughly, or lacks power – or in extreme cases, all of the above.

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[ April 2, 2013 ]

Boating Spark Plug DIY 20

by Bill Grannis

Getting the boat ready for springtime commissioning often includes checking and/or replacing sparkplugs. DIY types who own inboards or stern-drives are familiar with hard to reach parts, especially in twin engine applications. Sometimes we would like nothing better than to string up the person responsible for making things difficult to work on because of obstructions, poor design, and awkward access for servicing.

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[ March 28, 2013 ]

Inexpensive Ethanol Tester For Gasoline 13

by Bill Grannis

Ethanol Label

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Now that E-10 fuels are common nationwide, chances are you have experience with the damaging effects of alcohol on marine engines and outboard motors. You may even had issues with fuel related problems in other small engines such as weed-whackers, generators, and lawn mowers.

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[ March 13, 2013 ]

A Sense of Boating History 18

by Bill Grannis

[ March 1, 2013 ]

What Kind of DIYer Are You? 13

by Bill Grannis

Mercury 150 FourStroke

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As a working stiff in the marine repair business I come across quite a few do-it-yourselfers who want to handle engine and vessel repairs themselves. As one of the few technicians who actually does not mind helping out those who want to either save a few bucks or people that genuinely enjoy doing the work, I try to offer good advice or suggestions to those folks depending on their abilities. My most important tip to them is to first know their limitations and to be honest about recognizing their shortcomings.

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[ February 28, 2013 ]

Tech Talk & Tips 16

by Bill Grannis

Tech Talk & Tips

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Ahoy. My name is Bill Grannis and I have been a marine technician for almost 50 years. Over that time span I've worked with and have been trained on many types of engines and propulsion systems along with various boats and accessories. My strong suit is the Johnson-Evinrude outboard as I worked mostly for those dealers in the Midwest and the South and in addition spent a few years with OMC Engineering Department in Waukegan, Illinois in the latter 1960s. My other experiences and training include Yamaha, Volvo, OMC/Cobra, and MerCruiser engines and drives.

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