1998 252 updating thread

[mdadgar]

That is Sex As ^&@%.

[AsLan7]

Love that blue.

[Dnorth]

I have the same exact boat and couldn’t agree more with the wasted space.
I am currently replacing all of my gauges and switches, I have searched all over for a wiring diagram of the dash wiring. Is there any way that you could take a few pics of the wiring under your dash and post them or email them to me. I have a bunch of empty plugs and no idea what they would go to.
It would be very much appreciated.

[xlint89]

I have the same exact boat and couldn’t agree more with the wasted space.
I am currently replacing all of my gauges and switches, I have searched all over for a wiring diagram of the dash wiring. Is there any way that you could take a few pics of the wiring under your dash and post them or email them to me. I have a bunch of empty plugs and no idea what they would go to.
It would be very much appreciated.

Sorry for late reply. You’re prob done with your project by now.

Only pics I have were already posted in this thread.

Factory used plastic connectors to attach the gauges in the panel. There should be no loose wires unless someone was back there and eliminated them.

[xlint89]

Sorry for the long delay in updates. It's took a VERY long time to get my engine. And taking even longer for me to get everything installed. Changed a lot of parts, and many are not cooperating. There's been a lot of parts installed and removed because they didn't work.

Biggest PITA was the exhaust height change due to the raised exhaust port aluminum heads. Something else contributed to the height change because the exhaust port are only raised .375 and I was close to 3/4" - 7/8" off from the factory cut outs.

I had to have custom exhaust tips made. I spoke with Corsa, Stainless Marine, and Teague Custom Marine. Corsa was helpful at first, but then blew me off. Stainless Marine said I needed "Z" pipes and would require some measurements. Never heard back from them after a number of attempts after that. Teague was extremely responsive, but sounded like a really expensive option.

Just scrolling through E bay for ideas, I found a guy who does all kinds of welding. Went back and forth with him for a few days and went with it. He did great and they went in just fine. Had to do a little more cutting on the transom to get the clearance I needed, but they worked.

Fuel system was a big pain because I changed my mind a few times after plumbing it all up. Decided to swap fuel pumps in the middle of the swap. Only thing available for the sea pump/fuel pump combo is the Keith Eickert upgrade. Doesn't look like much of an upgrade VS. the OEM. Only difference is the 3/8" NPT inlet and outlet openings VS. 1/4" NPT from Merc. Went with SS An fittings from Teague. Really nice fittings, and pretty expensive, but no need to ever worry about them. Biggest complaint was the cost of shipping a few fittings from CA. Dam.....

New Trident USGC rated fuel hose and even fuel fill. Ran a ground wire from the fuel tank sender, the fuel pick up tube (it's now a SS 3/8" tube) all the way back to the fuel fill.

Installed my Mechman 170 amp marine rated alternator and Ancor 2/0 awg wire for it. Installed a 250 amp fuse between the starter post (battery connection) and the alt. Upgraded all grounds to 2/0 awg.

Installed a sea strainer and shut off valve. Cooling was becoming an issue with the water supply manifold at the bottom of the header and the bigger alt. During research, found some have used "L" shaped hoses to gain clearance. Was able to utilize the opposite side factory hoses to supply the manifolds. Had to remove some of the factory bends and flare a couple ends by heating the hose up, manipulate it the way I wanted it, and then flash cooling it with ice water. It worked. Not perfectly, but well enough.

Now the worst is yet to come. It's been what, 4 years since I had it rigged? (Not counting the 1 outing I did with that crappy overpriced temporary 7.4L engine) I took pictures of everything before disassembly, but now I can't find the SD card with them on it. Got to try and do it by memory and whatever I posted for pics on here.

Anyways, it's getting close...

[xlint89]

More porn pics.

[AsLan7]

OOOhhh...that's lookin' good X..