Hi all! I'm new to the forum, new to the boating world, and new to my boat (well 6 weeks new). I've got several questions that after browsing in here, I know some will be able to help out. I only boat in the northern part of the Chesapeake Bay. So mostly fresh, but there is some mild salinity if I head south at all. It's also fairly shallow and easy to sand bar, especially at low tide!
Motor S/N is 4012090453
1. So I was doing preventative maintenance with the motor. The prior owner (original owner) told me he had never changed the plugs. In fairness I got the boat with only 188 hrs on it. So I changed them. Took forever to figure out what plugs to use. It had Delco 41-932 (makes me think someone changed them at some point since they weren't VP.). I replaced with Delco 41-993. Also changed the rotor and cap. There was green corrosion on both those parts and the tops of the plugs. I'm getting backfiring now. I gapped the plugs to .060 like the manual says but I'm wondering if that was right. I've seen several places say its down to .035 and other that its .045-.049. Still backfiring under load only. Always stalls a few seconds after first start and stays running after second attempt. Photos at the link below
2. Going to change the Fuel filter to see if that's part of the issue. Currently has a Racor 320R-R02. Ended up buying a VP 3847644. Prior owner went to change it and could NOT unseat the Racor filter from the housing. I haven't tried yet. Tips for unseating? Is this the right filter? That Racor has a drain at the base. The VP does not. Is that a problem?
3. Tachometer wasn't working when I bought it. About 3 weeks ago the drive trim gauge died. Don't know where to begin. Not sure what I'm even looking for in the boat. I've heard about "sending units" but no clue where to look for them.
4. The glove box and cooler/cubby console (starboard side) has fallen apart (got it this way). Prior owner said there was a recall and the dealer also switched something up with this console and eventually it just fell apart. I haven't gotten photos, but basically it seems like there should be a metal bar the runs along the base of the glove box and along the top of the lower box to support the doors and their hinges. I have the doors/hinges, but no support for them to affix to. Any ideas?
5. Are there two oil filters on this thing? One seems to be attached to the engine not far from the fuel filter (which is separated from the engine) on the starboard side, and another near the exhaust nearer the port side. Initially I though the one closer to the fuel/water filter was a secondary fuel filter (eyes are getting old) but it clearly says that it's an oil filter and that's where I believe an oil filter is supposed to be, LOL.
6. Last question. I need to change the impeller (it's also never been changed from what the original own told me). It's below the deck line in my boat and the bench support walls really make it tough to do much in the engine. Can those be removed? If so, any guidance as to how to go about that?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sR8zYDa3zfn9YJer6Thanks for any and all help!
Paul