[Firecop119]

Hello all. I just bought a 1998 204 jubilee that can't get its butt out of the water. I have changed props with no help. I finally took it to the local marine and he did some home work on it and he says it has a v8 out drive and I have a 6. He also called merc and gave them all the id numbers and they said that boat was order with the package v6 and a v8 out drive which screws up the gear ratio. Why would anyone do this or is my marina taking me for a ride. If I put more than 3 people in the boat it won't get over 10mph. Please help clear this up. If u want to call and talk that would be great. Pm me for my number. Thanks everyone

[mikeyt]

You haven't mentioned the most important pieces of info. 4.3? Alpha outdrive? EFI / Carbed? What's the gear ratio on the existing outdrive?

If its a 4.3 & Alpha outdrive it usually came with a 1.62, 1.65 or 1.81

[Firecop119]

Oops I'm sorry. It's carbed And I think he said it has a 181 in it now which is geared for a v8 the v6 should have the 162. I might have that backwards and its a alpha one

[mikeyt]

If its carbed then the 1.62 or 1.65 was the correct ratio. If its an Alpha drive then that's the correct outdrive for it. The Alpha 1.81 ratio was used for the some of the earlier 4.3L engines (with lower hp ratings) along with some of the newer ones used in the Sea-Fox versions (less weight than the original Mariahs) but not used in a V8. V8 engines usually came with 1.65 down to 1.47 ratio outdrives. Bravo 3 outdrives were the exception to this. You might want to find another "mechanic".

[Firecop119]

sorry it took so long to get back with ya. it has a 1.81 on it right now and the mechanic says that's to much for it. he is a very reputable mechanic.he was recommended by some charter boat captains I know. with that gear ratio woud it be hard to get that boat moving with weight in it and if not what ratio would be good and what would a good average price be for all the repair. sorry for all the questions but I really appreciate the help

[ipgregory]

My 04 SC21 has a 4.3carb and a 1.81 Alpha 1.


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[Firecop119]

ok I goofed. it has a 1.62 not a 1.81 plus the mechanic today told me that it has the original plugs wire and cap and had a miss so im having him change them out

[mikeyt]

You goofed? Didn't your 'mechanic' tell you it had a 1.82 and the gear ratio was 'all wrong' for that motor? Or did u just misunderstand him....

And how the hell would your 'mechanic' know that the engine has the original plugs?

[Firecop119]

I'm the one that misunderstood him. I had it backwards. And I'm just going by what he said on the plugs. He said it started to jump spark and miss when the engine was under load