Recent content by Michael Dowd

Hello All, I am hoping that I might be able to get some guidance and advice on an issue I am having. I have a 2000 Challenger 1800 with the 210HP Mercury Powerhead. The issue I am having is that it is hard to start once the engine has been warmed up and most of the time it will not fire up at...

Hello All, I purchased a parts boat last year because the price was right and getting 23 year old parts is becoming difficult. I was underneath it last week and the factory impeller looks like it is brand new. Currently I have a Solas impeller on my boat. My question is, which one would be...

Hello All, I have a 2000 Challenger 1800 with an OEM Bimini Top and I need to get some replacement parts for it. Does anyone know where I might be able to get parts for it and/or a replacement? I would prefer an OEM to be able to use the existing mounting points and not have additional holes in...

Hello Jim, Is the pump in Neutral? You probably know better but thought I would ask. Mike

Hello All, Does anyone know where I can purchase a new OEM or an aftermarket crank position sensor? Would like to get it with the stator if possible. I have purchased several used units and they do not appear to be in working condition. Thanks, Mike

Hello, I connected mine to the hot lead on the starter solenoid and ground. It is running whenever the battery switch is turned on. Not completely accurate but considered it close enough. Mike

Hello All, After having one to many people determine that the reverse gate looks like a good stepping point I have decided to powder coat bright yellow to make it stand out. My question is has anyone done this and does the powder coating hold up? Thanks, Mike

Hello, The item you have circled in the photo is your horn. You might be leaking from the rubber boots that your forward/reverse and steering cables are sent thru hull in. Mike

Hello, Are you looking to get a different look on the boat or just make it look new again? I have tried for years to replace the factory stickers on mine because of fading with no success. If you are looking to bring it back to the way it was when new I would suggest you look at the Poli...

Hello, I installed a pair of Optima marine batteries in my boat (3) years ago and am happy with them. I chose them because they are gel cells and can withstand more of a beating than a conventional acid/lead battery. They are expensive, $250ish, but in my experience seem to hold up better. I...

I have a 2000 Challenger with the 210 sportjet and have been happy with it. Most of my usage is in saltwater. You are correct that parts are more expensive than the Rotax but I have not had any problems finding parts for mine online to date. Some of them have taken some time to get, but I have...

You may want to consider removing the spark plugs prior to trying to turn it by hand via the flywheel to eliminate compression in the cylinders.

Received my replacement jets and re-build kits last week, assembled everything, and did my water test yesterday. Everything went great! Performing the break-in of the new motor as recommended by the manufacturer now and cannot wait to start having fun with it. Mike

I have seen there products before and I do agree that they do a good job but my intentions are to keep it stock and the original decals/graphics are few far between.

Started to recondition my boat last weekend and am very happy with the results. So far I have only done above the rub rail and am amazed how it brought the color and shine back to the gelcoat and decals. The uniformity in the shine down the entire surface makes it look like it did 20 years ago...