Q. I am varnishing my boat in my garage. After sanding the boat, cleaning the floor, vacuuming the hull then using a tack cloth I still get dirt in my varnish (little speckles on the deck not on the sides).
A. This is an easy one. Take a plastic drop cloth and suspend it over the boat with cloths line. Your dirt is coming from the ceiling in the garage. Movement of air, a truck going past the house, wind… anything can set the minute dust into the air.

Q. I have a Hercules flat head six in my Chris Craft Sportsman. I am replacing the head gasket. What is the correct procedure to torque the head?
A. First chase the threads on the stud bolts with a thread die, clean off any residue, oil the threads with a light oil like 3 and one. Set the head gasket on the block making sure you have the correct side up. Next set the head down on the studs, chase the stud nuts with a tap, clean and oil. Run the nuts down snug then take your good torque wrench and torque all the bolts starting from the center of the head and work outward at 65 1bs. Next start the engine and let it idle for about 10 minutes and retorque the cylinder head. Next launch the boat, run it at about 2,000 RPM for five minutes and retorque again. Finally run the boat wide open throttle for about a minute, bring it back to idle and torque again. Also if you are replacing a head gasket send the head out and have the mating trued up.

Q. What is the difference between a marine carburetor and a automotive carburetor?
A. First of all never use a automotive carburetor, full pump, generator or alternator on a marine engine. A marine carb is jetted differently then an automotive unit. It also is vented internally therefore no gas fumes escape into the engine compartment. A marine fuel pump has a double diaphragm in it. If the main diaphragm starts to leak the second one does not let the fuel to fall into the bilge. It goes either into the crankhose or through a clear tube back into the carburetor. A marine generator or alternator are sealed units that will not let the sparks from the commutator reach the atmosphere

Q. Can I use synthetic oil in my marine engine?
A. Yes and No- If you have a manual marine transmission you can not use synthetic oils or anti-friction marine additives in the oil. On manual marine transmissions they share the oil in the engine crankcase. The anti-friction compounds will make the transmission slip when in gear. If you have a hydraulic transmission like a Borg-Warner Velvet Drive or a Paragon HF-2, HF-7, or 300 series you can use synthetic oil. My recommendation is to stay away from the mult 1 viscosity oils like synthetics and go with the straight 30W or 40W oils.

Q. I want to put a fuel filter in my vintage boat, what kind should I use?
A. So you know the fuel line on vintage boats are also the ground for the fuel tank. So with that in mind we know we cannot use a plastic inline filter. The only kind of fuel filter to use is a type that is all metal that you can run your copper fuel line in and out of. They are made by Mercruser, Sierra and Aqua Power. They come with all the proper fittings and cost about $30 to $43.

Note: You should have a certified marine mechanic install these units. When dealing with the fuel system and its potential for fire its best to use a professional.

Q. Where can I find 6-volt bulbs for my navigation lights on my Chris Craft Sportsman?
A. This is an easy one. Go to your local NAPA store. If they do not have them in stock they can get them in one day.