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wrote:

Amen, about the springs being the weak point. I have a 1976 Slickcraft
SS245 with a 351 ford. Foward sping broke twice on me about 4 years
ago, 20 miles out in lake superior.
Still have the boat, and is working at this time. Have it up for sale,
but do need to take it out and make sure all is well. Want to make
sure the boot is still sound.
BTW how much work is it to replace the springs oneself.
Al

The 351 is a lot of torque for the Electramatic... I not surprised
you've had trouble.

The forward coil is the furthest in. If it's been apart a couple of
times, it may not be that bad to disassemble and put back - it is a
fairly simple arrangement, but now I would be concerned about the
condition of the electrical pigtail which must be fished through the
housings twice more - out & back in. They get brittle and crack easily
with age, and I'm not sure replacements are available anymore.

Rob