Pulling motor

[solasylum]

Ok....I am getting ready to pull my MerCruiser 165 inboard out of the boat for a minor overhaul (if there is such a thing). The motor looks like it should come out fairly easy. There are two motor mounts and then small things like fuel lines, starter electrical wires, and such. My one question is, is there anything I need to know about where the motor connection to the outdrive begins? Will the motor just slip out of there? If so, are there any specifics I should be aware of while doing this? Is there an alignment to keep in mind? Anything else?

This will be a learning experiecen and would like to shorten the curve if possible.

Thanks for any and all help!

Scott

[jpollman]

Hi Scott,

let me first say that I am NOT a marine mechanic but have pulled/replaced several car engines over the years. Last year my dads 24' Sea Ray needed a new engine. We decided we could handle the job ourselves. It wasn't that bad of a job to do. I just wish we'd had an overhead crane or hoist to pull it with though. We ended up using a cherry picker that worked but it would have been easier with another type of hoist.

Once you have all of the connections removed, (electrical, control, fuel, etc) it's pretty easy. Once you've removed the outdrive you should be just about ready to lift the engine out. There is probably only 4 mounts that will hold it in place. (2 front and 2 rear) Just support the weight of the engine with your hoist, remove the mounts and pull her out.

Once your rebuild is done YOU WILL have to have it realigned before trying to use it !!!! This is CRITICAL !!! We pulled and reinstalled the new engine but took it to the Sea Ray dealer to have them align it. It wasn't that expensive and we felt better in having an experienced mechanic to that part of the job. But overall my dad probably saved at least $2k-$3k on the job.

Good luck.

[solasylum]

John....is it necessary to pull the outdrive off? I have a overhead hoist at my disposal so this should help make the job easier. I just figured you could unmount the motor and the motor could be pulled away from the connection to the outdrive?

I just don't want to get halfway into the job and then have to get stuck.

Scott

[jpollman]

Hi Scott.

Again, I'm not a mechanic and have only done this once but I would think that you should pull the outdrive. You might be able to get the engine OUT without removing the outdrive but I don't see how you would be able to get the engine back IN if the outdrive is in place. You wouldn't be able to align the driveshaft and get it back in place properly. It really isn't that hard to pull the outdrive. You might consider trying to get access to a manual for your particular boat/engine combo. That would give you the step by step procedure for your particular model.

Good luck.

P.S.

The overhead hoist will be a BIG asset. When we did my dads 350 we had to flatten the rear tires on the trailer in order to get the transom low enough for the engine to clear it. It BARELY made it too. It was FUN getting the new one back in too ! :)

[Lunker]

YEs pull the outdrive, its the only way it will come out. Thats also a very good tip about realigning your gimble bearing. Thats done with an old outdrive shaft.... in case you have one. if not better get it done. O and its always a tight squeese have fun!

[solasylum]

Ok...I was told to have the throttle in forward when removing the engine. Does anybody know why this is?

I will remove the outdrive.

Scott

[jpollman]

I'm not exactly sure why but when we pulled our outdrive the book said to have it in Forward gear I think. I think it must have something to do with the position of the actuator arm. As far as the throttle goes, I don't see why it would matter what position the throttle is in when you remove the engine.

[sausageman]

You must pull the outdrive off first. The drive shaft will not allow you to pull the engine out of position. Before you pull the outdrive put the boat in forward gear, this engages the clutch so the clutch plate stays in alignment. I am not a mechanic, I have replaced the V-8 twice in my boat. It is not a bad job if you have some mechanical experience

[Lunker]

Yeah thats right on, must be in Forward to pull the outdrive. O and get a gasket kit for your outdrive if you havent already.