115 crossflow exhaust bubble removal?

[sutor623]

Hey fellas, long time no see.

I recently got a '92 115 v4 to put on one of my project boats. Motor is in good shape, but has been run in some salt.

I drilled 3 1" holes in the lower cowl to change out the stats without pulling the powerhead. PITA, but got her done. Broke the center bolt off in the block and managed to drill it out and get a helicoil in it WITHOUT pulling the powerhead

Anyways, got her started up and running. Running great, but to my dismay there is exhaust leaking out from the very bottom of the exhaust bubble.

That being said, I know that the thermostat bolts are prone to breaking off, as mine did, but how about the exhaust bubble bolts? Some of the heads on the bottom side are a bit rusty. I was wondering if I should just put a 1/4" drive socket on and ease them out, and if I break one Ill have to pull the powerhead.

Or, I could just pull the powerhead and put the impact on the bolts at a low setting to ensure none of them break off.

I was under the impression that the oil in the exhaust helps to lube the bolts and prevent them from seizing.........

 

[boobie]

I would pull the powerhead. That way you could replace all the gaskets at the same time and be done with it. JMHO.

 

[interalian]

You should be able to remove the butt without removing the powerhead. I managed to R&R my thermostats without adding holes in the pan. I was lucky to have a freshwater 140 motor to wrench on though. For the record, there's one bolt inside the cover, so don't try and prise the entire butt off - start with the outer part.

 

[jimmbo]

I was under the impression that the oil in the exhaust helps to lube the bolts and prevent them from seizing.........

Most of the bolts are in blind holes, the ones exposed to the exhaust are usually crudded up with carbon, which doesn't aid in their removal