1986 Mercruiser 470 coolant leak through weep hole

[Blueghost924]

My brother in law is in the market for a boat, and has run across a 23 foot boat with the infamous Mercruiser 170. The gentleman on the phone told him that it seemed to leaking antifreeze at the bottom of the weep hole. He also told my brother in law that there's about a foot of clearance in front of the engine, and that it should be no big deal changing out the pump or seals. I'm thinking it will be a big deal, and will probably need the motor to be removed. At any rate, I don't see this as being a minor fix.

Thoughts?

 

[Bt Doctur]

You do have to have the room to drop the oil pan to repair it properly

 

[stonyloam]

You do not need to drop the pan, timing chain cover and pump housing can be removed with not too much problem. The risk is damaging the pan gasket where it seals against the cover, but that can be repaired without removing the pan. It is not a real big deal, with that much room, no need to touch the front motor mount either. Read this: http://www.sterndrives.com/470information/470coolantleakrepair.html no special tools needed, should cost about $100 in parts, take a day to do it. Lots of guys have done it here, plenty of help if you need it.

 

[Bondo]

My brother in law is in the market for a boat, and has run across a 23 foot boat with the infamous Mercruiser 170.

Ayuh,..... So tell 'im to keep lookin',......