2000 Mercruiser 3.0 fuel pump gasket

[cicatriz63]

Hey guys, I have a 2000 Glastron with a Mercruiser 3.0 that I got last year as a first ever boat. I ran it last year with minimal issues but now this year I'm starting to dig in with all the maintenance and what not before we get into the new season. I started it up on muffs and I noticed there was a small oil leak which I believe is coming from the fuel pump. On closer inspection it looks like the fuel pump was removed at some point and when they put it back in they just used RTV on it and did a real sloppy job. So I ordered a new gasket figuring I would replace it even if that isn't the source and when I got it I was surprised how thick it was. Also reading on how to replace it some say the engine needs to be on its lowest downstroke but I don't see that in the manual anywhere. Also some say the pump is operating directly on the cam and others from a pushrod but which is it? I'm just trying to get as much info as I can so I can be prepared when I remove it. Is there anything else I should know or is this a pretty straightforward swap?

 

[Bt Doctur]

GM 4`s and GM inline 6`s operate from the camshaft, some Ford`s operate from the camshaft
GM V-6`s and V-8`s use a rod driven from the cam

 

[cicatriz63]

Thanks for the clarification on that! So the manual makes no mention of the engine on the lowest downstroke, any tips I should know to put it in? Or is that the tip? Also will the gasket with the spacer make any difference?

 

[havoc_squad]

Minimal appropriate RTV sealant on both sides of gasket with the RIGHT gasket part should be good enough.

I must emphasize the need to get the right gasket part number.

There are different gasket sizes for different motors using the same fuel pump, and if you get the wrong one, the fuel pump will overpressure or not function.