5.7L 350 - 2003 - MAP/ MPI Horizon - Water Distribution Housing ISSUE

[DIY1111]

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Weather dipping to below freezing tonight - went to pump air into the air actuated system to pump raw water out of engine ( tonight ) and after just (2) pumps with the air pump, a big spring popped up at me ( normally, pressurized raw water water would come out of the bottom of the housing ). I found that the top of the Water Dist. Housing popped off, the spring and a white shaft looking thing - came out of the housing.

I sort of see how it all goes back together BUT, cannot figure out what positively holds the cap in place ( the cap has the air fitting and air hose on it ). It has an o-ring but nothing that helps me understand what holds it positively onto the housing.

What holds this cap solidly in place ?

If in a tight spot, can I run the engine without this functioning ?

Fast info appreciated as I do not like the freezing temps and having water in my block !

FYI - serial # 0M634400

 

[Scott Danforth]

put a 60 watt incandescent trouble light in the bilge, it will keep the temp in the bilge above freezing.

then remove that whole air-pump contraption BS that mercruiser puts on their overly complex motor plumbing. you will find that the hoses going to the lower block drains are probably plugged anyway.

 

[DIY1111]

I will be pulling my boat for the season - need to start her to pull her out.

1. For now, can the top cap of this contraption be properly reinstalled ?
2. Can the boat be run without this cap on ? Or is it a necessary part of the cooling system ?
3. If not repairable, if and when I remove this unit, what needs to be done to properly by pass it ?

Thx.

 

[alldodge]

Pretty sure the top cover is glued on and needs to be there, otherwise it leaks.

It can be replaced by making a Tee fitting. Member @Bt Doctur has made them from copper fittings. If your going to stay at idle maybe tape it on
https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/31748/8093/250

 

[DIY1111]

Thanks for the input.

I would normally agree that it gets glued in place. However, there is an O ring around this top cover. And, I don’t see any glue residue. I cannot figure out what holds the top with the air hose fitting onto the body.

I do need some first-hand knowledge so I can attack this properly.

 

[alldodge]

PM Bt Doctur and see if he will respond

 

[Bt Doctur]

click to enlarge

 

[DIY1111]

BT - thanks for response. I haven’t looked at this since last night, and that was under cruddy lighting so I don’t know what the plumbing of the water distribution housing looks like.

The fabricated parts you show - are they a replacement for the water distribution housing ? If so, can you tell me more ?

Thoughts about; I’m hoping I can reinstall this cap part, hold it in place with 3-4 layers of gorilla tape from one side, over top, to the other side - then hose clamp tape to housing. Limp to ramp; think this will work ?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Their standard plumbing fitting soldered together ,the drain plug button is soldered to the bottom and uses a 1/8 pipe plug. The manifold with the hoses can be replaced with copper tubing or left in place and the hoses just looped or the ends capped