Alpha One Transom removal

[Benny67]

Curious to see if anybody has attempted to remove a transom assembly without pulling the motor.

I have a leak that I need to fix before I launch in the spring that I THINK.... might be the exhaust pipe. In order for me to fix it I need access to the bolts that attach the pipe to the transom plate. There is NO WAY to reach them with the motor in the boat.

Instead of pulling the motor and being able to remove the pipe, then change the gasket and re tighten, I am wondering if I can just remove the transom plate and leave the motor in place and then re install the transom after the pipe is replaced.

I know its not difficult to pull the motor it's just that the boat is 27ft and on stands. In order for me to pull it (It's a merc 470) I would have to build a whole elaborate gallows style stand and then have to work under the hanging motor or build another stand to work under while the motor is resting on top of it.

Once I confirm the bad exhaust I wanted to have a plan of action...anybody have any ideas?

 

[Rick Stephens]

Can't pull the transom plate without first removing the exhaust pipe. And the motor sits on the transom plate. So no, can't be done that way.

 

[Benny67]

yea...figured it would be like that.

Well, I hope I am wrong about the pipe and it turns out to be something else. I did have some water in the u joint boot but I am not fully convinced it was the cause of my leak.

Seeing the weather is going to be so mild this weekend in the north-east I'll have some free time I can take advantage of and do some more poking around and see if I can find the culprit

 

[jbcurt00]

Can you remove the doghouse, pull the motor and slide it forward onto some cribbing?

Leaving it in the boat but not overhead while you work?

 

[Benny67]

No... I would have to build a gantry and hang it temporarily. My though was to bring it up and rest it on a stand made from 4x4s and plywood resting on the edge of the rails but leaving it on it's chains and having the overhead fixture holding the majority of the weight.

At least it's not a small block...the 470 should only weigh in the ballpark of 400 lbs I would assume.

 

[Benny67]

it's a 27ft Carver and the motors (2) are below deck

 

[Benny67]

Well, I confirmed today that the exaust is leaking by clogging the 2 exhaust holes at the bottom of the transom and filling the pipe with dyed water with the drive off and the bell housing tilted up to hold the water in.

Just as I suspected it ran directly into the bilge..... S***t

Anyway, I can't tell if it's a rotted pipe or just loose screws or something else.

Has anybody have to tackle this kind of job before and have some advice?

I think if I am able to lift the motor and shift it forward about a foot it might be enough to get at the pipe.

Suggestions?

 

[Bt Doctur]

It`s best to remove it and place it in a safe location to work on the transom area. Even the best equipment can break and you don't really want to become "DEAD"

 

[Benny67]

Please, I have a little more on the ball than to put myself in danger. I think I can pull this off without getting crushed by a falling 4 cylinder. I am a manufacturing supervisor for industrial/high voltage electronics company so I have a clue on safety but thanks for your concern.

I'm looking for people's past experiences so I can either use their ideas or expand on it to make this easier so if anyone has anything to share please step up

 

[Benny67]

There's not a lot I can find in the search database here on this topic

 

[Rick Stephens]

Only hard part of removing an engine is getting something to lift it with. Rest of the job is a snap. Sorry to say you are in for it. Doesn't sound like any other way. You can probably just lift and swing it over the other motor. It will be very easy at that point to access the entire transom plate assembly.

Best of luck on it.

 

[Benny67]

Yea...it's a bummer that it's gotta come out

The one time I wish my boat was smaller.i?