Engine Removal

[GuinnessGuy74]

Hello,<br /><br />I am removing my Mercruiser (Chevy 350) from my boat to rebuild. I have a Seloc Mercruiser service manual and it tells me that the stern drive MUST be removed prior to pulling the engine. Can anybody tell me why this is necessary? I was planning on just unbolting the bell housing from the transmission and cranking the engine out. I have done this plenty of times on cars (I am new to boats..cant ya tell). I know it is not right to "disregard" a service manual, but can someone tell me if the stern drive absolutely has to come off first.....I appreciate all of the help! Thanks<br /><br />Jim

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Engine Removal

To tell the truth, my dad always leaves the stern drive on when he pulls his engine - but he has a 4 cylinder. I suppose it would be possible with a v-8, depends on the clearance, but why would you want to? It isn't difficult to remove, and really simplifies installation. Theoretically, if you reinstalled the engine and did not change the adjustment on the mounts, it would still be lined up, but that's in theroy, not the real world.<br /><br />In case you don't know, the shaft of the stern drive slips into the flywheel, or bellhousing, of the engine quite a ways, and it needs to be properly aligned or you will wear things out in a hurry. (That's why your front mounts have the up and down adjustment on them).

 

[John Boelte]

Re: Engine Removal

I just R&R'd my 3.0 4 cyl; there's no reason to pull the outdrive. That manual is intended for a dealer mechanic, not the back yard mechanic.

 

[sculbert]

Re: Engine Removal

Pull the drive! You will be much happier if you do. IT is only 6 bolts and you might find things like the need to replace your gimbal bearing. I did. Good time to maybe replace the water pump impeller if it hasn't been replaced in a while. Good time to look over the outdrive as well. I would expect for the v8 you would be happier if you did. <br /><br />You might could do it without but since the outdrive is so easy to pull why not pull it.

 

[jlshields]

Re: Engine Removal

Jim, good luck reaching all the bolts in the bellhousing!! Couldn't get to all of them in my 25' cruiser. And getting things lined up when you drop the engine back in would be a trick too. Can't climb under it like in a car or truck.

 

[flashback]

Re: Engine Removal

you will need to pull the drive to get the engine back in, so you may as well pull it now and make life a little easier...........

 

[GuinnessGuy74]

Re: Engine Removal

Thanks for all the replys.....As far as alignment goes, is it necessary to use the alignment tool. Can't you tell by how easy the shaft slides into the coupler, whether or not it is aligned. After all, the tool looks like nothing more than a shaft anyways. Please excuse my ignorance, but I am new to boats. Again, thanks for all the help!<br /><br />Jim

 

[rybad]

Re: Engine Removal

Jim.. this is wierd.. I posted the SAME question about a month ago, and got the same answers.<br /><br />I pulled my OMC 350/5.7 to replace a cracked block. I could easily pull the engine with the drive on (I have a '29 Four Winns), but it's impossible to line up the shaft when reinstalling. So, you will need to remove the outdrive. Like flashback said, its not hard, and you definately want to use the alignment tool (otherwise you'll be pulling it again to replace your gimbal bearing very shortly).<br /><br />I had some difficulty pulling/reinstalling the outdrive (it was my first time). I recommend getting a few guys to help you with that part. Also, make sure you replace any gaskets or seals from pulling the drive.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[snowmon]

Re: Engine Removal

Hi,<br />What outdrive do you have. If 350 most likely an Alpha and no transmission so drive shaft is direct to coupler and you have to pull the drive. Doubt you have a tranny. Also if Alpha make sure that your shifter is in forward gear otherwise drive will not come off.<br />Good luck,<br />Snowmon

 

[anesthes]

Re: Engine Removal

On my boat, the pully's are about 1/2" away from the raised floor. <br /><br />My boat (originally 4-cyl) I have to bring the motor in at an angle. <br /><br />In theory, if you have a good 6 inches forward you could pull it forward, then up, but why? <br /><br />And like other folks said, realigning it is going to be a nightmare. <br /><br />-- Joe

 

[GuinnessGuy74]

Re: Engine Removal

Actually, I do have a transmission. The boat is a 1980 Sea Ray 25' Sundancer. The outdrive is a Bravo, according to the manual (serial # on side). Thats probably the reason why I am asking about alignment. I have the space to move forward, so without adjusting the motor mounts the transmission and drive should stil be aligned, provided I can just line up the splines on the way back in. So thats why I thought I could do it without pulling the drive. But I see all of your points, I just really didn't want to have to spend $100 on a shaft (aka "alignment tool). Thanks again for all of your input and I will keep you posted how it turns out! <br /><br />Jim

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Engine Removal

Jim, what type of transmission do you have?<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine Removal

A Bravo Doesn't have a Transmission...........<br />

so without adjusting the motor mounts the transmission and drive should stil be aligned,

Nope........<br />It'll Never Happen..........<br />We're talking Thousands of an Inch here.......<br /><br />Do it Right,<br />Or,<br />You'll be Doing it Again..... Very Soon.......

 

[GuinnessGuy74]

Re: Engine Removal

Ok, you are right....it's probably not a Bravo (since they came out in 88 or so and my boat is an 80), or an Alpha (also later than 80). So from some research I came to the conclusion it is a Type I. I cant find any website to check the serial number to be sure (OC5831??). Also, What I took to be a tranny is probably just a bell housing cover for the engine coupler....again just a guess (the Seloc manual I have doesn't have many pictures, just like chiltons for cars, covers too many years). There are 2 motor mounts on the front (one on each side) and 2 more on the engine coupler housing?? I was going to just unbolt the Bell housing and try and pull it that way since I can see about 6 inches of the shaft from the coupler to the transom, only removing the two front mounts. That was my original idea. But now I see all of your points and I should just pull the drive off anyways (i have no idea how far in that shaft goes). Thanks again, as this learning process continues.................<br /><br />Jim