Holding a power head up

[DamianJP]

Hey guys

I am taking my power head off my 1989 XR4 and re doing the seals and gaskets on it. Im using a 1ton engine hoist ( http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-93840.html ) and want to know when I get it off the mid
section what is the best way to hold it up so I can do the other work on the mid section and such with out worrying about it.

Reason why I ask is because the lift that is driving the hoist is like a car jack style lift and I know they say not to leave prolonged weight on the car jacks to use stands instead.

Am I okay to leave the powerhead on the engine hoist (mabey on the lowest position so there is no load on the jack pump itself).


Thank You,
DamianJP

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Holding a power head up

I don't see any problems unless the hydraulics leak. stick a 2X4 between the floor and arm if you are concerned. Oh, and don't lay on the ground under the hoisted powerhead. That's the reason for jackstands.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Holding a power head up

gee, remove the spark plugs and ler her on her back, on the bench. You do not want it flopping around on a chain as you try to remove bolts.

Do yourself a favor and drop the gearcase first. Installing the powerhead with the gearcase installed is a bad idea, as the driveshaft splines will be hard to align with the crankshaft splines.

 

[DamianJP]

Re: Holding a power head up

Hey Chris

Yup the gearcase is the first move I agree. I only did this job once before on my nephews 200HP Offshore and dropped the gear case too. Plus if im doing all this it's time for a water pump too.

Well as for the powerhead placment. Im gonna do the cylinder head(s) gaskets and exhaust manifold seal/gasket when the motor is mounted to the midsection so it's stable. So I might just leave it hanging while I do the mid section work.

Gonna do the upper water tube seal , adapter plate gasket(s) , exhaust tube seal(s) , exhaust manifold seal and gasket and cylinderhead gaskets.


This whole started when I replaced my water pump , thermos , poppit and everything was fine , now it overheats. Will climb to alittle past the half way mark on just a neutral idle. In gear idle to about half throttle it will go up fast and go all the way to H if I let it. If I go half to full throttle and get on her abit it will keep the cooling under control. Then recently it starting to **** steam/air out the tell tale in idle but if I do the warm up rev it will **** good but very hot. Im thinking that the adapter plate gasket and/or upper water tube seal is bad.

Wasnt there a service bulletin with a steam pocket forming or something? Any one have a link for a Mercury's service bulletin?



Thanks,
DamianJP