How can i get my engine off the stand so i can fill lower unit oil and start it up?

[Russell PTA]

i got this old boat, its a 1972 engine and baot. i want to see if the engine works. the trim's hydraulic pump is shot, and i may have another on my spare parts engine. i "think" i have the hydraulic fluid drained, but it still wont let me lift the engine to get it off its rest. any help is much appreciated. i want to see if the engine runs before i invest any money into the trim system.

 

[kmarine]

Re: How can i get my engine off the stand so i can fill lower unit oil and start it u

You will need someone to pull up on the engine while removing motor brace. I believe there is a relief valve screw on the cylender. Not sure where on your engine. you may have to look up a schmatic for your model.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: How can i get my engine off the stand so i can fill lower unit oil and start it u

There is no relief valve and it is a good bet that when last set into the transom saver, the down tilt was activated to seat it firmly. If you can not lift the engine, this tells you that at least, that particular valve is not leaking.

At this point, you need to remove the up and down lines from the pump (to the tilt cylinder) Then, you will be able to lift the engine free from the transom saver. Trace the lines from the cylinder--- Off the top of my head, I think they are the rearmost two. I do see that you have two lines removed already but they appear to be the trim cylinder lines.

Once you replace the pump, the whole system is self bleeding. Fill the reservoir with correct fluid and cycle the tilt and trim a couple of times to maximum travel. You will need to add fluid while doing it.

 

[Russell PTA]

Re: How can i get my engine off the stand so i can fill lower unit oil and start it u

i've looked but cant find anything yet. when i lift on the engine it puts all the force on the transom. i'll try to find a relief screw, but i've never worked on an outboard before. thanks for the help. i'll keep checking back if anyone else has any ideas.

 

[Russell PTA]

Re: How can i get my engine off the stand so i can fill lower unit oil and start it u

thanks frank. didnt see your post when i posted. i'll try to get the other 2 lines disconnected now.

edit: i went outside, and both of the remaining nuts are stripped. both were stripped when i got it. the main one is almost round at this point. not sure how i'm going to get them off. i traced them, and they do lead to the top and bottom of the hydraulic piece. guess that is my next step.

 

[stubtail]

Re: How can i get my engine off the stand so i can fill lower unit oil and start it u

If the flats have been rounded on the hydraulic line nuts, you will most likely have to resort to using vise-grips, and that does not bode well for reassembly. Sometimes, there may be enough flat remaining on the nuts to loosen with a "flare nut wrench". These wrenches resemble a six point box-end wrench with a portion of the box cut out to allow the wrench to slip over the hydraulic line. They provide a little more bearing surface on the nut. As for not being able to lift the engine, is it possible that the tilt cylinder is at maximum extension with the transom saver installed? Maybe worth removing the transom saver with help holding the engine so it doesn't drop and incur damage and /or injury.

 

[Russell PTA]

Re: How can i get my engine off the stand so i can fill lower unit oil and start it u

it was at max trim. we removed the stand, and let it down slowly. i filled with fluid, and tried to start her. the starter was turning, but it didnt fire. gonna check for spark here in a bit.