Mercruiser 305 engine replacement

[tjpries]

My 1988 Blue water has a 305 mercruiser in it, the block is cracked, oily foam comes out of the valve covers. I need to replace the engine. But first I need to take this one out. Do I have to remove the sterndrive first? Never removed an inboard/outboard motor before.Can I remove the engine with out messing with the sterndrive? I dont know but would like to get started. All and any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Any thought on the cheapest way to go to get this thing running again, engine swap or repair this, long block, short block?Thanks in advance

 

[wickedcool16]

Re: Mercruiser 305 engine replacement

You have to remove stern drive first, then engine comes out. Couple of bolts and wires. Easy as pie!

 

[delsol]

Re: Mercruiser 305 engine replacement

trust me , i for some reason thought it was hard after working on cars for lots of years , so i payed a shop and they did a very bad job..i was shocked at how easy the motor bolts in . at first i thought their were 20 bolts at the flywheel area holding it in ....boy was i schocked. do it yourself. dont make the mistake i made..
bob

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser 305 engine replacement

As the posters above mentioned, you do need to pull the outdrive before pulling the engine, but the good news is that it is an easy job. Here's a link showing how:
http://mercstuff.com/alpharemoval.htm

After pulling the outdrive, the engine comes out easily too. There is only two bolts at the back mount, and then remove the bolts, (usually lag bolts) holding the front mounts to the stringer. Unhook the hoses and electrical and yank away!