Mercruiser 5.0 engine replacement how to -- help?

[bullishpip]

My wife and I bought a 205 Bayliner in with a 5.0 MerCruiser 220hp ( NON fuel injected ) from new in 2005. Things have been going well up until I made a mistake thinking the warm garage would be enough to keep the block warm enough not to freeze which has bitten me hard this year due to a cracked block. I am now looking to swap out the motor to replace the cracked block. I've gotten a quote of quotes for around 7k to do this work at the shop. After looking around at the rebuilt engine prices and complexity of this motor I'm sure I can swap the motor myself with a little bit of help of course .

Is there already a engine swap 'How To' thread somewhere I've missed?

I've gleaned a couple of sets of instructions from various different sites but have not found a well documented process yet.

I acknowledge swapping out a motor is no walk in the park, takes time, patients, the right knowledge, the right tools and the right working environment. I've got the time, tools, patient and environment. I'm looking for the right knowledge now

Any tips, links, books or recommendations on the best way to go about purchasing the right motor and swapping it out myself would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks All!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser 5.0 engine replacement how to -- help?

Welcome aboard!

If you go to the top of the page, you will see some permanent "stickey" posts - one has technical data in it that you will find helpful, including the appropriate Mercruiser manual.

What you are attempting isn't difficult if you have the time and resources.

Basically you need to pull the outdrive, then disconnect the wiring harness, fuel line, hose and any power steering issues. Remove the two rear mount bolts and unbolt the front mounts from the stringers and pull the engine.

Then you can remove your externals and bolt them onto your new engine. Ask questions on specifics along the way.

One thing to consider is going to a 350 instead of a 305 - same dimensions, etc, but better power.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Mercruiser 5.0 engine replacement how to -- help?

$7K..wow. You can have a remanufactured longblock (block including the heads) delivered to your door from rapido marine for like $1600. And it will include a gasket kit that you will need too.

The tricky part will be to have a hoist that can lift out your old motor and lift in your new motor. I've seen people pay a wrecker service to do it and it only cost like $50 or something. I used a big tree and a come along (not the safest thing to do). Maybe a local shop will hoist it out for a fee. Also, you may want to consider buying an engine stand from Harbor Freight Tools.

But, as said above, unbolting the engine isn't all that hard... you'll also need to disconnect the exhaust.

You'll have to bolt on your intake manifold/carb, alternator, starter, water pump, timing chain cover, oil pan, oil pump... not that hard if the motor is sitting in your garage.

I highly recommend doing it yourself. I've done it and I'm no genius. You will learn a lot about your motor.. give you the opportunity to replace anyting that may look old or worn.

Good luck! Keep us posted on the progress.

 

[bullishpip]

Re: Mercruiser 5.0 engine replacement how to -- help?

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm sure I can do it and am looking forward to the challenge and accomplishment of doing the engine swap.

So I can swap from to a 350 from a 305 (5.0 a assume?) with ease?

Is 305 and 5.0 references to the same engine?

Thanks again for the info!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser 5.0 engine replacement how to -- help?

So I can swap from to a 350 from a 305 (5.0 a assume?) with ease?

Is 305 and 5.0 references to the same engine?

Yep, the 305 and 5.0 - same engine. (350 = 5.7)

Externally there is absolutely no difference between the 5.0 and the 5.7.

 

[83Evinrude]

Re: Mercruiser 5.0 engine replacement how to -- help?

So I can swap from to a 350 from a 305 (5.0 a assume?) with ease?

If your 2005 has the original engine then its a Vortec. All accessories from a Vortec 5.0L (305) will bolt on to a Vortec 5.7L (350) like manifolds, water pump, oil pan, starter, etc. I think the Vortec's started about 1996.

Is 305 and 5.0 references to the same engine?

Yes, its the same engine