Need engine removal advice

[Broadbandguy]

I hope I'm posting in the right forum. Newbee poster, long time reader. After much reading I need to replace the main drive bearing in my VP AQ131A/275 drive, requiring the engine to be pulled from my '86 16' Bayliner Capri BR. I have just enough confidence to be crazy and attempt myself. My questions are:
1) Has anyone done this combo before?
2) I have zero forward room (see photo) do I need to remove bulkhead before I try lifting?
3) Should I attempt to remove the bell housing prior?
4) Am I posting in the right forum?
Here are some pics to see how tight it is...Bayliner didn't even make room to service the sea water pump, hence the notch out.

Thank you!
John K
Albany, NY

 

[Robert D]

Re: Need engine removal advice

I think you'll find that after removing the 6 bolts on the clamping ring, and your motor mounts, you'll be able to lift it up enough before going forward. Before assembly though, I would rework some things so you have more room for maintenance. Damn, that is tight.

 

[Pesimist]

Re: Need engine removal advice

Assuming you've already pulled the outdrive upper gear unit or the complete drive, and six bolts holding the clamp ring, when you hoist your engine out the nose pivots up allowing you to pull the engine forward and out of the transom shield.

 

[Don S]

Re: Need engine removal advice

You need to remove that carpeted box from in front of the engine. No way are you going to raise the front of the engine high enough to clear that box.