Separate 5.7 Mercruiser Alpha at Rear Mounts or Bell Housing?

[cheswest]

Hi All; I am, more or less ready to pull my 1997 Mercruiser to replace the oil pan. I have it undressed / disconnected and ready to go except for wondering if I should separate it at the rear mounts or the bell housing. My research tells me both are possible. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to either or? Cheers Ches

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Pull the drive, unbolt the 4 motor mounts, 'n lift straight up, 'n out,......

It's crazy, 'n Alot more work to pull the flywheel cover in the boat,.....

 

[cheswest]

Thank you so much, Bondo - my thoughts confirmed. I am also thinking that the alignment should be maintained as well during the re-install as I have essentially moved nothing apart from the top nuts on the forward mounts and the two rear mount bolts.

 

[harringtondav]

^^ Ditto It's unlikely you have enough room in front of your engine to slide it forward enough to disengage the out drive engine coupler shaft. And if you were successful, you'd pay hell trying to get the engine threaded back onto the shaft.

 

[Bondo]

Thank you so much, Bondo - my thoughts confirmed. I am also thinking that the alignment should be maintained as well during the re-install as I have essentially moved nothing apart from the top nuts on the forward mounts and the two rear mount bolts.

Ayuh,....... Maybe,...... Maybe not,..... It Still has to be Checked,.....

 

[cheswest]

Roger that. Cheers

 

[achris]

I've lifted and re-installed my engine too many times. I checked the alignment each time, and it remained the same, no adjustment required. But I still check it if an engine has been out, and recommend to anybody pulling an engine, check the alignment when you re-install... Too easy to do expensive damage if you don't.

Chris......