Replacing an Outboard engine

[canyonrider]

I am considering giving up on my old Force engine and replacing it with a new OB engine. How difficult is this to do? Is this something one can do themselves or is this best left to the professionals? Any thoughts?

 

[Randybeall]

Re: Replacing an Outboard engine

It is not execssivly hard, if you are good with hand tools and have access to a safe place to change the engines it is a satisfing project. There is more to it than just the engine, remote control, steering cable fitment and throttle/gear cables all will require matching to the new power plant. Wiring will also most likely be different.

 

[countvlad]

Re: Replacing an Outboard engine

I am considering giving up on my old Force engine and replacing it with a new OB engine. How difficult is this to do? Is this something one can do themselves or is this best left to the professionals? Any thoughts?

depending how heavy the motor is i would definetly get an extra hand or two... engine hoist or build one... etc

and no, it is not difficult... disconnect harness, fuel, oil(if you have), controls, then unbolt from the transom.... make sure when you get the new motor to seal the transom bolts with RTV or equivalent to prevent any water leaks inside the transom.... good luck

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Replacing an Outboard engine

I have an engine hoist and I change engines more often than I change underwear. Takes about an hour for a large engine, same brand swap, different brand takes longer because wiring and controls must also be changed.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Replacing an Outboard engine

Frank,

You didn't state your underwear brand, but you might want to check your manuals:

Force: Change daily
Merc: Change every 2 to 3 years
Evinrude/Johnson: Change every 30 years, but change lower oil every fall (but check for 'leaks' and 'gasket blow-outs' periodically)

Jim

11 years and counting on my trusty (and comfortable) Johnsons!

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Replacing an Outboard engine

Frank,

You didn't state your underwear brand, but you might want to check your manuals:

Force: Change daily
Merc: Change every 2 to 3 years
Evinrude/Johnson: Change every 30 years, but change lower oil every fall (but check for 'leaks' and 'gasket blow-outs' periodically)

Jim

11 years and counting on my trusty (and comfortable) Johnsons!

35 years on the BIG JOHNSON. and still counting.

 

[dontask]

Re: Replacing an Outboard engine

Frank,

You didn't state your underwear brand, but you might want to check your manuals:

Force: Change daily
Merc: Change every 2 to 3 years
Evinrude/Johnson: Change every 30 years, but change lower oil every fall (but check for 'leaks' and 'gasket blow-outs' periodically)

Jim

11 years and counting on my trusty (and comfortable) Johnsons!

But you guys forgot Yamaha-----never change! (well other than the water pump, for the fun of it).

 

[jdlough]

Re: Replacing an Outboard engine

Biffle,

I just checked your profile.

85HP? You call that BIG? Why, the pee stream on my 175HP JOHNSON affects my steering! I gotta turn 20degrees to port just to counter its effect! It's knocked seagulls outta the sky....scares off Great Whites....I could go on... There's a clean line on my dock pilings where it's pressure washed off the barnacles... Sometimes I leave it in neutral and take the kids tubing on the power of the peestream itself...Haven't heard much about "El Nino" lately? No coincidence, my 175's Southerly Pee Stream blew it away...I'm considering dumping some chemicals off the bow as I head up the Chesapeake and cropdusting the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland...

I could go on, but I gotta stop by the bank for a loan, to arrange for it's next gasoline shipment....


On the other hand, that's a Hellova Truck!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Replacing an Outboard engine

Well, My 1967 Chrysler 55 bought new left over for 600 bucks in 1968 is still running. I made (two) eight day trips up the Hudson River to Canada and back and used to water ski every weekend behind it until I got too heavy for slalom. She will still haul me on two skis, but that's no fun. But, Lately, I am getting disgusted! I have needed to change the water pump impeller--Newfangled rubber only lasts about 20 years. LOL

Seriously, very simple engine. Keep 'er in 50-1 oil and she will run forever.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Replacing an Outboard engine

Frank,

Are you saying you've gone 42 YEARS without an underwear change? (Beats my record)

I can understand why you're getting disgusted.

You might want to talk to some folks over at "Dockside Chat". I think their motto is "Don't Ever Change"

But seriously, as Frank says, If changing an OB, try to stay within the same brand, in the same era. Or DO YOUR RESEARCH on controls, cables, etc... Especially in the last 15-20 years or so, lots of cables are 'quick connect' or are otherwise compatible between brands. Don't change motors TOO often though....those extra 5200-filled holes in the transom start to look worrisome to later buyers.

And Frank, I hope you know we're just goofing around here. I'm sure your underwear's at least as clean as an '85 Bayliner's bilge....

And 'dontask'? Yammi's may be more bullet-proof than I ever imagined.
I just bought a Whaler-clone for the teenage kids that had a mid-90's 85HP Yamaha on it. Hadn't been run in years. I knocked off 2 mud-wasp nests on the outside of it, hooked it up to his 3-year old gas, and it ran fine. Tested 135psi for all cylinders. We ran it for 3 weeks at home, then I took off the cowling again for some reason. Happened to look inside the cowling. There was a REAL wasp nest, about the size of a VHS tape, attached to the upper-inside of the cowling with about 40 confused wasps on it.

Sorry for the semi-thread hijack. Back to topic. Any medium and above motor, after you remove the cowling, will have a hole, or hook, or place to attach a "J" hook with chain on top of the motor, to hoist the motor up.
An engine hoist or some sort of "A" frame is the best, but sometimes you can get away with backing the boat under a helpful tree limb, bend the limb down a bit, attach the old motor, bend the limb up again with some buddies, then drive the boat away. (Of course, now you've got an old motor hanging from the tree like a pinata, but that at least solves part of the problem)

Jim

 

[jdlough]

Re: Replacing an Outboard engine

Frank,

Yeah, that Dang Canadian water really cuts down on impeller life.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Replacing an Outboard engine

If you are thinking about a NEW engine, you may have to have the rigging done by the dealer for warranty purposes.

If it is a used motor, then it is a straightforward task if you do your research before hand..

Engine hoist works best. Three hours is a good time frame if you have never done it. You can also do most fo the control work prior to the hanging or unhanging of the motor..