In water engine work

[khobombed]

1987 cruiser yachts Holiday 25 w 260 Alpha sbc and raw water cooling. The engine is seized and i am looking fervently for a trailer. In the meantime can i break down the engine at all while sitting in water. Ill probably end up twisting in a plug but am hesitant to even take off the thermostat housing while she is in the water. Any advise on how far i can dig into the block while in the water will be appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,...... Disconnect, 'n plug the waterline comin' from the drive, goin' to the t-stat housin', 'n Go for it,....

Ya gotta pull the drive, Before ya pull the block though,....

 

[alldodge]

+1 or stick a piece of PVC pipe in the hose that comes off the thermostat housing, then tie the pipe up high. If the hose is long enough to raise on it's own you can just tie it up. Same thing should happen when the motor is winterized in the water

 

[Bt Doctur]

you sure its the motor and not a drive, starter, etc? Just be cautious with the water inlet hose and the exaust Y pipe.

 

[alldodge]

you sure its the motor and not a drive, starter, etc? Just be cautious with the water inlet hose and the exaust Y pipe.

Very good point BT about the Y-pipe, glad you mentioned it

 

[thumpar]

I would leave the elbows and risers if it has them on the exhaust side. The exhaust is open to water also. You can take the manifolds off though.

 

[Grandad]

If you're going to pull the block and start by pulling the outdrive as Bondo says is necessary, you may want to rethink leaving it in the water. I can't visualize re-installing the outdrive without working underwater to do it. :cold: - Grandad

 

[khobombed]

Thanks everyone. The consensus seems to be to get it out of the water. Good point on the drive as a possible cause for the crank not to turn. The starter clunks mechanically rather than "ticks" electrically so I already have some clues. Actually, the drive is a project itself. It was left raised while in the water and it won't go down. In fact there is a sheen of oil that forms when trying to lower it. So cylinders and lines will be looked at closely. The prior owner was not too forthcoming on the history of the boat and given that I paid so little for it, it will serve as a great learning platform.Just need to pull it out and get it to a nice warm dry work area.The wife already claimed it and fell for it so she wants is out and running soon.With that, I'm going to dig into some of these forums :ranger: and learn from others.