Try to unscrew the fuel suction pipe out of the tank. There is a fine mesh screen in the tube that may be partially plugged. Pitch the screen, put it back together then take the boat for a ride. Make sure all the fuel connections are tight and leak free.
You do not need a high pressure fuel...
If you get a mercruiser pump just make sure the fitting threads are the same.
If your pump does not operate electrically you may just have a worn out set of brushes. They are not hard to replace and no special tools are needed, just patience. These are the same pumps used on OMC outboards.
Was there a spring with 2 washers under the center of the top cover? They could have gotten sideways when you installed the cover. If there are too many shims on the center post of the upper gear housing that could also cause a bind. I cannot think of any thing else that causes the problem you...
There is a “O” ring that goes around the outer perimeter of the water pump housing that is to aid in keeping exhaust gasses from entering the incoming cooling water. You may have put the plastic thrust washer upside down.
The large sealing ring that seals the lower section of the upper housing...
Mercruiser recommends connecting the drive supply water to the incoming supply from the thru-hull fitting via a “Y” connectIon along with a valve inside the hull. With this arrangement the engine can be ran with a common flush out.
You lucked out it brought you home. Take the cover off the upper housing and look at the gearset. If there was an oil leak then those gears are the first to go. Look at the propeller shaft seals for any monofilament fishing line.
If your drive is an Alpha 1 there is a 1/4” oil transfer hole...
Most likely the gimbal bearing is the noise. A dry bearing or a gear going away in the drive would not have lasted 12 miles. Hopefully you will only need the upper resealed, a gimbal bearing,yoke, maybe 2 joints and a bellows.
Not cheap but less than a whole drive.
When the rams were rebuilt did you get the most forward piece out of the tube? That is the one with the smallest “O” ring which is about 1/2” o d ?
Where did you source the “O” rings? The only place where you might find a perfect match is an aircraft supply location.
The real problem is that...
Since Ford engines are stronger than the chevies I have seen more than once where core plugs got pushed out and the block survived. Probably the thing to do first is to pull the engine and inspect it. If you lucked out and the block is good just buy new manifolds and use the boat.
You should...
This is my 67 XL, 32 valve 4.6 from a 98 MK8LSC. T45/3.70.
9 year project. This was taken in Tennessee on the 2010 Hot Rod Power tour.
The auto graph on the apron is Bill Elliot While we were in Dawsonville at the Moonshine Festival.
You have to read closely on the gasket if sealant can or cannot be used.
I once saw a head gasket blow completely out from under the head when someone used Copper Coat when no sealant was to be used.
I learned from an old engine machinst about Chrome Aluminum spray painting the gasket which...
Just to be sure stick a long Phillips screwdriver in each of the head bolt holes. I have have never seen an inline GM block that where the bolt holes were closed. I always used #2 Permatex on the threads.
