1989 Larson DC 454 engine removal...

[Sasquatch72]

I'm very new to the boat world and recently purchased a 1989 Larson DC with the 454 in it. One of the freeze plugs behind the bell housing needs to be replaced and I'm not quite sure what all it takes to remove the engine to replace it, as far as disconnecting the bell housing portion anyway. I've been a master certified auto technician since 1989, but have never done any boat work. So R&R of a vehicle transmission is easy, but what all do I need to do to remove that portion of the bell housing on my boat? I'm sure I could just go at it and figure it out no problem, but I figured I'd give this a shot first and see what everyone had to say. Thanks in advance!

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1989 Larson DC 454 engine removal...

What type of propulsion is behind the motor?

 

[Sasquatch72]

Re: 1989 Larson DC 454 engine removal...

Sorry about the late reply, but it has a Mercruiser Bravo One behind it. I was talking to someone else here locally and he was saying just to remove the outdrive and I'll be able to take the bell housing portion off then and replace the freeze plugs rather than having to remove the engine assy. But if the engine has to be removed to do it reguardless, does the outdrive still have to be removed, or just supported so the weight doesn't put too much stress on the boat hull?

 

[joncrisler]

Re: 1989 Larson DC 454 engine removal...

You should remove the outdrive (at least the upper gearcase) - this pulls the driveshaft out of the coupler. The coupler is bolted to the flywheel of the engine. Once that is done the engine can be removed. I do not think you can remove the bellhousing without removing the engine. You should find a Clymer or Seloc boat repair manual at least, which will give you the steps needed to pull the engine. For purposes of comparision- my marina charges 8 hours to R&R a big block.

 

[Sasquatch72]

Re: 1989 Larson DC 454 engine removal...

Thanks joncrisler, makes sense to me. They want $600 to R&R the engine here, which isn't so bad I guess, but me being mechanical I usually always just do things myself, especially over an $8 part... lol I just hate to shell out all that money for labor is all. But at the same time I don't want to turn that $8 part into an $800 part by messing something else up in the process. I will go down to the local marine store and see about getting a repair manual anyway, I'm sure I'll need it at some point. Thanks again for the input.

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: 1989 Larson DC 454 engine removal...

With your experience, you should be able to handle the engine pull. The outdrive must come out. You will need an alignment tool for after the engine is re-installed. It's available in many places for about $50. First get yourself a Mercruiser manual fo the engine and one for the outdrive. There are free downloads available from various sites. Basically, remove the outdrive. Disconnect and cap the fuel line. remove the main wiring harness, other wires, and all ground wires. Remove the front engine mounts and rear engine mount bolts. Remove the large exhaust hoses. Disconnect water feed hoses. Remove the power steering pump if you have one; leave the hoses connected. remove the throttle and shift cables. Depending oin the clearances in your engine bay, you might have to remove the exhaust manifolds and risers. Connect your hoist and haul away. Installation is the reverse. If you have room in your engine bay to slide the engine forward, you won't have to lift it out of the boat. You'll have to be the judge of that. Hope this helps. Hy

 

[Sasquatch72]

Re: 1989 Larson DC 454 engine removal...

Right on littlebookworm, very good points there for sure. There's a fair amount of room in the engine compartment, so I don't really think removal will be a big issue at all. My only concerns were the "transmission" area.. lol. Just didn't want to pull a part off and things go flying, don't feel like spending 3 weeks figuring out how to put a puzzle back together. If you happen to have any sites you can send me a link to for the manuals I would appreciate it, I've tried to google them and haven't had much luck. And as far as engine removal, that will be accomplished by the forklift I'm borrowing from a friend.. too easy.