1992 200hp Evinrude XP motor mounts

[Blake0912]

I have a 200hp XP on the back of a bass boat that has the case of the "shakes" it moves side to side about 3/4" I believe either the top motor mounts are worn and/or the swivel bushing is worn out. How hard of a job is this to tackle? I can do basic maintenance like water pump/carbs etc but have never pulled a power head off and I know a shop would charge a ton of cash to do it. Debating if it is worth doing or just finding another motor?

 

[Joe Reeves]

That condition is normally (and wrongly) contributed to motor mount problems... BUT... in reality is caused by the splines wearing out on the lower steering shaft bracket/housing that the lower motor mounts are attached to... (Hellava Job!)

No need to remove the powerhead.... Best to disconnect electrical wiring, throttle & shift cables and motor mount retaining bolts, then to remove the entire engine from the steering bracket assembly, leaving the transom mounting brackets and steering assembly on the transom for easy disassembly/reassembly. Usually it is necessary to replace both the steering arm assembly and the bottom mount bracket.

 

[Blake0912]

thank you for the reply, I was also thinking it may be more so the splines wearing out. Good news I don't have to pull the powerhead to attempt the fix but that still sounds like a bear! What kind of $$ could I expect a shop to quote me for that type of repair? Trying to weigh my options on attempting myself, paying a shop, or just finding a used etec to put on it. Also what type of risks would I take running the motor how it is for another season? Could the splines wear out to a point the motor could slam to one side or another while running on plane? thank you!

 

[Joe Reeves]

The fact that the engine moves sideways as you explain indicates that the splines are as bad as they can get already. The only way the problem could get worse is if the motor mounts become affected. In my 30+ years experience in the trade,I've never heard or personally encountered a 1977+ V4, V6, or V8 tearing up motor mounts but I suppose it could happen.

However, should a mount or two break, the engine isn't going to move very far as the metal retaining portion is still there. Putting the repair off until later will need to be your judgement call though.

What it would cost to have a shop do the repairs depends on the honesty of the shop, the mechanic, etc, and of course their hourly rate.

Parts are rather pricey.... my price books only go to 2010 due to being retired and at that time the steering arm alone was around $700. Normally, time-wise... it would take me about 3 or 4 hours to do the job. The flat rate manual says 2 hours but there's always that stubborn bolt, the one with the rounded off head, then the run out, adjustments, whatever.

Look the engine over closely, it's not that complicated... just make notes, and take pictures before you disconnect anything.

 

[Blake0912]

I will give the motor a good look over and decide what to do, I need to pull it off the boat to re-seal the motor mount bolts etc. Honestly while underway the motor does not shake or cause the boat to chine walk, it is when it is idling on the trailer that it has the most movement. I will keep a close eye on it. thanks again for the advice.