2008 Bayliner engine access

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

A friend of mine that's having some health issues asked me to change the spark plugs in his 18' Bayliner. When I got to the boat and raised the dog house, it gave me anxiety . With all the fiberglass surrounding the motor, how in the heck can I access the plugs. I know the side panels under the seat can be opened up but my arms aren't long enough to reach from there. What do I need to do, pull the motor?? I feel like thats what the marina would do

 

[tpenfield]

V6 or I4 engine? Show us a picture . . . It can't be as bad as some. You won't have to pull the engine.

 

[Scott Danforth]

many boats you have to remove some of the interior seating and the panels to get access.

 

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

It's a 4.3 V6. My own boat, I can remove the seats to open up the area and I thought it was a pain and when I saw this one, my exact words were "Holy Moly". The dog house lifts up but the base of it and the base of the seats is all fiberglass and is solid with the boat. Im certain pulling the motor is overkill. Maybe removing the exhaust manifolds to make access from the top easier. I don't think it's an easy task by any means. I'm not near the boat at the moment so can't get pictures. Thanks

 

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

I was kinda hoping another Bayliner owner would see this and chime in

 

[CLi87]

Not sure about the V6, but on my 5.7 V8 I had to remove the risers and manifolds to gain access just to change the spark plugs -.-

 

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

[No message]

 

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

That picture looks comparable. Im guessing the manifolds and whatever else is in the way needs to be removed. Definitely not a quick job

 

[Scott Danforth]

I believe the seats need to come out, then the whole aft seat support and doghouse base comes out. look at the floor for the seam and the fasteners. if so, its not a 1 person job. I wonder what the folks on the bayliner forum could add

 

[tpenfield]

Stupid design . . . definitively not designed for serviceability

 

[Wxguru]

Would love to throat punch some of these boat manufacturers/designers. I am sure they figure they will never have to touch them so they don't really care design wise. What a pain in the ass. Sorry OP....that just sucks.

 

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

I'm with ya on the throat punching. Too big of a project for me. They're taking it elsewhere.

 

[kvkon]

Mine is also a huge pain and therefore I used iridium plugs which should run a lot longer than standard.

 

[boat127]

Remove the seat cushions then remove the small side panels
I work on these all the time it’s a cake walk

 

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

Remove the seat cushions then remove the small side panels
I work on these all the time it’s a cake walk

I figured that was an option but I don't see how it can be a cake walk with having to lean over the front of the seat base and reach through the side panel. Not for me anyways. My body doesn't work that way anymore. Do you use a special tool such as a socket extension to reach the plugs because I don't think my arms are long enough. My boat is a pain and I can remove everything around the motor for access.

 

[boat127]

I use a normal spark plug socket with a 6 inch extension.
remove the hose on the bottom of the exhaust manifold