Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

[kfraser]

I just finished removing my 888 Mercruiser outdrive and this was stuck in the exhaust port. It was blocking about 90% of the exhaust opening. It was at one time I believe a plyable rubber piece with a small metal plate inside. It looks like it came from somewhere above and got stuck in the outdrive bend. This is a project boat that I have been working on. I had installed a new impeller and housing in the lower unit a few weeks ago. It stayed cool when I ran it for about 30 minutes. I fired it up a few days later and it ran very hot (190+) with little water coming from the prop. I'm thinking this may have been the overheating culprit. Any ideas or comments? Thanks !<br />

<br /><br /><br />Kevin F.<br />21' Larson Commander

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

its a symptom of your problem, not the problem. problem is most likly excessive maintenance

 

[kfraser]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

Not quite sure what you mean Rodbolt? If you click on the "21'Larson Commander" link I think you'll agree this boat has never had a problem with excessive maintenance...lol. I was just curious as to what this was and where it came from.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

It looks like half of an exhaust flapper.

 

[elpaso]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

It is half of a flapper - where is the other half<br />and the pivot pin ?<br />What year what engine?

 

[kfraser]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

I haven't found the other half. The pivot pin is there. This piece was just behind the pin blocking most of the port. The other half is probably stuck somewhere in the lower unit. I'll take a quick look.

 

[kfraser]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

Whoops, It's a 1975 888 302 ford

 

[kfraser]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

Other half may have passed. Looks clean as far as I can see. I did notice on the upper end of the water supply tube, the small plastic piece it fits into is toast. Melted pretty good. I'm starting to think the overheating is a combination of issues. If my neighbor shows up with his front end loader, the engine comes out tomorrow. I'll pull the manifolds and risers and check them for blockage as well.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

K, I have the same set-up....It is an exhaust flapper, or part of one...You need to take off the other riser and see if anything is stuck there,too and get rid of the flapper if its still there.....And I would take the entire drive unit off, split the upper & lower and make sure you got everything out......JK

 

[kfraser]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

Thanks J. Kopec! I missed the other thread. Probably should keep them together. Got any pics of your setup. I've had some experience on the outboard side, but this is the first for me with an I/O. I didn't get a chance to check any of the water flow as I have to travel quite a bit with my job, but figured I'd tear into it and get that motor out. I've got the drive removed and I'll separate the lower later tonight. Looks like I may burn some midnight oil, so if your up, stay tuned...Seems like there is never enough time...lol. Thanks again.<br /><br />Kevin Fraser

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

Oops. Just noticed it was a Merc, not an OMC.

 

[kfraser]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

I just finished pulling the lower unit and found the rest of the flapper. It was wedged down in the very bottom just before the bend to the prop. Bad news is the brand new impeller is shot, along with the housing. It looks like it got pretty warm. I'm going to pull the manifolds, circulating pump, t-stat, and replace them all if need be. Here is another question. I can't see any thing holding the lower impeller housing in place other than the three studs that the upper slides down over. Should the lower housing just slide up over these studs or is there something holding it in place? As always, Thanks in advance!

 

[rebars1]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

On my 888 the flappers are at the connections of the Y-Pipes to the "T" shaped exhaust shutter. I had to pull the Y-pipe assembly to install new flappers.

 

[kfraser]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

Thanks Rebars1, Hopefully I'll have the engine out sometime tomorrow(Whoops, I mean today). I've got a lot of work in front of me. I've had all fiberglass stringers made for the bottom, from a performance boat builder in Maine, which have to go in next weekend. Engine should be back in the boat in about three weeks. I'll keep everyone posted. A big Thank You! goes out to all of the Iboats folks.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

From my own experience...You don't need the flappers at all....And if you are just running in the river you dont need them at all,but if you have a situation where you have a following sea,or you beach it alot, then they may be handy... I have never had had any use for them,and have been in alot of situations, but I would not tell you to not fix them...But from my experience they are a waste of time. Other than looking for other obstuctios in my exhaust system....Keep me posted on yuor progres.....JK

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

I forgot to say that Volvo recommends 'chuck 'em', I do not have them & won't either.....And that was the same for my 350 Chevy too.....JK

 

[kfraser]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

Thanks JK, I'll probably only use the boat for lake use, although I'd like to take it to Maine for a fishing trip or two. I doubt that will happen. Gas to tow it up would be about the cost of a small boat. Any ideas on the lower impeller housing. I can't see anything holding it in place. Should it just slide up and out? I appreciate all of your input, you have been a big help. <br />KF

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

the lower pump base just slides up the studs. do it carefully with 2 screwdrivers so as not to crack the housing.<br /> were it me I would do a leak down test on the motor to check for blown headgaskets or cracked heads. I am with the rest on the flappers. they really are rather useless. but a complete cooling system tune up is in order, also check any oil coolers for obstructions and check the plastic water pocket cover in the upper drive for melt. its the plastic housing that the water tube from the pump goes to.

 

[kfraser]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

Thanks Rodbolt. The Water pocket cover is shot as well. Melted pretty good. Thanks for the info on the lower impeller housing. It's in there pretty tight. Not to worried about cracking it. It will need to be replaced too. Pulling the manifolds and riser in about ten minutes. We'll see what we find there....<br /><br />KF

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Can anyone tell what this part is... or was??

I am not concerned with the pump housing. I was not clear, what I was warning you is if you **** it to much its possible to break the hosing that the lower base sets it. its rather thin.