Engine Coupler

[KYBOY]

hey guys and gals, i have a 1972 starcraft holiday 120hp i/o, my question is has any one changed an engine coupler without taking it to a shop? i got in their to look at what was ahead of me and i was in shock when i seen everything that had to come off and out of the boat.. geeze this is one of the toughest jobs ive thought about doing myself.. does anyone have any suggestions or tips that might help me out? anything is better than where im at now thanks in advanced,

KYBOY

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Engine Coupler

Well howdy neighbor . I havent done the engine coupler ( almost did but I managed to sell the boat before I had to ) . That one was a fiberglss Larson though so not worth the trouble like our Tin Cans . The first thing I would recomend is a book on your driveline you can get one here at iboats . From what I understand it is quite involved you hve to remove the outdrive and the inboard motor to do it ( that would become quite costly if you had it done ) . The part itself is less than $200.00 so if you can handle it yourself the cost wouldnt be so bad . You will need an enginje hoist or a stout home made gantry crane.I would hate to think at $70.00 an hour + labor what it would cost .



Rick

 

[APPALOOSA2]

Re: Engine Coupler

It's not hard to do. You will have to pull the engine, pull outdrive first. Take about 1.5 hours to pull engine and the coupler is right there on the back.

You can unbolt the engine after removing outdrive and disconnect wires , fuel lines and water hoses. Pull engine forward and put on a piece of 3/4 plywood over your floor. You do not have to remove the engine from the boat just pick it up and slide it forward 3'.

 

[302slick]

Re: Engine Coupler

Just did mine.
I label my wires with numbered tags to be sure I get them all back in the right spots. 1 to 1, 2 to 2 to 2, etc.
Got the tags at electrical supply store.
White tape written on work too.
Also keep track of the shims/washers they will help on alignment when you put it back togeather.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Engine Coupler

Masking tape makes great wire tags as long as you dont let it get wet a Sharpie is your freind here even if it gets wet it is less likely to wash off .


Rick

 

[KYBOY]

Re: Engine Coupler

thanks guys, i just pulled the motor out and slid it up, thanks for the tips.. now that that's done i ran outta daylight, so we will c what tomorrow brings thanks again guys, KYBOY

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Engine Coupler

Good to hear KYboy much cheaper to do it yourself than pay someone else . Will look forward to tomorrows update . Be sure to check out the thread on the little get together we are planning next June in Virginia . There will be several of us meeting up here in Louisville and driving out from here a boat Convoy .


Rick

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Engine Coupler

while you are ther check your flapper $25.00.snug up or repair your front mounts.grease your cables,blower hoses fuel line anything thats there check your transom bolts, i snugged mine up.install bilge pump etc. check the rubber rear monts should all be one piece sleeve and rubber.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Engine Coupler

This is not a difficult job if you are mechanically inclined. Make sure you check the alignment with an alignment tool, and make sure you do not need to replace the input shaft on the outdrive. My personal experience with a 1971 merc. 140 hp engine couple failure happend 8 miles off shore. When I pulled the outdrive and removed the engine I replaced both the coupler and input shaft. Shaft was damaged.
Also make sure your front motor support in the boat is in good shape, I replaced my old wood one with alum. plate and angle bolted into the boat, now it is stiff.
If you need a good old style coupler I have one with about 20 hrs on it. Because after I replaced the engine couple, 20 hrs later the old Iron Duke motor lost some teeth on the timing gear. this put water in the engine because flapper valve was broke, engine was already bored so I decided to install a new 2007 3.0L GM motor, this motor took a new flywheel and new style couple. So now I have a slightly used engine coupler.