Engine jobs

[sogood]

Hi all. As I'm approaching the end of my transom/stringers/engine mounts restoration, the time is getting close to dropping the engine back in. Before doing so,I want to take advantage of the fact that the engine is on a pallet and give it a "once over" while it's fully accessible. Apart from some cleaning and painting, are there any other jobs worth looking into doing?
Plugs, which were replaced last year, along with all hoses, filters etc. will be inspected. My new starter and alternator should be easier to install also, but any thoughts as to any other jobs are much appreciated. also, is there a definitive answer as to the best anodes to use on the outdrive. Alpha 1 gen 1, married to a Mercruiser 5.7, used in slightly brackish/saltwater. Thanks in advance.

 

[Lou C]

Make sure the rear main seal isn't leaking, check the front crank seal as well, any rust spots on the oil pan, treat with rust converter and paint with several coats of rust oleum paint, check core plugs for any sign of leaking, etc. Go over anything that would be a nuisance to get at when the engine is installed....
In salt water I've always used zinc anodes....

On the transom end take a very good look at the exhaust Y pipe especially the flange where it bolts to the inner transom plate, make sure that this will seal properly, and check for signs of leaks around the steering arm, loose/worn hinge pins, those things are also tough to get at when the engine is back in...

 

[Scott Danforth]

as Lou pointed out

look over the pan, front timing cover, valve covers for any signs of rust and paint them now
look over the Y-pipe and address now

also, look over the oil pressure sender and the plumbing. oil sending units tend to rust out, and the fittings can come loose

inspect the rubber in the harmonic damper. if it looks all cracked, replace the damper

 

[Alumarine]

If you haven't already make sure the coupler splines are in good shape.

 

[sogood]

Many thanks guys, all worthwhile suggestions A little job on the Y pipe is already on the to do list. Thanks again.

 

[garbageguy]

maybe put in a new bilge pump while the engine's out?

 

[sogood]

The new bilge pump is already bought. Thanks.

 

[alldodge]

 

[sogood]

So, according to the above table, my fibreglass hulled boat used in saltwater, should have aluminium anodes fitted. What's with the "inboard" section. The actual engine doesn't have anodes fitted, does it?
Maybe I'm misunderstanding something? This is why I asked the question So many different answers depending on where you look. Thanks for the responses so far.

 

[alldodge]

Inboards have only props, shafts and trim tabs in the water. Most the props are bronze, where an outdrive is aluminum with props being aluminum or stainless

 

[sogood]

Inboards have only props, shafts and trim tabs in the water. Most the props are bronze, where an outdrive is aluminum with props being aluminum or stainless

Of course! So many senior moments to contend with! Thanks for kick starting my brain.