Engine Removal Question

[Zackman]

I have a 99 Merc 350 that I'm about to pull out of the boat. The Merc manual recommends removing the front mounts from the stringers instead of just removing the upper nuts from the front adjustment bolts. I have also read this recommendation from people on this site.​

My concern is there appears to be sealant around the front mounts. The sealant appears to be pliable and not hard, like some type of marine grade silicone. I'm assuming this is to help prevent water from entering the stringers through the bolt holes.​

Is this normal and to be expected? Will the sealant just separate at the motor mount feet and not damage the stringers when I lift the engine? Also, what is the recommended sealant to use during the reinstall?​

Below is a picture of the port side front motor mount...​

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Engine Removal Question

You definitely want to remove the mount from the stringer. Whatever sealant was used will not damage a solid stringer. If the stringer is not solid, then it needs to be fixed anyway. While the engine is out, it is a good time to make sure the adjustment nut on the mount moves easily. Clean up the rust, etc because you will need to make adjustments to it when you reinstall, and it is MUCH easier to do if the adjustment nut turns freely.