How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

[greg82255]

Hello,

I have a merc 260/Alpha One. I am looking to pull the motor this weekend to start a re-power over the winter. I don't have much time to work with this weekend, and my dad's friend is coming over with his massive tow truck at some point (not sure when..) to lift the motor out. I'd like to start the tear down asap and get it done this weekend. If I remove the intake and heads can I still pull the motor? or do I need the lifting rings that are bolted to the intake? I'm basically looking for any advice on how to get the block out when its disassembled, if it's possible. The drive, thermostat housing, and exhaust manifolds/risers are already taken off. Thanks in advance.

 

[ajarvis]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

Leave the heads on. As long as your using grade 8 bolts and they thread deep enough you'll be fine. Make sure your chains are in good condition and your good to go. The major limitation is the access hatch. If it fits, do as much as you can on the engine stand. Good luck.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

I wouldn't pull the heads or intake. Remove the wiring necessary to pull engine, fuel line, exhaust clamps, Outdrive absolutely off before engine,

I use a plate bolted to the intake in place of the carb, which has lift rings for a cherry picker or what have you, makes quick work of it:



http://www.summitracing.com/search/...Plates&dds=2&gclid=CJfq9YeCvKsCFUOo4AodCC38vQ


Read this write up on it- very informative:
http://www.yellowbullet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=412088

 

[Speakrdude]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

Disconnect the wiring harness, (should be a plug), Disconnect large-battery wire from starter. (may be easier when engine is lifted a
little.) disconnect fuel line, Disconnect water hose from drive. Loosen exhaust hose clamps, disconnect Throttle/shift cables, probably 2 sets of drive sensor wires to be disconnected, 2 front/side motor mounts, 2 rear, Thats it!

 

[Bondo]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

Disconnect the wiring harness, (should be a plug), Disconnect large-battery wire from starter. (may be easier when engine is lifted a
little.) disconnect fuel line, Disconnect water hose from drive. Loosen exhaust hose clamps, disconnect Throttle/shift cables, probably 2 sets of drive sensor wires to be disconnected, 2 front/side motor mounts, 2 rear, Thats it!

Ayuh,.... I Agree,... Workin' on the bobtail motor is Way easier on the blocks, or a stand....

4 big bolts, the plumbin', wirin', 'n she's on the ground... 'n the drive off 1st of course....
An hour job, if I'm milkin' it, 1/2 that otherwise...

 

[fngboater]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

heck i pulled mine out as a short block. just got some bolts that are the same size as the head bolts and used washers and a chain hoist . no problem. really i think its more of a preference.

 

[greg82255]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

It really all depends on when my buddy can get over to my house with the hoist. If he can get there at 9:00am on Saturday then I'll pull it out as a whole, but if he can't get around to it until Sunday afternoon, and I don't take anything apart before that, then I've wasted the weekend. If it's not unsafe to pull it as a short block, I think I'd rather do that. I want to get started on the 383 stroker asap.....

 

[tpenfield]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

I'll be tearing my engine down over the next few weeks as well. You should keep the intake manifold on so that you can use the lifting points. Tearing the engine down will be so much easier once it is out of the boat, that it is not worth trying to take things off ahead of time.

 

[arks]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

heck i pulled mine out as a short block. just got some bolts that are the same size as the head bolts and used washers and a chain hoist . no problem. really i think its more of a preference.

That's how I pulled mine, too.
In my case the boat was floating, so we wanted it to be as light as possible for the lift to the dock. We did it with relative ease with 4 guys.

 

[greg82255]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

That's how I pulled mine, too.
In my case the boat was floating, so we wanted it to be as light as possible for the lift to the dock. We did it with relative ease with 4 guys.

You were able to lift it out by hand with 4 people? How much does the short block weigh? I'd rather find a way to remove it myself without having to rely on a guy that may or may not come over and help me.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

You were able to lift it out by hand with 4 people? How much does the short block weigh? I'd rather find a way to remove it myself without having to rely on a guy that may or may not come over and help me.

Greg,
The block it's self is about 200lbs, then figure in another 100-125 for the guts in the block.
Do you think a regular engine crane will clear your transom?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

Easiest way to remove it is as a complete engine. But since you want to remove things first - there's no reason you cannot do so. As mentioned above, if you strip everything off first, you can even manhandle it out of there. Totally up to you. But no, there is no real reason it cannot be pulled without the heads and intake.

 

[Volphin]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

That's how I pulled mine, too.
In my case the boat was floating, so we wanted it to be as light as possible for the lift to the dock. We did it with relative ease with 4 guys.

OMG! Really? One slip and you have a busted floor or a busted up friend! Not safe IMHO.

V

 

[greg82255]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

Greg,
The block it's self is about 200lbs, then figure in another 100-125 for the guts in the block.
Do you think a regular engine crane will clear your transom?

I doubt it. The top of the boat is about 5 1/2 feet off the ground when it's on the trailer. Most of the cranes I've seen have a max lift of 96 inches. The drive is off, so I suppose if I took the tires off of the trailer it might be low enough to get a hoist in there, but there's 4 of them and would be a real pain to do.

If the short block only weighs 325 lbs, could I build something out of a 4x6 beam and supports to get it out?

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

If the short block only weighs 325 lbs, could I build something out of a 4x6 beam and supports to get it out?

Yep, home made gantry crane. Lot's of people on here have built them.
PM me and I will give you my phone number if you need another hand/head on site...

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

That's how I pulled mine, too.
In my case the boat was floating, so we wanted it to be as light as possible for the lift to the dock. We did it with relative ease with 4 guys.

Tearing down to short block and lifting out by bolts into the head bolt bosses is not a problem at all and won't hurt anything. There are dozens of ways to pull an engine and everyone has thier personal favorite. Sometimes a long block (especially a BBC) just won't fit unless a ton of interior is removed or the block is stripped down to a short block first. Looking at some of the boats, you would think engines were installed before the upper deck was installed, with zero consideration for who ever needed to pull an engine in future. Just do what you feel most comfortable with and is easier for you, considering what equipment you have at your disposal.

Pulled a 350 short block, that someone had torn down and lost interest, out of an older Sea Ray 30' with 2 guys and 2 lifting bridles, one on each side of engine. Sure, it was heavy, but took 10 whole minutes to lift and walk it out to deck area.

 

[greg82255]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

Just thought I'd give an update.... Got the motor out today. Took it out with everything on except the exhaust manifolds (tear down this weekend). My buddy with the tow truck came over at 6 and pulled it right out for me. 4 bolts, a few wires and hoses and it came out..

 

[tpenfield]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

Pics would be nice, if you have any and can post them.

I'm not that far away from you and I'll be doing the same this weekend. I have got a chain hoist hooked up in the garage with an engine stand waiting.

 

[trihullk72]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

I was about to take mine to a shop to have it pulled, but a construction crew showed up with a back hoe. $50 and 15minutes later. engine was out on a dolly. If you try and lift it out by hand put some wood stickers down on the top of the boat. This will distribute weight, and protect the boat. Just back a tall truck p to the boat and set it down. Easy peasy.

 

[greg82255]

Re: How Much Can I Disassemble before I Pull the Motor?

Unfortunately I don't have any pics of the motor being lifted out. It was Friday at 6:00 and my friend with the tow truck wanted to get home so I didn't want to waste time looking for a camera. I have some pics of the motor on the stand I built, but that's pretty simple..

Tpenfield- where in cape cod are you? My uncle and I launch his Fountain in Sandwich all the time. Also, the Formula 242 SS (your signature) is one of my all time favorite boats. I'd own one if I had a truck capable of pulling it.