Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

[pmergler]

I had separated my lower unit from my I/O 1995 rinker with the 4.6L V6 Mercruiser and saw something I (and my friend helping me) had no idea what it was. When we reassembled the lower unit we didn't put it back in...well mainly cause we didn't know where it went! But he came across today what it is...it is called the "filler wall". (see attached)

What I am curious is a little knowledge on what exactly this part does...and if the engine is run two or three seasons without it will it cause a problem. Only asking because I would have to drop the lower unit and split it AGAIN...to reinstall.

Thanks for the info

Patrick

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

I'll get jumped on for this, but my friends drive we left it off.

Kept falling down and we couldn't figure out why it's there.

I know, i know the wizards gonna get me.

Maybe someone knows why it's there and how to keep it in place.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

Probably has a baffle or windage tray type function to keep the oil a little more focused closer to the middle of the unit and not whipping around too much and creating bubbles or voids.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

Kept moving and couldn't keep it in place.

Figured, was a baffle like in a oil pan.

Left it off, no problemo.

Wonder if they ever came up with a fix for that ?

 

[garycinn]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

Since there isn't any oil in this area, I wonder if it isn't just shielding the impeller housing from the exhaust?

 

[pmergler]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

Since there isn't any oil in this area, I wonder if it isn't just shielding the impeller housing from the exhaust?

Good thought.....maybe to keep heat off of the impeller housing to not wear out the water impeller prematurely?

 

[pmergler]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

any other ideas?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

any other ideas?
When we reassembled the lower unit we didn't put it back in... and if the engine is run two or three seasons without it will it cause a problem. Only asking because I would have to drop the lower unit and split it AGAIN...to reinstall.

Ayuh,....

Mercruiser thought it was a Good idea to install it,... If they hadn't, it wouldn't be there...

I guess We can all wait it out,+ You can tell Us the ramifications from Not putting it back....

I really don't blame you,...
After all,...
It's a 10 minute job that requires No gaskets or anything to put it back where it Belongs......

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

How you keep it in place ?

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

Even some grease will hold it in place while you install it. Or there is bellows adhesive, sillycone. Lots of ways to hold it in place so it doesn't fall out but is still removable.

 

[pmergler]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

Well my concern is that it might be a 10 minute job...but only AFTER you split the lower unit and the housing....so now you are talking a couple hours...and couple hundred for all the work just for the 10 minute job. I am hoping it can wait for another 2-3 years till I do another impeller replacement

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

Well my concern is that it might be a 10 minute job...but only AFTER you split the lower unit and the housing....so now you are talking a couple hours...and couple hundred for all the work just for the 10 minute job.

Ayuh,.... I guess I must be awlfully Confused....

'cause I Only see a 10 minute Job,... Total Time.... well,.. Maybe 20,..Less than a 1/2hr..
Unless you're Paying somebodyelse to do it,..?? It's a $0.00 Investment....

To get to where that picture was taken only requires removing Only the Lower Unit....
Nothing More....
Then bolt it back on....
Nothing More,....
7 or 8 nuts,+ bolts, Total....

Trim the drive Up, remove the lower unit, install the Missing piece, reinstall the lower unit,....
Done...

 

[garycinn]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

I'm assuming you have filled the outdrive. Could he accomplish this w/o draining the outdrive? If he were fast w/ fingers to plug the upper unit oil passage as he separated the unit, perhaps?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Lower unit filler wall

Ayuh,..

It'd be abit messier,+ would still need to be topped off...
But Very Doable...