OK what's the real answer...

[acupajoe]

Looks like I have a small oil leak at the timing chain cover. Maybe oil seal. I have a merc 120 153 86. The Seloc says that I do not have to lift the engine, but I've read that I do. I also do not have the tools at this time and will purchase if necessary. I'm thinking, is it hard to: Take the engine out if I have to? Will I be able to do the job? Do I need to learn about timing and such? Would It be cheaper to just buy a recon engine? I am capable of doing it I believe....with your help of course!!!! I just don't have the tools or even a lift if I need one. I've seen reconditioned 140s for like $750-900. I just don't want to miss striper season. It drips like once every 10 secs...ok for now right?? Thank you guys yet again...!

Joe

 

[Don S]

Re: OK what's the real answer...

Yes, you need to be mechanically inclined to do mechanical work.
Pulling the engine is how you get the pan off so you can remove and install the the new timing chain cover. Some have found a way to grind of some areas of the timing cover so that it stands a chance of being changed without removing the pan. But from the sounds of things, you aren't there yet and have no clue what to look for if thing's don't work perfectly.

I've seen reconditioned 140s for like $750-900. I just don't want to miss striper season.

How in the ell do you plan on installing a reconditioned engine without removing the old one first. For 750 to 900 bucks, you will most likely be buying used junk not reconditioned. What is a reconditioned ring? Removed and scraped the rust off of the old one and put it back in???????

You have a problem............ forget fishing till you fix it.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: OK what's the real answer...

I wonder what your oil pan looks like.

Your gonna find out.

You have to drop the pan and take off the timing cover.

3 piece gasket on pan and a gasket on the cover.

There are these little nubs on the oil pan front gasket that go in holes in the bottom of the block.

You have to clean the holes out first with a wire.

Believe me it ain't no party.

And it can't be done in the boat.

When you get the cover off hold it up to bright sunlight can you see pinholes in it?

If yes time for a new cover. And oil seal, they usually come already installed.

Been there done that twice.