Powerhead removal on 98 Mariner 3.0L 225 EFI

roozter2550

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 14, 2009
Messages
92
do I have to drop the lower unit before removing the powerhead on my 3.0L EFI?

Long story short,

I need to replace the bolts which go thru the steering arm into the mid section. The bolts are for the dyna-float suspension bushings under the powerhead and the bolt heads are almost gone due to corrosion, enough that I feel the need to change them out. I already have the parts.

The manual is not very clear on this...
looking at the dyna-float suspension, it says to refer to powerhead removal and lower unit removal.
I'm thinking powerhead removal for the upper mounts obviously and lower unit removal if working on the lower mounts.

Just checking if I'm on the right track...

If I do need to remove the lower, I'll pull it before I disconnect everything and pull the powerhead.


Some $#%^& designed the upper mounts with bolt heads out and nuts inside.

On the lower mounts, the nuts are visable from the outside, (must have been a different engineer), and they're not too bad for corrosion but I'll be changing the nuts while I'm at it.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Powerhead removal on 98 Mariner 3.0L 225 EFI

You can do the job without dropping the leg off, but I would remove it, just because it will make it a bit easier. Also you can check the water pump while it's off....

Which manual are you using? OEM or aftermarket (seloc/clymer)?

Chris...........
 

roozter2550

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 14, 2009
Messages
92
Re: Powerhead removal on 98 Mariner 3.0L 225 EFI

I have the OEM, Merc service manual

You're right though...I could replace the waterpump at the same time.
I have a water pressure gauge at the helm and the pump that's in it is making 4psi at idle on the muffs and "pisses like a race horse".
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Powerhead removal on 98 Mariner 3.0L 225 EFI

How a water pump performs on the muffs is irrelevant because the water is forced into the impeller. How it performs on the water is the important question.. When was the impeller last checked?

If you're using the Merc manual and it doesn't say to do something, then it's not required.

I just find it easier to pull the leg and clamp the drive shaft in the vise with about 4" exposed (nice and tight), then pull the powerhead... The viced driveshaft makes an excellent powerhead stand. :D:D:D and you can spin the powerhead round and work on any bit you need to get to.

Chris........
 

roozter2550

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 14, 2009
Messages
92
Re: Powerhead removal on 98 Mariner 3.0L 225 EFI

The impeller hasn't been touched in 2 years but the boat has been in storage for about 1-1/2 years with no use.

The impeller blades have more than likely taken a "set" and stiffened up a bit.

I don't need to do anything to the powerhead. I have an a-frame type set-up on wheels which I can use to lift the powerhead and then roll it out of the way to work on the suspension bushings.

As I stated above, I have all the parts for the suspension and I also have the parts to replaced the impeller.
 
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