Pulling OMC Engine - Any Tips??

[rybad]

As it turns out, I have what appears to be a freeze crack in my block. OMC 5.7/350.<br /><br />Two questions: 1 - National Machined Engine in Lincoln Park, MI had told me; if I pull the engine, bring it to them, they will give me a new SB, check everything else on my engine, recondition everything, and move it to the new block (using ALL marine parts) and hand it to me in 4 days for $1295.00<br /><br />Does that sound reasonable??<br /><br />Second question.. I've never attempted to pull, or reinstall a boat engine.. any tips, hints, etc???<br /><br />This is a 89 Four Winns 285 Vista with twin OMC 5.7 Cobra's<br /><br />Thanks for any advice.

 

[motox6]

Re: Pulling OMC Engine - Any Tips??

If they do what they say YES reasonable, what is wrong with the one you have? I just replaced me 5.0 OMC, and its pretty straight foward. Out drive unbolts off, diconnect wire harness (starter,ETC)and water hoses, and exhaust pipes. remove nuts holding engine in place. Do not move jam nuts under the actual engine mounts attached to the floor, otherwise you will need a outdrive alignment tool to get the outdrive back in. the bell housing will come off with the engine and remember to disconnect all the grounds at the back of the engine. On my OMC there was 6 total 3 on each side. Before removing the out drive ensure that it is lowered before you disconnect it. Thats all I can think of others will chime in i'm sure

 

[rybad]

Re: Pulling OMC Engine - Any Tips??

I have a freeze crack in the block. This "National Machined Engine" place is pretty big. They do a lot of high-perf. car engines and marine engines. They guy I talked to seemed extremely confident about doing this for me. He said they are the "best in the business". I know anyone can say that, but like I said, it's not a small repair shop, its a large building and there are always a lot of fast cars moving in and out of there.. so I'm comfortable with using them. . just wasnt sure about the price. I thought that sounded very reasonable.<br /><br />So, are you saying that I don't "need" the alignment tool?? I was going to buy one, but if I don't need to I won't. (I dont plan on moving the mounts at all - I have plenty of room in the boat to maneuver the engine around)<br /><br />I wasnt sure if I needed to remove the outdrive..your saying you did. Is the necessary if I have enough room to slide the engine forward enought??<br /><br />Thanks for your advice!

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Pulling OMC Engine - Any Tips??

David...it's your choice obviously but if it were me I would take the drive off first, then you don't have to worry about it and I would for sure buy or borrow an alignment tool. While drive is off also check gimbal bearing and u-joints. Making sure your alignment is good is one way of extending your coupler as well.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Pulling OMC Engine - Any Tips??

The outdrive takes 10 minuntes to take off and you will eliminate the possibility of breaking something, take it off. <br /><br />Get the alignment tool. I got mine off ebay for $40. Even if you don't move the mounts, chances are that....<br /><br />1) the new engine may sit a little differently when reinstalled.<br /><br />2) you could use an alignment anyway.<br /><br />It's $40 for the tool, or hundreds for a coupler, driveshaft, u joints, etc, if it's out of alignment, and you will break something if it is.<br /><br />That $1295 sounds like a good deal to me, especially if they will offer any kind of warranty, even like 90 days. Break it in, and drive it hard for that time, and if nothing breaks by then you know at least the rebuild isn't to blame if something does break down the road (creek?).

 

[mickey1]

Re: Pulling OMC Engine - Any Tips??

david, have you looked at how your going to get that big engine out of the boat and onto a truck,or trailer. i just replaced my little 4 banger, and i had to make a scaffold from 4x4s, and rent a chain hoist. the problem in my case was the height from the ground to the top of the gunwale was 75 in. and i was not able to rent a big enough engine hoist, for reasonable money. just something for you to consider. mickey1

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Pulling OMC Engine - Any Tips??

Originally posted by mickey1:<br /> david, have you looked at how your going to get that big engine out of the boat and onto a truck,or trailer. i just replaced my little 4 banger, and i had to make a scaffold from 4x4s, and rent a chain hoist. the problem in my case was the height from the ground to the top of the gunwale was 75 in. and i was not able to rent a big enough engine hoist, for reasonable money. just something for you to consider. mickey1

If you know someone with a forklift, ir's real easy.

 

[motox6]

Re: Pulling OMC Engine - Any Tips??

buy the tool, I just remembered that motor mounts do tend to sag with age, By all means take off the outdrive

 

[rybad]

Re: Pulling OMC Engine - Any Tips??

Great advice guys thanks a bunch. I will get the alignment tool, and remove the outdrive.<br /><br />I am very lucky. My uncle owns a Railroad Construction business. I have a 2000sq foot shop to work in, with all tools, air comp., heat/ac, engine hoist, fork lifts, mechanics tools... really, everything. Like I said, I'm extremely lucky that I have this available to me, otherwise, I dont think I would attempt to do this.<br /><br />Again, thats for your helpful advice. It's nice to know you can post issues like this and get help from people who have experienced them.<br /><br />-David

 

[rybad]

Re: Pulling OMC Engine - Any Tips??

I forgot to mentions.. National Machined Engine place gives a 2 year warranty on the replacement engine. So I guess for $1295 thats a great value.<br /><br />-David

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Pulling OMC Engine - Any Tips??

Here is a tool on Ebay going for $20.50 Alignment Tool