Pulling the Engine

[NautiDog]

Well I just got the bad news that I have to pull the engine (1995 3.0 Mercruiser 135hp). I just had the shift cable and shift cable bellows replaced to fix a leak, but somehow another leak has happened. The mechanic believes it is the "O-ring" or "Y-pipe". My question is should I have them do any other maintenance while they have the engine out? I would hate to have to do this all over again at some point. Also anyone have an idea what is a resonable price to have this done? I was quoted $800 for labor and he does not know what parts are going to run.

Thanks.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Pulling the Engine

Before tearing into the engine I would have the mechanic do a dry and wet compression test. (The mechanic will know what that means if you don't.) If compression is good all around then I wouldn't touch the engine. This test is easy and should not take more than a half hour and is probably the best indication of engine condition possible without a tear down.

You didn't read his post. He has a water leak at his Y-Pipe. Engine sounds like it is fine.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Pulling the Engine

What "y-pipe" or o-ring is he talking about?? I thought the y-pipe was what joined the exhaust manifolds of a V6 or V8 together before they exited through the transom. Not one on an inline engine like yours as far as I know, unless we're using different terminology.

Most 4 cylinder mercruisers are pretty easy to remove. Mine took about 3 hours to remove and about 3 hours to reinstall, including pulling and removing the sterndrive and working through a few problems (main wiring harness connector was corroded together, had to break it apart to get it out then repair wires when it went back in).

$800 is probably about the going rate at a dealer. I would expect around half that much if it's a private mechanic.

Check the play in the steering at the gimbal upper pin. You can get to it to replace it through the transom with the engine out, have to cut a hole from the outside if you need to do anything to it with the engine in place.

Nothing else extra you need to do with the engine out, assuming no engine internal work is needed! Check compression to verify engine condition, and you might want to think about replacing the manifold and riser if they're original on a 13 year old motor. At least inspect them for internal corrosion.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Pulling the Engine

I would pay close attention to the condition of the coupler. Might be worth changing it.

 

[BAYLINER185]

Re: Pulling the Engine

Although the Y pipe may not actually be a Y pipe on an inline engine, and maby shouldnt be called the Y pipe there is still an exhaust pipe there.

It bolts to the transom plate just like a Y pipe and has an O ring.

I just went through the same problem "water" leaking on my boat. After pulling the engine 2 X and then still leaking we did a water test with the motor pulled a 3rd time and the drive put back on. Found out it was the uper swival pin that was leaking. On my 454 powered boat you cant get back far enough to see the swival pin area all you can see was water running over and dripping off the Y pipe looking like a Y pipe leak.

Not sure if you can see and verify that you did indeed have an exhause leak and not something more. It may be a good idea to water test the boat after the motor is pulled and the drive put back on. This will ensure that you have no other transom related leaks like I did.

After all the work and spending a few grand my boat is now bone dry!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Pulling the Engine

should I have them do any other maintenance while they have the engine out?

If you boat in salt water this is a good time to clean things up and check for rust. Some paint and corrosion guard on the engine, oil pan, etc is a good idea. Same thing with the bilge area - good and easy time to clean things up and check the condition of stuff you cannot easily access with the engine in the way. Things like the bilge pump and hoses, etc.

 

[buggiedad_67]

Re: Pulling the Engine

just did my 2.5L, did in about 4 hrs, its not that hard to do, i didnt even pull my all the way out of the boat. just took everything loose picked up engine and moved forward four foot, removed pipe and replaced 3/8 12 point socket is needed to remove bolts, but then again i have lots of room in mine, once rear seat was removed.