Raising engine height

[Gary H NC]

From my shakedown cruise thread Studley suggested checking engine height because of my wot only being 5100 rpm. I did some measurements and the cav plate is about 1 1/2 inches below the centerline of the hull.The engine does have another hole that i can raise it an inch or so. What is the best way to lift the engine and what do i use to put on top of the transom for the engine bracket to set on? I assume i don't want the weight of the engine supported by the bolts only.And i think re-sealing all the bolts with 5200 would be needed also? Also i think jacking it up by the skeg is a big no?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Raising engine height

Gary, here's a pic of mine, about 2 inches above the transom. thru bolted, and i have a aluminum reinforcing plate across the bottom bolts inside. boy this boat needs cleaning.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Raising engine height

Gary, If you have the old fashioned thumbscrew-type of transom clamp, you can remove the transom bolts and have someone tilt the motor up a inch on one side, and shove a 5/4 piece of lumber under it. You should then be able to tap the lumber in and lift the other side of the motor until it is centered.

If you have the newer, all bolt type of transom clamp, you need to hoist the motor a bit. I use the header for my garage door and a block and tackle. Since you are only going up an inch, you can use the header, some chain and some s hooks. Put a 1/2 lag or thru bolt into the header. Hang the chain over it. Lower the tongue of the trailer to the ground. Hook the chain to the motor. J/E use s hooks. Merc uses some knid of attachment to the flywheel. Now remove transom bolts, jack up trailer tongue until motor is correct height and rebolt. Use silicone on the bolts to seal 'em.

BTW - Don't drop the motor on your head, foot. or driveway. The motor won't like that!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Raising engine height

Thanks guys. It is thru bolted on all 4 bolts.The top bolts have seperate holes in the transom bracket and the bottom are slots. I have to reach thru a 6 inch hatch to get to the bottom nuts. The factory or whoever installed the engine forgot to put the big flat washer on the one nut.So it is pulled into the fiberglass. I'm going to get some huge washers or a backing plate like TD has..And 5200 the heck out of the bolts..
Going to try this project tomorrow with my neighbors help.He has some huge support beams in his garage he pulls engines with..

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Raising engine height

sorry i forgot to post i use the neighbors cherry picker, engine hoist.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Raising engine height

5200 isn't such a good idea. You might want to rethink that one.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Raising engine height

5200 isn't such a good idea. You might want to rethink that one.

mmmm...ok, Need a softer sealant...4200?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Raising engine height

Use some Boat Life silicon rubber sealer. Comes in a yellow and black tube.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Raising engine height

Thankyou RP, Will do!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Raising engine height

Well got it raised.Was not that hard.Now the cav plate is 1/4 inch above the bottom of the hull
My neighbor had some strips of hard rubber that fit perfect on top of the transom.So some of the engine weight is on those strips instead of all the weight on the bolts.I used square pieces of aluminum and large flat washers as backing on the lower bolts. Hopefully will splash it Saturday and see how it does.
Should the transom have any flex to it? I noticed it did if i pull on the engine.Not much but enough to notice it..

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Raising engine height

Watch and see how much if flexes (on acceleration) when your out running the boat. To answer your question.....No.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Raising engine height

Watch and see how much if flexes (on acceleration) when your out running the boat. To answer your question.....No.

I will RP....its got me worried now..

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Raising engine height

Let us know how the raised height works out. I'm installing the new jack plate on mine in the morning... unless I can't sleep and do it in the middle of the night!​

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Raising engine height

Will do Studley! I bet you stay up and install it tonight.
I know how new toys are!!