Rebirth of my boat's powerhouse: '73 OMC 165 (GM L6 250)

[DukesFin]

Well, it started yesterday with the new long block in the garage on the crate. (Okay, it started with the first freeze of the winter, cracking the block just below a freeze plug)... some rust had prevented full engine drainage... It's amazing what a little bitty tiny crack can do to a motor!<br /><br />

<br /><br />I constructed the truss system over the boat and labeled every wire I saw. After that, I took pictures of each and every labeled wire as well as shots of the motor from every angle possible (just in case I forget how it all goes back together):<br /><br />

<br /><br />

<br /><br />

<br /><br />There are more pictures of the wiring, but I'll move on... <br /><br />Began disconnecting all of the wires attached to the motor, taking mental notes along with the pictures. I then lowered the 1 1/2 ton chain hoist to the motor and attached it. I took up all of the slack and removed the front motor mount bolts from the block. That was easy. Next came the rear block bolts. I was suprised that only 6 bolts (I think - my memory is fading now that I'm in the house), hold the rear of the motor to the bellhousing. Okay, those bolts out, I began to shimmy the motor off of the bell housing, but it wouldn't come off! I quickly realized I had to remove the small steel plate from the bottom side of the bellhousing before the motor would come off! Off they came and "POP"! The motor was free. With my wife watching, I began cranking the engine up and away...<br /><br />

<br /><br />Anyway, I lowered the motor so the engine hoist could reach it and made the transfer from chain hoist to engine hoist, to minivan, to the garage where the new long block awaited me. I know, I know, you shouldn't stand on the top of a folding ladder, but I hadn't though enough in advance on how to get to the crank on the come-along at 12' high with the boat moved out from under it!...<br /><br />

<br /><br />Unloaded the old motor with the engine hoist and backed it into the garage and began disassembly...<br /><br />*** TO BE CONTINUED ***

 

[SteveNix]

Re: Rebirth of my boat's powerhouse: '73 OMC 165 (GM L6 250)

keep us informed. i'm interested to see how it goes.

 

[DukesFin]

Re: Rebirth of my boat's powerhouse: '73 OMC 165 (GM L6 250)

I'll be posting pictures tonight... All I have left now is the oil pump/pickup tube, pan, manifold, hoses, wiring, then the testing begins...

 

[DukesFin]

Re: Rebirth of my boat's powerhouse: '73 OMC 165 (GM L6 250)

Okay, pictures uploaded.<br /><br />As of today, I have installed the oil pump, pickup tube, oil pan, starter, alternator, all pulleys, etc. <br /><br />I still need to install the manifold, carb and hoses, then do the re-wiring job, but it's coming along nicely!<br /><br />I was able to save a huge amount of money so far, not just on labor, but a really good fishing forum friend (Ed) has loaned me the engine stand, hoist, chain hoist and both a ft/lb and inch/lb torque wrenches! Thanks Ed! (I've got to send him a link to this post).<br /><br />More to come as the project moves forward!<br /><br />BTW: The new set up looks pretty cool in black and blue - (the colors of my knuckles today!)