Removing rocker box / valve cover Merc 3.0l in Bayliner

[Simoniz]

So then next stage in tracking down the annoying oil leak on my boat.
I removed the spark plugs for winterisation and the well in the head for No4 plug had oil pooled in it, which I suspect has come from the valve cover / rocker box.

This boat was used in salt water, and Ive already replaced the timing gear cover and pushrod cover due to rust, but now suspect that the rocker cover might be rusted through as well.

Ive got a second hand cover in great condition, but now wondering if theres room to remove the rocker cover from the 3.0l engine when fitted to the Bayliner 175 (year 2000).

I can't look at the boat easily since it's covered up for the winter, and removing the cover involves miles of string...

Anyone know if theres clearance to lift the rocker cover off the top of the engine, or will it foul the structure of the boat?

 

[Scott Danforth]

also pull the motor and then pull the oil pan.

the area behind the damper never got painted and was raw steel. that is usually where the oil pan rusts thru.

valve covers generally do not rust thru. but if someone was in there before, they could have damaged the gasket.