Run Merc 350 Motor With MR Outdrive Removed - Water Inlet Adapter

[andyandy]

Hi.
I have a 1984 Cobalt DV18 with a 1995 MCM Bravo EFI 5.7L 350 CID motor and an original 1985 MR outdrive. The outdrive is removed and questionable.:grumpy: I replaced the bell housing, shift cable, all bellows, and water hose and nipple.

I would like to run the motor with the outdrive off to confirm all's good with the motor before I decide whether it's worth rebuilding the outdrive or buying a bolt on outdrive.

Is there an adapter that can be purchased or made to connect a water hose to the bell housing water inlet to run the motor with the outdrive removed?
I recall seeing a post in this forum a couple of years ago that had a diagram for such an adapter using a metal plate.

Also, any other caveats to running the motor with the outdrive removed?

Thanks

 

[ktbarrentine]

A cut-off garden hose pushed into the water inlet hole and duct-taped in place works just fine. I would follow the same guidance in mercruiser service bulletin 99-09 for running on muffs. (I only open my supply valve about a 1/3 to half open....depends on your source pressure/flow). I would also make sure to only have the water flowing when the engine is running (as is the case when the impeller is turning if you had the outdrive mounted).

 

[H20Rat]

You are relatively safe running without water, if for a SHORT time only. Under 20 seconds or so... Personally, if you are questioning the motor, there are better tests that don't need the engine running. Start with a compression test and maybe used oil analysis.

 

[achris]

Running the engine for any time without water is never a good thing. You leave the exhaust shutters unprotected, and they WILL burn off... Just as KT said, stuff a garden hose into the water hole in the bell housing and go for it. I also like to cable tie or tie off the hose so it won't fall out... Yes, I'm paranoid.. But when it comes to a little paranoia or rebuilding an overheated engine, I like paranoia...

One comment I will make, make sure you have a working shift interrupt switch with that 'Bravo' engine.... And a new SEI is way cheaper than trying to re-build a drive...

Chris.....

 

[andyandy]

Thank you very much for the input. I found a couple of older posts where guys disconnected the water hose running from the power steering cooler to the thermostat and connected the garden hose there. This hose comes straight from the thru-transom water pipe so it's basically the same as connecting to the bell housing water hole. So I disconnected the water hose at the thermostat and attached the garden hose to the thermostat housing inlet with a reducer hose and clamps. Works great and stays on solid.

The reason I wanted to run the motor is to confirm I have no serious issues before dropping $1,400 on a new SEI Alpha 1 outdrive. The motor starts easy and runs strong and smooth, so that's good news. Need to scrape and re-paint some rusty spots but that comes with the territory when salt water cooled. New SEI outdrive here we come! :wof:

The only thing I found was low power steering fluid and signs of reddish Dexron II transmission fluid in the bilge. Boat sat for nearly 2 years so it may be a slow leak (seepage). I topped off the power steering reservoir and will be chasing a power steering leak.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Next time get a hose from a washing machine, cut it in half, place it in the water inlet hole