Steps to removing a 4.3L Sterndrive and Gas

[drryan]

Went to winterize my recently obtained Starcraft Medalist 1601 and after topping off the tank and winterizing everything I got curious as to a soft spot in the deck. Well all of you experienced folks know the results. I now have a winter project of replacing my deck and probably transom. Would like to know the steps to removing the engine, gimbal housing and outdrive and how to keep everything together so I can put it back in. Also, does anyone know the best way to empty a gas tank I just filled up with stabilzed the gas.

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Steps to removing a 4.3L Sterndrive and Gas

What outdrive? Year?

If you have the tank full of stabilized fuel, why do you want to empty it? The fuel should be fine for next year.

 

[drryan]

Re: Steps to removing a 4.3L Sterndrive and Gas

Thanks for the reply.

I have a 1988 Starcraft Medalist with a OMC 4.3L sterndrive. Model number is at home. It is a GM engine.
As far as the gas goes I will have to use a hoist or front loader to remove the full tank. The weight and awkwardness is the only reason I was thinking about removing it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Steps to removing a 4.3L Sterndrive and Gas

Being an 88, it's the Cobra drive. Pulling the drive is easy, just disconnect the trim cylinders from the aft pin. Remove 6 mounting nuts and pull the drive off.
The engine is remove the rear mount nuts from the transom shield, disconnect the front mounts from the stringers, then all the hoses, electrical cables (leave engine harness on the engine) disconnect the harness plugs, remove shift and throttle cables, and the exhaust hoses.
Lift engine out
Drain the fuel out of the gas tank by hooking up a cheap electric fuel pump from any auto parts store to the fuel pickup and drain the tank. Raise the bow so all the fuel goes to the low part of the tank.

For details on how to remove the engine, drive, and transom shield, you need the OEM service manual. Without it, you will mess things up and never get it back together right.

 

[drryan]

Re: Steps to removing a 4.3L Sterndrive and Gas

Thanks for the advice. I have the Seloc and the other brand manual on the way. I could not find an OMC OEM Service manual but am still looking. Your help and time to respond is greatly appreciated.

Clif