Trying to figure out how to work on my own boat

[msojjo]

I just had a ton of work done on my boat, and i didn't do it myself because for one i thought the dealer had an obligation to fix it, and fix it right. For instance, i was looking to see if it was possible to do my own starter, that i just had done. There is only 2 inches on each side of the motor, from the deck to the exhaust manifolds. I looked to see if it was possible to winterize myself, i can only see 4 plugs, i believe there are 5 or 6, i'll have to research it more. I can barley get to the manifold plugs, i can get to the waterpump plug fairly easily, and see one on the port side of the block, that there is no way i can get at. Is it feasable to pull the manifolds anytime i want to do something to the motor, even just doing a simple plug change i can't see how i'm going to get to the plugs, the deck is higher than the bottom of the manifolds. I removed the entire back seat and the dividers between the storage area, and the motor, so there is nothing else i can move out of the way. I also wanted to replace the automatic switch on my bilge pump, as it does not work, but the pump still works off the on off switch. How do i get to it.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Trying to figure out how to work on my own boat

welcome to working on boats.

of course it's feasible to work on your own boat. but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. many aren't made with working on them in mind. very tight quarters. may have to remove items just to go get what ya want.

for the spark plugs. i'm pretty sure i've read about tapering the od of the tip of the spark plug socket to clear the manifolds before.

an example of what i had to do. do to can't remove the offending part.
need to R&R my rusty oil pan. not to hard except ya gotta remove the engine to do it. i also needed to work on my bilge pump. very tight quarters but i was successful. barely. who knows, if ya can't reach yours maybe the engine will have to go?

when i was buying. i considered the working on it myself aspect of it. some boats i never looked at much because of limited space for serviceing the engine area.

good luck.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Trying to figure out how to work on my own boat

Msojjo,

I have followed your other posts regarding the headaches you're having with this boat. I understand your frustration and have been there myself...though not nearly to the extent you have been. That said, and not to defend the seemingly shady service you've been receiving, I have to wonder if part of the problem you are having isn't the original design of the vessel. Considering what you've described, it must be near impossible to perform routine maintenance let alone anything out of the ordinary. If you can't get to the parts, the service tech probably can't either. That doesn't excuse the lousy service, but it might make it more understandable. It also probably adds to the time required to fix something that seems like it should be quick and easy.

Most I/O boats seem to be a pain to work on. My last boat had a HUGE engine compartment. It was big enough for me to reasonably comfortably sit down next to the engine on either side. My new boat has twins but is still fairly serviceable...with the exception of the trim tab pump. I guess what I am suggesting is that you might want to climb around the engine compartment of your next boat BEFORE you buy it as you WILL find yourself there at some point.

Hang in there.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Trying to figure out how to work on my own boat

If you want to pull your plugs you will need to grind down your spark plug socket to a shape that will slip by the exhaust manifolds. Here's a link to Don S' image of how to reshape your socket
http://forums.iboats.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=67060&d=1283994708
You may break a plug or two on the first go round. That's OK, they only cost $2 each. I'd suggest a flex head ratchet to do that tight reach, and you'll also probably need a 4" extension if your manifolds are the same size as mine. When you go to remove the sparkplugs slip the socket and extension onto the plug, then put the ratchet onto the extension.
You may want to support the ratchet head with your extra hand as you torque the new plugs down, otherwise if the socket rocks a little you can crack the porcelain top of the sparkplug. I know this because I did it!
Also check the gap if you get the NGKs, they come gapped too small for my application.

 

[msojjo]

Re: Trying to figure out how to work on my own boat

I'll have to see if i can get a plug socket in there or not. I'll check the plugs at the end of the season when i'm able to pull all of the seats out again. At that i can only just touch the plug wire with my fingers.