V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

[dcg9381]

We have a 2001 Tige 2300V - 23 foot, V-drive, open bow ski boat.
The boat started leaking oil about mid way through the summer. We changed the oil pan drain line, but we were still losing oil. We kept up with it through the summer and 2 days ago, I bought some dye and a UV light... We put it on the lake overnight (hey, this is Texas) - to do some trailer work.

I found that she's leaking from her front main seal.
This *may* be a model specific question, but is it possible to change the front main on this thing without removing the motor? There is about 12-14" of space between the front of the motor and the aft of the boat, but it doesn't look like fun...

 

[Alpheus]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

No, unless you can get the oil pan off. The timing chain cover has a lip on it that fits into the front of the oil pan. If you can loosen the pan and pull it down a little maybe, but I wouldn't try it...

 

[dcg9381]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

Crapola... It's behind that timing cover, isn't it...yikes.

 

[Don S]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

Crapola... It's behind that timing cover, isn't it...yikes.

No, there is no main seal on the front like on the back.

Do you have the composite timing cover?

 

[dcg9381]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

Sorry, I'm used to working on toyotas...

I don't know if the front cover is composite, I'll have a look.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

Sorry, I'm used to working on toyotas...

I don't know if the front cover is composite, I'll have a look.

What is your engine serial #? Because mercruiser had a few styles of front covers to choose from, The serial # would be the only way you can be sure of getting the correct front cover the first time around, Just so you know you can not just do seals it has to be the hole cover.

Also Alpheus is right you need to drop the oil pan or you will damage the new cover trying to install it, And also you really can not get the oil pan gasket back on the correct way to the front cover while trying to reinstall everything.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

If it has the metal front cover it is common for them to get small rust holes at the very bottom too.Hard to see but that may be the leak and not the seals.

 

[dakine]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

No, there is no main seal on the front like on the back.

Do you have the composite timing cover?

I'm not familiar with this small block application.
Without the crank sticking through the timing cover how does the motor drive the accessories like the alternator and water pump?

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

Double check the cover itself they are very prone to rusting and pin holes.Either way the oil pan is going to have to come off Good luck,Ted

 

[Don S]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

I'm not familiar with this small block application.
Without the crank sticking through the timing cover how does the motor drive the accessories like the alternator and water pump?

After rereading what I said, it is a bit (alot) confusing. I was trying to hurry up and post because I had a phone call. They DO have a front seal.
What I was trying to say, was the seal in the composite timing covers are not replaceable. As boat teck mentioned, he needs the whole timing cover.

 

[dcg9381]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

Working on getting a motor serial number.

The leak is at the pulley - literally, I've got dye all over the pulley itself, being flung into the engine compartment, which is why I suspect the seal and not a pin hole leak in the cover.

Regarless of design, it sounds like the pan has to be lowered, which may be possible in-boat... I just don't know what the normal procedure is on a Tige V-drive - if this is a motor pull or simply a big hassle to do in the boat.

 

[dcg9381]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

Still working on exact number, but this is what I have right now:
0L002600 THRU 0M310009
350 MAG MPI SKI (GEN+) GM 350 V-8 1998 AND UP

 

[dakine]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

You have many choices
http://www.summitracing.com/search/?keyword=timing cover&dds=1

 

[Don S]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

You have many choices
http://www.summitracing.com/search/?keyword=timing cover&dds=1

That's a good link if he had a steel timing cover, but after looking at 6 pages, they are either for Fords, Chrysler, or Chevy with the steel timing cover, Nothing with the composite timing cover he should have with that year engine. But without a SN, who knows for sure.

 

[dakine]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

From what I know about the small block chev...they all will fit but they might not have the correct timing pointer and sensor mounts.
I like the two piece ones that let you change the cam without taking the pan off.

 

[dcg9381]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

I'll have the motor # on Sunday evening.
I can get the oil pan off in the boat. I guess the question is: On a V-drive is it typical to do this repair with the motor in the boat or to pull the motor? I know this question may be more about the Tige' than the Mercruiser - but I figure on of you experienced guys would know.

 

[Don S]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

Pulling the motors is how it's normally done.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

Mercruser says you can't replace the seal in a composite cover,does any one know why and has any one ever tryed to replace one.Merry christmas to everyone,Ted

 

[dcg9381]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

That's the story that I'm getting from my local mercruiser dealer - they say no seal available, I must replace the entire cover assembly.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: V-drive front main seal (Mercruiser 350)

I wonder who made the seal in the first place,maybe C&R.I doubt if mercury did.Is there a number stamped into the front of the seal?