Water Shutter Missing - Replace? (3.7L, 4cyl)

[MrBill]

On Mercruiser 1989, 3.7 liter, in-line 4 cyl, took apart exhaust at end of last season to replace worn rubber elbows and found that the water shutter was not in place. I have owned this boat two years, no trouble with engine operation, but would like opinion on re-assembling with water shutter or leave the way it must have been since I've owned the boat. Is it possible that wear allowed it to break off and fall into the out-drive? Would appreciate opinions on both issues? How difficult is it to extract if down in the drive?

 

[bowhuntrrl]

Re: Water Shutter Missing - Replace? (3.7L, 4cyl)

Definitely replace it !!!! If it wasn't needed, the factory wouldn't have put it there. I just replaced the shutter on my 190 hp 3.7. It's not really too bad a job, I didn't have to pull the manifold. It's down in the sectionh below your exhast manifold, before it does out through the transom. Just remove the big hose clamps(8 if I remember) pry the boot off from it and pull it out. The part is somewheres around $25 IIRC. What can happen is water ingestion from the outside if the flap is not present.<br /><br />bowhuntr

 

[MrBill]

Re: Water Shutter Missing - Replace? (3.7L, 4cyl)

Thanks for the reply...with the boat out of the water and the exhaust apart it's very easy to replace.<br /><br />MOST IMPORTANTLY...how do I make sure the old one's not down in the outdrive? How far can it go? How do do I check for it still being in there?

 

[FatBack]

Re: Water Shutter Missing - Replace? (3.7L, 4cyl)

If it's like mine it melted. If you ran it hot it can happen.Good Luck

 

[bowhuntrrl]

Re: Water Shutter Missing - Replace? (3.7L, 4cyl)

I found mine when replacing all the bellows. It was down in the exhaust bellows. Now might be a good time to check if your drive is off.<br /><br />bowhuntr