Mercruiser 181 (4) Coolant leak from behind flywheel

[mdp17681]

1990 Merc 181 4cylinder in a 1990 Chapparel


I'm getting nearly all my cooling water leaking out from the top of the bell housing behind the flywheel. Any ideas? Every manual & online source I have checked has zero pics or info about that area of the engine.

I can't see what's there and would like to know before I pulled the engine this weekend. Help before I yank it out!

Fried my starter because the water collects in the bottom of the bellhousing and right into the starter motor.

 

[Anchor Management 1]

Re: Mercruiser 181 (4) Coolant leak from behind flywheel

Freeze plug

 

[mdp17681]

Re: Mercruiser 181 (4) Coolant leak from behind flywheel

That's what I thought. After posting I pulled up the parts list and found 2 plugs back there. Hope the block isn't cracked. The boat sat for 4 yrs so I fix one thing and wait for the next to break.

I'm removing the engine this weekend. Do you have any idea how much the 3.0L engine weighs? I need to design an A-frame to lift it out.

Thanks

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Mercruiser 181 (4) Coolant leak from behind flywheel

The correct name is "core plug" used in the manufacturing process, has nothing to do with freezing.except if you find one popped out you didnt winterizing properly.
remove drive
pull motor, remove rear housing ,flywheel, and you see them .There brass .
The really big one is for the cam, leave that alone.