Mercruiser Coupler Replacement

[othelloears]

Replacing the coupler on my 1984 mercruiser 5.0L 228 Alpha I engine. Engine is out (not that bad) but I can't seem to locate what appears to be a gasket on the bottom of the bell Housing

What is the name of the black cover/plate/enclosure of the coupler on the rear of the engine?

Is there a gasket? Part no?

Thanks

[Bond-o]

What is the name of the black cover/plate/enclosure of the coupler on the rear of the engine?

Flywheel Cover/ rear motor mount...

Is there a gasket? Part no?

Nope.....

[othelloears]

There is definately a gasket on the bottom of the flyweel cover that is between the aluminum plate that is on the fronst side of the flywheel cover...No?

[Bond-o]

Ayuh,... There May be,.... 'ell, I drill drainage holes in that cover,...

Otherwise, if the bilge floods, the flywheel cover fills up,+ Holds the water,... Rusting out the starter,+ generally making a Mess...
And,...
Take a pair of tinsnips or a grinder,+ Knock Off that little Finger on the starboard side, where it goes up by the Starter....
It'll make Changing the Starter a Much Easier Job.....

[othelloears]

Thanks Bondo..That was very helpful

Obviously I am going to do oil/filter, plugs, wires, cap but while I have the engine out what other parts would your check or replace that the enigine has to be out for? (Its an 1984 with 750 hours and I assume everything is original)

The only things I can think of are the exhaust flappers (done); the oil pan (which is actuall in great shape) and the manifold and risers (don't want to spend the 500$)

[Bond-o]

Ayuh,... You did the oil pan,... How's the Timing cover,..?? Boat ever seen Saltwater,..??
Is the Downpipe corroded,..??
Is the Adjusting screw good,+ clean in the front motor mount,..??
How about the condition of the rear motor mounts,..?? Sometimes they Sag,+ cause alignment issues...

Btw,... At the top, I thought you were asking about a gasket between the cover,+ the Block,....
Not the tin plate...

[othelloears]

Boat lives in saltwater.

Didn't do the pan. Seems almost new...Paint still complete

Whats the downpipe?

Do those power steering coolers rot out? Looks like brass.