1978 Mercury 402 40HP

Just registered to iboats and this is my first post. I recently bought a 1978 Forester with a Mercury 402. Engine runs, but the issue is the previous owner ran the engine with a bad impeller and as a result the engine overheated and in the process the small connecter to the small hose where the water runs thru to cool the engine on the left side of the engine ( as you look at it from behind ) melted and I would like to replace it. I think I have to tap it out and put a new nipple on it. My question is, does anyone know if I have to pull the upper part of the engine to do that, or is there a way to only remove the lower cover that goes around the engine without removing the head. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

Re: 1978 Mercury 402 40HP

yea ya have to pull the whole engine. its not that bad. theres like 8 bolts up under the bottom cover. takes those off disconnect the cables on the left the fuel lines off and yer done. pull up on the whole motor and it will come out. iv done lots of times.