How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

TOP1PERFORMER · Jul 13, 2013

I have a 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL. Picked up a plastic bag over the water inlet when cruising. Stopped just before major damage but lower rubber exhaust housing seal started to burn through. Replaced everything at the bottom end including water pump and when running notice some water running out at top front of mid section during fast idle. Need to replace the upper rubber water tube grommet at the top of the mid section. What is the procedure? Can it be done without removing the powerhead? Not sure if the top seal of the inner exhaust housing needs to be replaced. Thanks

Joe Reeves · Jul 13, 2013

Re: How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

The water tubes are attached to the powerhead adapter plate... hellava job!

Remove the lower unit... remove the powerhead... remove the adapter plate assembly... now you can remove the water tube and replace the grommet.

fireman57 · Jul 13, 2013

Re: How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

Not only welcome to iboats but to working on them too!

gm280 · Jul 13, 2013

Re: How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

Are you sure it is a 1987 88 special? Because I haven't found a listing for such a engine from Evinrude in 87...

Joe Reeves · Jul 13, 2013

Re: How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

I just checked my OMC Model Guide book. It lists a 88hp for 1987 as model #88MSLCU .

gm280 · Jul 13, 2013

Re: How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

Joe Reeves said:
I just checked my OMC Model Guide book. It lists a 88hp for 1987 as model #88MSLCU .

Thanks Joe R, I went to the usual parts section and there was no listing for an 88HP special in 1987 year. But you live and learn...my mistake... :facepalm:

Joe Reeves · Jul 13, 2013

Re: How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

gm280 said:
Thanks Joe R, I went to the usual parts section and there was no listing for an 88HP special in 1987 year. But you live and learn...my mistake... :facepalm:

You should see the misteakes I make!

I don't know if that 88 is special or not but it's there.

TOP1PERFORMER · Jul 13, 2013

Re: How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the replies.
I've never pulled a powerhead. Can't wait..... Is it a big job?
Does anyone have instructions or a rough guide?

Thanks again,

Fred

TOP1PERFORMER · Jul 13, 2013

Re: How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

BTW, it is an 88 SPL Model # E88MSLCUS
Not sure what is so special but was told it was basically a 90hp.

Bob_VT · Jul 13, 2013

Re: How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

TOP1PERFORMER said:
Hey guys,

Thanks for all the replies.
I've never pulled a powerhead. Can't wait..... Is it a big job?
Does anyone have instructions or a rough guide?

Thanks again,

Fred

Get a manual...... a proper shop manual that specifically covers your motor. The investment in the manual will be well worth it in the long run for maintenance. https://www.outboardbooks.com/

The OEM manual is the "rough guide"

TOP1PERFORMER · Jul 13, 2013

Re: How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

Bob_VT said:
Get a manual...... a proper shop manual that specifically covers your motor. The investment in the manual will be well worth it in the long run for maintenance. https://www.outboardbooks.com/

The OEM manual is the "rough guide"

10-4. Just found a Seloc Manual for 73-91. Should have enough info in there to get started.

fireman57 · Jul 13, 2013

Re: How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

OEM beats the snot out of Seloc or Haynes. Get the real one, you won't regret it.

How do you change the upper water tube grommet? 1987 Evinrude 88 SPL

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