5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

[roscottjr]

I will be buying a long block for my new project to replace the engine in the boat that has freeze damage. The boat needs lots of work but I will start a thread on that when work begins. It is a 1985 Chaparral 198. Anyway, while taking the parts off the engine I noticed it will need new valve covers, oil pan, and timing chain cover. Is there a difference between these items used for marine use and the same items use on cars and trucks? I am not too thrilled with $100 a piece for valve covers. If I am going to spend a good chunk on these items I would like to simply get a chrome automotive kit instead but I am not real sure if there is a difference or if this can be done. Any advice and information will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Robert

 

[Don S]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

Valve covers are standard Chevy 4 bolts around the outside edge . Same with the timing chain cover. The oil pan is probably marine specific.

 

[roscottjr]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

Ok sounds good. If I have to use a marine specific oil pan then that will be fine since I will be saving on the valve covers and such.

Does anyone else know if the oil pan is marine specific?

Robert

 

[Bondo]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

Does anyone else know if the oil pan is marine specific?

Ayuh,... Does the Dipstick go into the Block, or the Oil Pan,..??

If it goes into the Pan, it's marine specfic...

If it goes into the Block, it Ain't...

 

[roscottjr]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

My plan is to go with the 350. I will be getting a longblock from Rapido and the 350 is only about $100 more. As far as boating goes, is there a big difference in fuel usage between the 305 and 350? I am not sure if there is anything wrong with the oil pan yet. The valve covers and timing chain cover have areas where the flange is rusted through and are more than likely no longer usable. The oil pan I am assuming will probably be in the same condition. I will know this for sure when I get a little further in taking the engine apart. The boat needs a needs a new floor which translates to stringers, floor, transom which is the only way I would do it when it comes to replacing a floor. The interior is gone. The outdrive is is great condition. I have already pressure and vacuum tested the outdrive and all was great. Oil even looked great so I then disassembled the outdrive to check the gears and again everything was great. It may be a year or so before the boat is lake ready so although the outdrive had no issues I would be at least installing a water pump and seal kit anyway just for peace of mind.

Another question, I have seen a few of the setups that keep the lower unit oil full from a tank mounted on the engine. Does anyone have this setup and how hard would it be for me to put one of these on mine?

I also saw an item on Ebay that has me a little curious about something. Apparently the guy felt his outdrive was getting to hot at speed and designed a "shower" for the unit to keep it cool. Do these outdrive overheat for anything other than a problem? His idea looks nice but the design would only last until someone attempted to use the outdrive as a step. Oh yea, his shower rig is for the upper gearcase.

Robert

 

[Bondo]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

Another question, I have seen a few of the setups that keep the lower unit oil full from a tank mounted on the engine. Does anyone have this setup and how hard would it be for me to put one of these on mine?

Ayuh,... That's factory on the Alpha, Gen.IIs,+ the later Bravos...

Retrofitting to an older drive can be done, but it's External...

Drive Showers do cool the drive,... Whether it's Necessary is debatable...

 

[roscottjr]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

Ok, just checked the oil pan and dipstick and the dipstick does go into the block.

Robert

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

Be sure to eyeball the new pan to see if it is the same. Instead of buying new shiny Chrome ones - I would suggest taking a trip to the local salvage yard. Take the old pan with you and match it up. Then be sure to paint it well and I like to coat everything with some anti-corrosion spray. It coats everything in a waxy, amber colored coating. Works great.!

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

In answer to your drive shower question:
I see a bunch of those here in Havasu. Some people will tell you they keep their drives alive. Some say they are a waste of money.
What I have noticed, without excetion, is that Mercruiser drives that have always had a shower on them are never discolored on the upper unit.

 

[dan t.]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

do not use chrome plated engine tin,it is usually aftermarket crap that is thinner than stock, it runs hotter than painted, it is next to impossible to seal,you will be chasing oil leaks forever. the 5 quart oil pan is the same as automotive exept for the baffle, it can easly be cut out,
good luck

 

[roscottjr]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

Hello Dan. Yes I have decided to go with the painted rather than chrome. If I really want the chrome there is a chrome paint that will be close enough considering the problems I will avoid..

Thanks for the info on the oil pan. I am assuming you mean the marine oil pan has no baffle. Would the baffle on the automotive pan have to be cut out or would it hurt anything to leave it in? I know they are really simple to cut out and would also make it really easy to clean the inside of the pan so not sure why Im bothering to ask, I guess to learn something new..lol

Robert

 

[dan t.]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

if your engine uses a windage tray there is no baffle in the pan, if it has no windage tray you must leave the baffle in

 

[roscottjr]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

Ok, that sounds simple enough. Only problem is, what is a windage tray? Is this one of those see if the new guy falls for it items or is it an actual item?

Robert

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

Is this one of those see if the new guy falls for it items or is it an actual item?

How can you ask that?? It is right up there with the blinker fluid and muffler bearings.

Actually - yeah, it's real. A windage tray helps keep the oil from foaming and frothing - getting aerated and losing its ability to do its job of lubricating. It keeps the crankshaft from whipping the oil up.

 

[roscottjr]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

oh ok.

Blinker fluid and muffler bearings...lmao...Im a mechanic and havent heard those before...

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

Don`t forget the water pump lubricant too.
Auto engines have the tray welded to the inside of the oil pan, marine engines have the tray bolted to the main bearing bolts,not in the oil pan.

 

[Don S]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

The Windage Tray is just a baffle that keeps the oil from hitting the crankshaft, as fishermark stated. Here is a picture of one mounted on the engine. Yours may have one welded into the pan instead of bolted to the engine as shown here.

Don't see too many Muffler bearings on boats, but here is one from the automotive world

 

[roscottjr]

Re: 5.0 Mercruiser oil pan, valve covers, and timing chain cover

And again, learn something new every day. I didnt know that was called a windage tray but now I know exactly what you are talking about and what it is.

LMAO at the muffler bearing.