2007 mercruiser 3.0 Rust by the looks of it on side of block cover

[Andrewvw]

Hey while I was changing my starter out I noticed it doesn’t look very great I’m not to familiar with these small boat motors, if any one could give me their opinion o. This picture that would be appreciated.
Thanks
Andrew

 

[alldodge]

Welcome
I don't see an issue, looks like a bit of surface rust

 

[Andrewvw]

Thanks for the fast reply, one other thing I am missing a hose that comes off my valve cover which sprays oil all over, I’ve been trying to figure out where it’s suppose to run to. Not sure if that would be considered a vacume leak and causing it to idle rough?

 

[alldodge]

Could use your motor serial number to make sure

That hose normally gets connected to under the flame arrestor or right next to it. The motor sucks in air and the oil vapors get sucked in and burned.

Looking at your flame arrestor it looks like it needs to be cleaned, it's looks black

If you motor has a lot of blow by then the oil vapors can be excessive

 

[airshot]

Any leaks in that area when it is running? Grab a flashlight and look carefully for any signs of water leaks. My 1983 3.0 doesn't have any rust like that.....salt water use ??

 

[Andrewvw]

Could use your motor serial number to make sure

That hose normally gets connected to under the flame arrestor or right next to it. The motor sucks in air and the oil vapors get sucked in and burned.

Looking at your flame arrestor it looks like it needs to be cleaned, it's looks black

If you motor has a lot of blow by then the oil vapors can be excessive

I’ve got it winterized until spring Ill have to wait until it warms up to fire it up and pull the oil cap, but here is the serial number.

 

[Andrewvw]

Any leaks in that area when it is running? Grab a flashlight and look carefully for any signs of water leaks. My 1983 3.0 doesn't have any rust like that.....salt water use ??

Hey As far as I know it’s only been in fresh for the last 10 years my dad owned it roughly 6 years and now I’ve had it about 4. Would be nice if they would of put a hour clock on them back in the day

 

[alldodge]

I’ve got it winterized until spring Ill have to wait until it warms up to fire it up and pull the oil cap, but here is the serial number.

Good, your SN is 0W607592
The hose would go from the valve cover fitting to a tang on the flame arrestor. Can see in pic of the like, the hose just slide over the tang and then motor sucks in the vapors when it's running

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/863200-arrestor-flame

 

[Scott06]

Hey while I was changing my starter out I noticed it doesn’t look very great I’m not to familiar with these small boat motors, if any one could give me their opinion o. This picture that would be appreciated.
Thanks
Andrew

just surface rust I had some in similar locations on my 3.0 that was fresh water only. Nothing to worry over. AD has you steered straight on the valve cover vent hose to flame arrestor. Some oil is normal on these. Mine always left a little sheen but ran hard for many years before I sold it, 25 years…

 

[Scott Danforth]

If the rust bothers you. Hit it with a rattle can of black engine paint

If the rust really bothers you, pull the starter, pull the dizzy, hit the rust with a wire brush. Then hit it with a rattle can of engine paint. Don't forget the timing cover that never had paint on it from the factory

 

[Andrewvw]

If the rust bothers you. Hit it with a rattle can of black engine paint

If the rust really bothers you, pull the starter, pull the dizzy, hit the rust with a wire brush. Then hit it with a rattle can of engine paint. Don't forget the timing cover that never had paint on it from the factory

thanks for all the help I was trying to get my head around how the block has a cover you could pull off? Would that be for the cooling to run through the block? Maybe the gasket is wearing out that’s my guess. I’ve used this boat 10 times in 4 years and it’s only let me down twice lol, finally have time to figure out all its issues

 

[alldodge]

block has a cover you could pull off?

What cover?

I’ve used this boat 10 times in 4 years

If it was used more there would be less rust

 

[Scott06]

thanks for all the help I was trying to get my head around how the block has a cover you could pull off? Would that be for the cooling to run through the block? Maybe the gasket is wearing out that’s my guess. I’ve used this boat 10 times in 4 years and it’s only let me down twice lol, finally have time to figure out all its issues

That side cover is for the lifters and pushrods. Wire brush and paint but sitting under a cover can get condensation in there. there is not a casket leaking there, they don’t spend a lot of time painting them. If it makes you feel better run it on the muffs and look for water leaking.


use it more… the 3.0 is a tough engine simple and robust.

 

[Scott Danforth]

It's the lifter cover.

Remember, the 3.0 is a stroked version of the 153 cubic inch 4-cylinder that was designed in the late 50s for debut in the 1962 Chevy II

 

[Andrewvw]

Thanks every one for the info, that’s all I’ve got for now.

 

[Andrewvw]

That side cover is for the lifters and pushrods. Wire brush and paint but sitting under a cover can get condensation in there. there is not a casket leaking there, they don’t spend a lot of time painting them. If it makes you feel better run it on the muffs and look for water leaking.


use it more… the 3.0 is a tough engine simple and robust.

And cheap on fuel!

 

[airshot]

If the rust bothers you. Hit it with a rattle can of black engine paint

If the rust really bothers you, pull the starter, pull the dizzy, hit the rust with a wire brush. Then hit it with a rattle can of engine paint. Don't forget the timing cover that never had paint on it from the factory

My 1983 3.0 was totally painted from the factory, just looking at his side covers, they appear to have streaks from a leak running down them.