Bayliner 175 Rehab

M-Ski

Cadet
Joined
Aug 28, 2021
Messages
6
My son and I went out and bought a $1K 2004 Bayliner 175 today. it is structurally sound, and just really dirty. it's a Father/Son project. We want to pull the engine and do an overhaul on it, so when it goes back in, it is "like new". Is there any good sites out there with good info with lists or diagrams of everything that should be done for an overhaul? our focus today is from engine through propeller. thanks
 

poconojoe

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
1,966
Congratulations on boat ownership.

I have a 2003 Bayliner 185 BR with a 4.3L, so it's probably similar.

You came to the right place.
These forums are full of information and friendly knowledgable members.

Check out the stickies, the yellow shades area above each section. There is a wealth of knowledge there. Lots of reading.

List the serial numbers for your engine and outdrive. Those numbers are invaluable for identification.

Just as a note, in case you didn't know:
Boat drivetrains are not identified in the same manner as cars and trucks. It doesn't go by the year and model of the boat, like our land vehicles.

Good luck
 

M-Ski

Cadet
Joined
Aug 28, 2021
Messages
6
Congratulations on boat ownership.

I have a 2003 Bayliner 185 BR with a 4.3L, so it's probably similar.

You came to the right place.
These forums are full of information and friendly knowledgable members.

Check out the stickies, the yellow shades area above each section. There is a wealth of knowledge there. Lots of reading.

List the serial numbers for your engine and outdrive. Those numbers are invaluable for identification.

Just as a note, in case you didn't know:
Boat drivetrains are not identified in the same manner as cars and trucks. It doesn't go by the year and model of the boat, like our land vehicles.

Good luck
Thank you for the input!
 

Rick Stephens

Admiral
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
6,118
Your 3.0L boat motor is basically a forklift or water pump engine with a few mostly external parts added to make it marine. For the most part, rebuilding is the same as what you would do with a pickup motor. Parts are more expensive for the 3.0L because it is limited in application. There are no automotive usages of that motor, so parts are far fewer in source.

Best place to start is do a compression test, and a cooling system pressure test. Also pressure test the outdrive after draining. These will give you a baseline on what needs doing.
 

Scott06

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
6,443
For internal engine parts for the rebuild do not buy them from mercruiser or any marine place, best to find a local machine shop or engine rebuild shop as they are standard GM industrial engine parts.

if you find you need to replace the engine due to freeze damage etc Michigan Motorz is a often recommended site
 

poconojoe

Lieutenant Commander
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Sep 10, 2010
Messages
1,966
Agree bigtime with establishing a baseline.
That needs to be done with many aspects on a boat that is new to you. You aren't guaranteed what it's history has been as far as maintenance and upkeep.

So many things to list.

Changing the impeller is very important. An overheat can be detrimental to a marine engine. So many things can get damaged real quick.

Bellows/gimbal bearing need to be checked.

Change all fluids, including outdrive.

Complete tune up.

Although these engines share a lot of internal parts with land based engines, there are also a lot of components that are marine specific, especially electrical and fuel related parts.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
Messages
49,574
My son and I went out and bought a $1K 2004 Bayliner 175 today. it is structurally sound, and just really dirty. it's a Father/Son project. We want to pull the engine and do an overhaul on it, so when it goes back in, it is "like new". Is there any good sites out there with good info with lists or diagrams of everything that should be done for an overhaul? our focus today is from engine through propeller. thanks
first, welcome aboard

second, great father/son project

third why overhaul? if your compression is good, just run the motor. what is the compression numbers?

how many hours? if under 4000, no need for an overhaul unless it was neglected.

I/O motors generally dont wear out, however they are murdered from lack of maintenance
 

dwco5051

Commander
Joined
Sep 14, 2008
Messages
2,411
Factory manuals are available both on ebay and online for that drive. Don't get the Selroc or Chiltons. I know someone on here will tell you which manual number for yours. I bought my first used I/O 50 years ago and considered my self a decent backyard automotive mechanic I never did anything on the motor for the dozen years I had the boat but normal maintenance. Repairs on the outdrive though were not major but the manual I got from Mercury saved my skin a few times. Agree with all the advice you have got from the other posters.

Just as an aside I met the present owner of the boat about 10 years ago and asked if he had any problems with it. He said nothing with the motor but only replaced the hoses for the trim and tilt.
 

Scott06

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
6,443
it has the mercruiser 3.0, i just found out that year there was a 3.0L and 3.0LX, about 15HP difference. Now I am trying to figure out which I have in this boat.
The difference in hop is from the cylinder which requires a different intake manifold

I suspect if you can see pics of the different head ports and manifold you can probably tell visually, or maybe research head casting number which I think would be under valve cover
 

M-Ski

Cadet
Joined
Aug 28, 2021
Messages
6
The difference in hop is from the cylinder which requires a different intake manifold

I suspect if you can see pics of the different head ports and manifold you can probably tell visually, or maybe research head casting number which I think would be under valve cover
 
Joined
Mar 27, 2010
Messages
3,008
Did you do a compression test on the motor before you yanked it. You could be ripping apart a perfectly sound engine, you could find other ways to put money in the boat if the engine just needs a tune up or carb clean.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
Messages
49,574
@M-Ski

I agree with Eric. being a 2004 motor seriously doubt you need an overhaul unless the boat was sunk at one time and left under water for a long time.
Did you do a compression test on the motor before you yanked it. You could be ripping apart a perfectly sound engine, you could find other ways to put money in the boat if the engine just needs a tune up or carb clean.


please answer the questions in post #10

third why overhaul? if your compression is good, just run the motor. what is the compression numbers?

how many hours? if under 4000, no need for an overhaul unless it was neglected.

I/O motors generally dont wear out, however they are murdered from lack of maintenance
 
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