dolfan1710
Seaman
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2018
- Messages
- 73
So I uncovered my boat Sunday and found a puddle of antifreeze under the motor that looks to be coming out the weep hole. I see this all over the place as it seems to be one of the most shared 3.7L 165HP Mercruiser topics on the internet. I'm nervous about attempting the job on my own as I have never done anything of this magnitude (biggest jobs I've done are push rod inspection and under drive pulley installation on an 01 Z28). Before I jump to conclusions I's like to start the boat and run it for a little while as it's been sitting since last August without being run once. It was winterized in October. My plan is to fill the coolant with 50/50 and take it out once and see what's coming out of the weep hole after running it for a while. I got an estimate on replacing the cam and it's expensive as it's a labor intensive job, although I hear mine can be done from within the boat. I have a few questions:
1. Is it dangerous to take it out? The coolant is dripping not pouring out.
2. Can I try the coolant repair liquid? It may end up being a waste but seems cheap enough to try if it's safe.
3. Should I run it and monitor the temperature and check the oil to make sure there are no signs of coolant on the dip stick? Although I forget but I think my temp gauge is broken.
4. Would the cam need replacing or could the 2 seals I keep reading about be enough?
My boat is 30 years old but we really enjoy having it and I don't believe I can get a boat that's in as good of shape as mine for the price of the cam replacement. Can I run it and get the replacement done when the mechanic is less busy?
1. Is it dangerous to take it out? The coolant is dripping not pouring out.
2. Can I try the coolant repair liquid? It may end up being a waste but seems cheap enough to try if it's safe.
3. Should I run it and monitor the temperature and check the oil to make sure there are no signs of coolant on the dip stick? Although I forget but I think my temp gauge is broken.
4. Would the cam need replacing or could the 2 seals I keep reading about be enough?
My boat is 30 years old but we really enjoy having it and I don't believe I can get a boat that's in as good of shape as mine for the price of the cam replacement. Can I run it and get the replacement done when the mechanic is less busy?