Removing 2.3L engine.

Keyboardman

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 10, 2015
Messages
360
Hi Guys, Other than throwing it in the trash, does anyone have any advice, tips or things to look out for when removing the Ford 2.3? From what I've heard, I don't need to remove the drive as long as the mount height isn't disturbed. I'm going to change blocks and not sure if different yr block castings are going to be the exact same. Maybe pull the drive and use alignment tool to be sure? Thanks
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
12,917
Unless you can pull it forward by about 6" it is not coming out, unless you pull the drive first.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,032
From what I've heard, I don't need to remove the drive as long as the mount height isn't disturbed.

you gotta pull the drive. who ever told you that you do not have to was wrong

its actually easier and faster to pull the motor once you pull the drive. doing it the other way adds 3-6 hours of monkey-farting work and you still need to pull the drive to check alignment.
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,440
Agree, pull the drive, your asking for trouble without doing it
 

Keyboardman

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 10, 2015
Messages
360
A buddy sent me the OMC Manual and on page 594 it says that if you have more than 6" clearance the U-joint shaft will disengage from the coupler and the drive can remain. I'm not sure if I even have the clearance.
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,440
Guess I (maybe we) need to ask why you want to remove with the drive installed?
Even if its easy pezzy to remove, reinstall without checking alignment is asking for coupler issues. Tollerences are with in thousandths of an inch
 

Keyboardman

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 10, 2015
Messages
360
I didn't know the procedure to replace the engine, all my other boats were either straight inboard or outboards. This is my first time working on a sterndrive. Reading the manual said you could do it that way. After further research, it seems prudent to remove the drive to make sure alignment is correct and lube and grease the u-joint. I will follow you guys advice for sure! Thanks
 
Top