Removing 2.3L engine.

[Keyboardman]

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]

Unless you can pull it forward by about 6" it is not coming out, unless you pull the drive first.

 

[Scott Danforth]

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]

Agree, pull the drive, your asking for trouble without doing it

 

[Keyboardman]

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]

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]

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