What to look for before reinstalling a 4.3 engine

[lintmann]

The engine is a 98,(boat is an 99) and this was the first time for me to remove a boat engine. With the help some some members here it went quite well, easier than I expected!

So since I'm quite new at this I'm wondering what all I should be looking at that might need attention before I reinstall it next spring. I honestly have no idea where or what to look for other than someone had mentioned to replace the bilge pump and to paint the bilge area while I have access. The engine has a cracked block too if that matters.

I was thinking that if I could inspect any areas of concern now, before I put it away for winter, then I could order everything up and have it all ready for spring.

Your suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Scott Danforth]

clean the bilge

now is when I check/replace the bilge pump

 

[tank1949]

The engine is a 98,(boat is an 99) and this was the first time for me to remove a boat engine. With the help some some members here it went quite well, easier than I expected!

So since I'm quite new at this I'm wondering what all I should be looking at that might need attention before I reinstall it next spring. I honestly have no idea where or what to look for other than someone had mentioned to replace the bilge pump and to paint the bilge area while I have access. The engine has a cracked block too if that matters.

I was thinking that if I could inspect any areas of concern now, before I put it away for winter, then I could order everything up and have it all ready for spring.

Your suggestions are appreciated.

98??? Check for rot!!!!!!!!! If you find rot in transom or stringer and you want the boat, expect a lot of work removing all metal and repairing. Trust me!!!!

 

[alldodge]

Replace the bilge pump and mount both pump and float on a piece of flat stock aluminum. Bent the aluminum flat stock so mounting screws attach some where easier to get to on the stringers.

This way if there is a problem later, remove screws and pull the assembly out to repair/replace

 

[kenny nunez]

In addition to SD & AD‘s suggestions remove the engine mounts. It is easier to install the engine with the mounts removed from the stringers and having them loose on the engine mount brackets.

 

[Lou C]

Carefully check the exhaust Y pipe and power steering actuator for leaks. You want to fix that now when you can easily get at them!
If access for the starter isn’t good with the engine installed, install a new starter on the engine when it’s out. Check the coupler carefully & replace if in doubt.,

 

[Bondo]

In addition to SD & AD‘s suggestions remove the engine mounts. It is easier to install the engine with the mounts removed from the stringers and having them loose on the engine mount brackets.

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Exactly,..... 'n the lag bolt holes are fairly likely startin' to show signs of rot, as that's a common problem area,......
Leavin' that 1/2 of the mount on the motor, makes it a 'ell of alot easier to block the motor on the floor,..... A 6x, 'n a 4x under each front mount, the motor will sit squarely on the floor, with the flywheel cover holdin' up the back,....

I like to paint the bilge Rustoleum white, so it's easier to find future leaks,....

 

[Scott06]

drill test holes in stringers, transom and engine mounts to verify there is no rot.

 

[lintmann]

That all sounds like good advice and now I'm wondering how to accomplish some of it.

So for the exhaust Y pipe, how do you inspect this for leaks, does it need to be pressure tested or is a detailed visual inspection all it needs?

As for potential rot, what is the best way to check for this and where exactly should I look because I think it would be an accident waiting to happen if I just started to drill random holes looking for problems because I wouldn't know where to begin and more importantly, where to stop!