What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

[flargin]

I have an 89 Mercruiser 454, Bravo 1 in a 24' Arriva and need to pull and replace the engine. Since I will have it out, I figure it is a good time to do some modernizing but what would you suggest for improvements/upgrades.

One idea is one of the Permanent Oil drains - I think they are now standard, should I add it? are they worth it? I hate sucking oil inside the boat - thought out the drain ... maybe not as bad...

I think the new mercruisers have new easy cooling flush kit; in 89 (Raw water pump, Fresh water use only) no such luck. Any suggestions I have seen the MinuteDrain - any comments? other ideas? DIY kits? I really hate hanging upside down in the engine compartment

Thanks for the advice...

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

Check out what I did with mine. http://www.supernova19.com/motor_build_ii_at_supernova19_com.htm

 

[flargin]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

Check out what I did with mine. http://www.supernova19.com/motor_build_ii_at_supernova19_com.htm

Liked your write up... some questions

How did you choose the cam setup? do you think it improved your HP?

Aluminum heads working for you, mine are fine but they way a ton!

How did you like the Rustoleum black flake paint? did it hold up to the heat?

I plan on cleaning and re-painting a lot of the parts, I like your determination to get that motor running!


thx

 

[Bondo]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

I think the new mercruisers have new easy cooling flush kit; in 89 (Raw water pump, Fresh water use only) no such luck. Any suggestions I have seen the MinuteDrain - any comments? other ideas? DIY kits? I really hate hanging upside down in the engine compartment

Ayuh,.... Hanging upside-down is Better than replacing a Block.....

I see those new Drain Systems as a 1 way ticket to a Cracked Block....

I have to dig out the sand,+ sediment every year on mine,...I use plain ole Brass pipe plugs...
With all that piping,... You'd Never know whether which drain, drained where....

 

[abj87]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

fresh water cooling is a good upgrade.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

Fresh water cooling is nice if you have the room. But you still have to drain it (raw water side) if it gets to cold.
How did you choose the cam setup? do you think it improved your HP?
Oh god yes but as you read there is a lot of other things that have to go along with it or you are wasting you money.
As for picking which one. Lots of research on how I run and use my boat along with much research how a cam functions. Then when I built the motor I replaced the cam with a cam of the same original spec?s so I would have a base line. I knew later I would be making some changes but I had to know where to start. I ended up with a MerCruiser ?420? cam this spring after everything I looked up. Go figure, MerCruiser knew what they were doing.
Aluminum heads working for you, mine are fine but they way a ton!
My heads are Chevy 14096188 heads / 454 Open / 118cc. The big valve, cast iron heads.
My GLM aluminum exhaust manifolds are fine.
How did you like the Rustoleum black flake paint? did it hold up to the heat?
Holds up nice and keeps a nice shine. Also touch up blends with little or no effort
I plan on cleaning and re-painting a lot of the parts, I like your determination to get that motor running!
I don?t buy things to let them sit. Just my nature. It would drive me nuts. Also I spun a bearing in my Mopar 360 (took it apart finally last week, I need a crank if any one has one) so until the 454 was done there no boating for me.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

Fresh water cooling is nice if you have the room. But you still have to drain it (raw water side) if it gets to cold.

I added closed cooling to the 454 I put in the Liberator.

When it's looking like it's gonna get cold I just take a little 50/50 antifreeze and suck it up the short hose I hook to the muffs. The raw water side gets "flushed" with antifreeze mix. and what ever is left just stays in the raw side and drive. no worries about freezing.

It's quick and easy.

I also added a "quick" (oil) drain but I still use a Moeller pump to suck it out. 15 pumps and it drains it completely in about 30 seconds.

My transom drain is not big enough for the drain hose to go thru....besides it's the type with a check ball in case the plug is left out.

Cheers,


Rick

 

[Uraijit]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

I added closed cooling to the 454 I put in the Liberator.

When it's looking like it's gonna get cold I just take a little 50/50 antifreeze and suck it up the short hose I hook to the muffs. The raw water side gets "flushed" with antifreeze mix. and what ever is left just stays in the raw side and drive. no worries about freezing.

It's quick and easy.

I also added a "quick" (oil) drain but I still use a Moeller pump to suck it out. 15 pumps and it drains it completely in about 30 seconds.

My transom drain is not big enough for the drain hose to go thru....besides it's the type with a check ball in case the plug is left out.

Cheers,


Rick

Still sounds like an invite for a cracked block to me. Why not take 5 min, and pull the plugs from the block and mainfolds?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

Still sounds like an invite for a cracked block to me. Why not take 5 min, and pull the plugs from the block and mainfolds?

That usually not a problem with closed cooling

The temp would have to get to about -55 for that to happen. I think the 50/50 mix is good down that low. It doesn't get that cold here.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

antifreeze, yuck. I guess you don't have well water.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

I use Dexcool in the closed system and RV type biodegradeable from a tub to suck up with the hose/muffs...... I usually don't spill any using a large tub under the drive.

 

[flargin]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

I doubt I will add Fresh water cooling, It sounds like a nice option, but I will never get near salt water. After 20 years on the water, everything was still in pretty good shape.

I will clean and repaint all my bolt ons, take off any rust. Likely do a little bit of Fiberglass cleanup and re-painting of the "engine Room"

I am planning on going for the oil change tube - I never liked the "dip tube", always felt like I was missing the worst of the oil.

As for the drain, Still trying to figure that one out. I was thinking of the Minute drain, or replacing the existing "brass plugs" from my 89, with some of the new "blue Plugs" of the newer versions.

I also have been thinking about adding in a couple of the "In Pipe" T-drains. I hate pulling the hose off of the Raw water pump.

Have any of you used the minute drain or upgraded to the new style of draining?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

There's somewhat of a risk using the quick drain systems since the extra hoses and valves might prevent you from poking a small wire directly into the block or manifold to break loose flakes of rust, sand and other debris. That debris can block the draining of all the water making you think you have all the water out but in fact still have enough water in there to break the block.

I have the oil change hose that connects directly to the oil drain in the bottom of the pan. Using the vacuum sucker I get it all.

 

[Uraijit]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

That usually not a problem with closed cooling

The temp would have to get to about -55 for that to happen. I think the 50/50 mix is good down that low. It doesn't get that cold here.

What about your manifolds, etc?

 

[arks]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

I have an 89 Mercruiser 454, Bravo 1 in a 24' Arriva and need to pull and replace the engine. Since I will have it out, I figure it is a good time to do some modernizing but what would you suggest for improvements/upgrades.

How 'bout an engine preluber? I installed one on my last sterndrive boat instead of buying the extended engine warranty. Worked great, and it was nice to see the oil pressure come up before turning the key. The oil lines can be plumbed with a Q-D fitting, which makes oil changes as easy as flipping a switch. I had braided stainless lines made because the stock rubber ones looked cheap and probably wouldn't hold up very well.

Not an engine upgrade, but consider adding a drive shower. They're easy to install and it'll keep the drive from overheating.

 

[Don S]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

As for the drain, Still trying to figure that one out. I was thinking of the Minute drain, or replacing the existing "brass plugs" from my 89, with some of the new "blue Plugs" of the newer versions.

Stick with the KISS principal and keep th3e brass plugs in the block. Get some brass "Hex" plugs so you can use a socket and ratchet on them. Those leaking, blue, plastic, plugs are a downgrade from the KISS principal, and that silly drain hose system was designed to sell long blocks to boaters. Even the newer Merc owners manuals hint at the fact that you shouldn't trust them long term.

What about your manifolds, etc?

You really need to get a manual and understand the differences in a closed system and a raw water system operate.
In a closed system, water from the raw water pump circulates thru the manifold and risers all the time. Same as a raw water cooled system. The problem is, in a raw water system, the block does NOT circulate near the water the manifolds and risers see. That's why in the spring, the people that try to run in antifreeze (instead of draining and filling per the manual) have great manifolds and risers, and junk blocks.
Happens all the time, only because they don't understand the process.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

What about your manifolds, etc?

I have what is called a "Full System" 50:50 anti-freeze is everywhere except the oil and power steering coolers, (raw side of) the heat exchanger and the exhaust elbows.

That's why I use the muffs to suck up AF into the raw pump and thru the "raw side" of the cooling system .

Take a look at the diagrams of "full", "half" closed and raw water cooling systems and you'll see what I mean.

 

[flargin]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

Stick with the KISS principal and keep th3e brass plugs in the block. Get some brass "Hex" plugs so you can use a socket and ratchet on them. Those leaking, blue, plastic, plugs are a downgrade from the KISS principal, and that silly drain hose system was designed to sell long blocks to boaters. Even the newer Merc owners manuals hint at the fact that you shouldn't trust them long term.

Don, as always good advice. Since i have had to get down there with a wrench to get the 2 part brass 'drain valve' why not just wrench them out..

 

[Bondo]

Re: What upgrades for engine (oil drain, winterize)?

Those leaking, blue, plastic, plugs are a downgrade from the KISS principal, and that silly drain hose system was designed to sell long blocks to boaters. Even the newer Merc owners manuals hint at the fact that you shouldn't trust them long term.

Ayuh,.....

And the Realty of it is that only 1 night might be Too Long term......