Winter Work

[SabrToothSqrl]

Port is back to buttery smooth.

I then used my largest wrench to get the 6 front bolts as tight as I could.
Previously I just used my 1/4" impact, which seems to top out around 30 ft lbs.

Starboard is being a lot more of a hassle, and I will regroup on that thurs or this weekend.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

paint

While contemplating engine alignment, I painted some stuff. Not going to say it's perfect, but it's better than it was, right?

 

[AllDodge]

It looks good "but" having paint where the O rings may cause some issues with sealing. Might not, just a thought

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

The O rings for the drive lube, shifter, etc?
I clean those areas up w/a small screwdriver and rag before install.
Yeah I thought the same thing.

just doing my best to help it last. The brushed on paint seems so much thicker/more durable than the spray. I think I'm going to do the drives brush this spring or next fall.

The trim tabs are a nice stainless, but came painted black from the factory... I did my best to remove the paint. I need to get some aircraft remover on there I guess. Stainless is pretty on it's own... and stainless!

Can't wait to get my Cyber Truck, all stainless!

thanks.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Done 4 now...

Got both sides smooth. Had to loosen the rear mounts on starboard, then fiddle w/the up/down a bit and I got it nice and smooth. locked everything down. Both are on, assembled. I have 2 small nicks I want to hit w/a paint brush. I always find those just after throwing away a paint brush.

Nothing really to report back, everything seems 'whole' I need to register the engines for the 2 year warranty. Looking into that today. Have a 20 hour break in that will be rather boring (let's hope).

After what I can only assume was months running on less than 16 cylinders... I'm hoping I get a little more get up and go out of these. especially the hole-shot.... full tank and 4-5 people onboard really killed the planing.

What genius though white seats 6" from a greasy engine was a good idea?!

Anyway, I will start it up again this spring, test the drives for shifting, make sure the power steering system is full, and check the oil levels often. My hour meter should be good to go now as well.

Thanks everyone!



Ohh, since it was 65 here this weekend in January, I was also able to wash and wax the deck!

 

[AllDodge]

Looks real good

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Have just over 30 hours on the engines. So far, so good. Nothing 'base engine' related has been an issue.

I've had issues with my parts/work, but no issues from the actual engines.

Oil Line leaks - (Only buy OEM Merc) (Some shop made these 2 years ago, junk).
Fuel Pressure failings
Oil Pressure issues (senders) (Only buy OEM Merc)

Anyway, thought I'd close the loop on this.

I'm getting 4800 RPM from one, 4600 on the other. Which is mostly? within spec. (I thought the last engines were a bit quicker).

I plan to have the props worked on over the winter to make sure they are good.
Might also look at having the injectors cleaned/replaced this winter.

Overall: one hell of a project. Would I do it again? Maybe. Would I also price an outboard bracket and used 250-300 HP outboards, and have the 'only' outboard 292? With outboards, and tons of storage? Yes. Yes I would.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

100 hours on these now and still run well. I'm happy with the engines from https://www.michiganmotorz.com/

If I did it again, I'd have put new intake manifolds, thermostat housings, and fuel pumps on each.

but those all cost $$$. lol

1 year down. 4 more until I sell it. for something newer.

Prop place wanted like $250/prop, so that's a no for this winter as I did about 4k in new steering.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Updates

180 hours on them and still running great!!! burning lots of fuel!





I noticed a lot of nasty (rusted/pitted/etc) hardware (nuts/bolts) when I swapped parts from the old to the new base engines. However due to time, budget, and not wanting to source dozens of various stainless parts... (that are all stupid sizes) I put this off.
This winter I'll swap more out. But I got tired of staring at the rusted bolts here.

I know, even with the coat of rust, they'd most likely outlive me anyway, but pretty is pretty.

Now when the engine's on, they are shiny and spin I thought the button head bolts looked cleaner than the hex bolts.

Ohh, and I checked the salinity of where I boat - the bay isn't really salt water... i flush it after every run primarily for sand/crap in the water. It's not like I'm in FL...