small leak..big job

[mrxitmt]

I pulled the engine out of my 2400scr to repair a small leak . What I found is that the transom plate is cracked along the bottom . I also have to replace both cracked manifolds . I am also going to install a new starter while it's easy to get to . Hoping to get it 100 % mechanically sound so I can start doing improvments

[Kevlar7r]

Same thing happened on my 3000 last year. Ended up with new transom, 2 new transom assemblies. Big job!

[mmwjr]

Darn Rick you had a good season last year but the year before that you had the top of the engine off. Hopefully you get this turned around quickly to enjoy the season, then again the rain is really impacting the start so far.

Are you only replacing the inner plate or the entire assembly?

[mrxitmt]

just the inner plate .This also gives me the opportunity to clean and tidy up the engine room

[mrxitmt]

he transom looks solid

[mmwjr]

Post pictures, we love projects.

[Kevlar7r]

Where is it leaking on the inner plate? If remember correctly, the inner plate is basically just a clamp, and all the connections are actually on the transom assembly itself.

[mrxitmt]

one of the studs that holds the gimble housing to the transom plate was dripping. I thought it was a y pipe bolt but with a snake camera it was hard to tell . It may have been dripping from rubber y pipe hose which showed signs of leakage .
Went to the boat today and now that's the least of my worries . I have discovered that the BLOCK IS CRACKED . I don't know where the 5 gallons of antifreeze went when I winterized last year but it didn't go into the motor . I'll never use that winterizing kit again !!! I got petcocks for the block the other day but it's too late.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by mrxitmt

one of the studs that holds the gimble housing to the transom plate was dripping. I thought it was a y pipe bolt but with a snake camera it was hard to tell . It may have been dripping from rubber y pipe hose which showed signs of leakage .
Went to the boat today and now that's the least of my worries . I have discovered that the BLOCK IS CRACKED . I don't know where the 5 gallons of antifreeze went when I winterized last year but it didn't go into the motor . I'll never use that winterizing kit again !!! I got petcocks for the block the other day but it's too late.

If the engine is not warmed up then the antifreeze will not get circulated through the engine but go straight to the exhaust. However why are your manifolds cracked?

I have seen minor cracked blocks repaired with JB Weld but if chunks have fallen out probably not an option.

[mrxitmt]

well you know Mike it's been overheated and now its been frozen . I think it's time to move on . I've been looking at some with a little more power . Prices aren't too bad . you know I love that boat , I just need it to be reliable so I can enjoy it .

[mmwjr]

Yes Rick I know you love it. Keep us posted.

When you remove the inner transom bracket you may want to pull the outer and replace its seal and rebed the holes where the studs go thru.

[mrxitmt]

Thanks .I will let you know when i'm ready to install and post some pictures . Good point on the gimble housing . I don't want any leaks .

[mmwjr]

Hey Rick was wondering what you plan to repower her with? Rebuilt long block, power pack, or new merc?

[mrxitmt]

Rebuilt long block . I am deciding between two places . atlantic marine in fl. 2400 with shippin g 2 year gauraintee and a site called marine engines for sale at 2100 with shipping for the 260 with a 7 year or 500 hour gaurantee . do you know any local places

[mrxitmt]

I will switch this blog over to engines when I start the repower job .

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by mrxitmt

Rebuilt long block . I am deciding between two places . atlantic marine in fl. 2400 with shippin g 2 year gauraintee and a site called marine engines for sale at 2100 with shipping for the 260 with a 7 year or 500 hour gaurantee . do you know any local places

No local distributors that I am aware of. I used Doug Russel when I bought a brand new vortec 4.3 for my last boat. Had to pay extra for a lift gate truck since I had it shipped to my house.

A lot of folks speak highly of Michigan Marine.

[mrxitmt]

hey mike . what is rebed the holes

[mmwjr]

Rick guess I am thinking that the holes where the studs penetrate the transom are bedded with a sealant such as 5200 but I am not certain. There is a gasket on the outer assembly that after being compressed for these years may not provide a good seal once distributed by removing the inner plate.

I'll try to do some reading today if there is a sealant.

[mmwjr]

Ok I did some reading, no sealant but a new o-ring gasket is required. Tack it into the grove with some contact cement.

[mmwjr]

Hey Rick did you order the long block?