ANY way to remove/install AFT gilge pump between twin mercs??

I tried to find thread but could not on replacing the AFT bilge pump (one you control manually from dash toggle switch) in my hull between TWIN mercs where you cant physically get to the existing bilge that went bad. I was able to get the old bilge pump loosened up from floor of boat BUT wondering can I splice a new hose in to the hose that is already down there that carries water off the boat? IF I could get wires from old bilge pump may can drop one down there move it in to place with a stick as NO human arm can reach down to get to old/new! Boat mechanic told me OH have to pull motor really?? sure on my dime. Got to be a way people have done this without pulling a motor. Now I'm running on forward high water bilge pump we moved back a bid BUT need the aft bilge pump re installed and attached to where I can turn it on and off manually on dash at instrument panel! ANY suggestions I am missing. Thanks David

What about removing the inboard facing exhaust riser and manifold from each motor?

Does that look like it’ll give you the clearance without pulling a motor?

You’re going to need a left handed Gilge spanner.

Seriously though you may want to get another tech’s opinion. Sadly, logic does not apply sometimes to boat repairs and the first guy may be right. If pulling a motor isn’t going to cut it, can you relocate the pump to a more accessible spot? Worst case you run new plumbing to the existing through hull and splice into the wires at a convenient location.

On our 280 the bilge pumps were located ahead of the engine. Not a perfect solution but an indication Sea Ray felt was acceptable.

Thanks not real convenient placement for sure! Have to McGiver around before selecting motor pull for sure!

I did it on my 89 300 DA, I had to improvise some tools on long extensions. I cut the hose support wire ties and pulled the hose up with the pump and wires. I did all the wiring, heat shrink and hose clamping up higher where I could reach. I screwed a new base back to the bilge and lowered the new pump on to it and snapped it back into place. I then worked to get new wire ties into place to secure everything. Took a LOONG time but I got it done. Now anytime I have the manifolds off I check everything down there.

Thanks cool your hired!! It is really tight between those manifolds etc. I'm sure end of the day Ill have to take a stab at it as you describe! Thanks think I will just have to take a real close look and pretty much do as you say. About the least expensive thing you can change out part wise but labor to do it, not so much the same.

Last year I had both bilge pumps replaced and I have no clue how they reached them between the twin 5.0's. Let alone make the connections and heat shrink the wires and install new tie-wraps. I like DIY'ing but this was one repair I didn't mind paying for.

agree it looks like a nightmare Ill have to take closer look good thing still have the high water one working and it works but need both! No fun when horn goes off on dash even if infrequently when other forward bilge turns on!

I have mounted the pump and switch to a SS plate long enough to screw/lag to a stringer or bolt to a exaust manifold bolt