Can a Rookie remove an engine ?

SKybolt said:
Pretty good visual I would say, but even the best couldn't do that in a day. You would need multiple people and all in 2-3 days for the boat to see water if everyone was skilled and everything went right. I can see why it took you a month. But look what you have, even at two months. Great job.
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Thanks - that was my last boat - now I’m trying to get the new one close to that.
 
That was a super nice clean install. Lucky to have that much room.

I dread the time when the 454 has to come out of mine, since I can barely get my skinny arms down under the engine in my claustrophobic engine compartment.
 

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@businessjett you are asking the wrong question. Yes, a rookie can remove an engine. Pulling bolts and disconnecting hoses isnt difficult, and you just keep disconnecting things until the engine pulls out. You might spill some gas along the way and maybe create a spark if you don't disconnect the batteries when you start, but I'll bet you don't do that twice.

The question you should be asking is whether a rookie can install an engine and get everything working correctly, and the answer is most likely no.
 
scoflaw said:
Four motor mounts a couple of hoses a couple of wires and out it comes. If it ran when it came out it'll run when it goes back in. Simple stuff
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He said in his first post he needed a transom assembly and fuel pumps. I respectfully disagree this is simple stuff for someone who states they have “zero” mechanical experience. Just the engine alignment can cause the best a lot of angst. I’m not trying to insult the OP, just painting a better picture.
 
scoflaw said:
We all started with zero mechanical ability. Transom assembly is no big deal either eight nuts. Pull the old one out stuff the new one in.
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Lots of members on this forum with experience as well that are generous with their support if that route is chosen. More likely than not there will be a few surprises when things get opened up. Doing it yourself can help a limited budget with that.
$4000 AUD is like 2700 USD. Sounds like a reasonable price for those repairs but imagine a surprise or few could easily drive that up much higher.
 
Once upon a time, there was a guy who owned a boat that was having engine troubles and he and his friends worked on it and worked on it but could figure out how to get it to run. After finally caving in they hired a mechanic who came highly recommended. The mechanic was an older gentleman who came in looked at a couple of things and then pulled a small hammer from his tool box and gave the engine a light tap. The engine then started right up and ran perfectly. The boat owner was ecstatic and thanked the mechanic for fixing the engine. The mechanic then gave him the bill which was for $1000.00. The boat owner became quite upset saying this was an outrageous price for so little work and demanded that the mechanic itemize the bill to prove the work was worth the charges. The mechanic replied with the following itemization:
1) Hitting engine with a hammer = $1.00
2) Knowing where to hit engine with a hammer = $999.00

That being said, just remember anything can be accomplished if enough time, money, and determination is applied.
 
At one time, us old coggers were the ones bitching about the $1k bill and decided to try it our selves to save the coin. The ones that succeed probably followed rules 1 thru 5 in post #17 and had some common sense, a logical / analytical mind and aptitude towards tinkering.

I didn't hear the OP state he flat out didn't want to try (although admitting lacking in the mechanical ability class). I would admire a guy that admits to his weaknesses and then forges ahead and tries to overcome those weaknesses and do it himself (or with assistance of a good wing man / woman). That there would be a fellow that would be proud of what he accomplished.

Always got a kick out of the ones that don't even want to try then put up a stink about the repair cost. Probably should just buy new and / or have a mechanic on retainer.
 
Thornton69 said:
Lots of members on this forum with experience as well that are generous with their support if that route is chosen. More likely than not there will be a few surprises when things get opened up. Doing it yourself can help a limited budget with that.
$4000 AUD is like 2700 USD. Sounds like a reasonable price for those repairs but imagine a surprise or few could easily drive that up much higher.
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I have coupler that will eventually need replacement. My mechanic said about $2500 in and out with parts. So you are real close, and for that, no way in hell am I dealing with it.
 
Quick story of a boater friend last summer needed an oil pan replaced on a three year old engine. First question i asked him was do you want help? He said that he'd really like to try it but no time due to work. So I asked my mechanic if he had time and for a ball park quote. My mechanic says 4K and two days he have the boat back. I tell my friend and he's like wow that's a lot for that job(he's never done anything but change his oil). He then tells me he's got a guy thru a guy who knows a guy.
Fast forward the job took a month and when I asked how much it ended up costing he said 3800. So to save a few bucks it cost him a month of boating here in NY which boating time is precious. Also the guy he used said no guarantee the work is as is. So beware of what seems like a cheaper way to fix your boat because in the end it's going to end up costing you more than you want anyway.
 
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