New member, pull-out 350 merc/IB seek info help.

I am new Chris Craft owner, my first boat. I just bought a 33' 281 Catalina. It is a fixer-upper. Previous owner, replaced with new 2004 350 Mercruisers 6 years ago. He did no routine maintenance. I Bought with two (2) engines. Port engine is locked-up , due to a leaking "riser". I want to lift engine up, in place, to access rods, etc. and rebuild. Need to know, if there would be real problem with raising engine in place, while boat is in water. I had a person tell me, "You have to take out of water". I believe it SHOULD, be possible to unbolt, and raise engine up, while in water. but it is wiser to get a 2 nd opinion. Why would it be necessary to take out of water? Info, is greatly appreciated! Dan

I am rebuilding engine on boat, myself. Thanks for response! Dan

Here is a photo of the Chris Craft, that I'm rebuilding the engine. The engines are located under deck, below the enclosed lower helm. Dan

Having trouble posting photo's. Dan

New member

Lost my thread.

Trying to Post photo.

Today's accomplishment: Port engine is unbolted, from front engine mounts, and tranny. Wiring harness connections to engine are disconnected. Hopefully, I did not miss any! Sea water pump and lines unbolted and free of engine. Intake manifold, and connections, EXCEPT fuel rack, and laid onto tranny. Brought to boat: Chain hoist: 2X4 lumber: Metal saw-horses: Come-along (4 ton): 15 ft. heavy chain: Engine is ready for lift-out. Knew I needed "sling" to bolt on, of some sort, but wanted to see how things look, after I did the aforementioned. And believed, I would be wore-out, due to heat and humidity!! I was right!! So I cooled-off while hosing-down the boat! Since I removed the intake, and exhausts manifolds, there is no "factory lift-points" on engine Will think about a set-up of, chains and bolts, and where-to, position a "bolt-on" set-up, then procure, in a few days. Finally, the hard stuff, IS DONE!! WHEW!! All got to do now, is lift engine out, and re-work engine block. Yes, I know, putting engine back in, AND re-connecting, is still to do!! Mother's Day coming-up, so have obligations for day, and dinner in a "Mother's Day type" dinner, at a fine restaurant.

Plan"B', on a engine hoist. Normal height saw-horses, not high enough. Don't want to buy a new hoist, for this job. People on craigslist, want nearly as much as new. Thinking about rental. Going to Home Depot, and see what I can put together, without much money. Looked at engine stands. fairly low cost, around $50 so can handle that, if I have to. I rebuilt engines before, by "rolling" them around. Not easy work, but can do if I have to.

All I managed to do today was, plan "A' don't work,-- And go to plan "B'.

Went for a break, top-side, forgot I left stern hatch-cover open. Fell thru!! I'm ok,just a little sore, on my right-side rib cage. Nothing broken.

Anyway, not a "bad day". I was my my boat!! Dan

My! K1W1, you keep late hours too! Got your message about wood pallets and plywood. I'll post pictures of "engine room" when I get back onboard. Boat is direct inboard. Engines are located in bilge, and below the enclosed helm. I must separate block from tranny/coupler, and then raise engine block 4 feet up, and onto helm deck. 4 foot is the distance I fell thru, the " forgotten" open stern hatch, when I stepped outside for a work-break!!

Wood pallets are no cost. People are giving them away , now the the economy is in the "dumper" now!! Thanks! Dan.

The previous owner bought and dealer installed, 6 years ago, 2 new 350 Mercruiser gasoline marine engines, and is a direct inboard. Cooling is, both salt and "closed" system engines. Previous owner tried to free-up, but was unsuccessful. He also: Removed spark plugs: Put oil in cylinders: Removed starter, and valve covers. I removed: Both heads: disconnected wiring etc, readied to pull-out engine. What I found: One (1) bolt, on rear of intake maifold badly rusted, but not broken: 2 pistons (on opposite banks, both 2nd pistons from front (water pump) has rust on top. All others, oil in cylinders, top of piston: Sprayed PB Blaster, (rust-breaker) on all 8 of the exposed pistons: Tapped pistons, with soft wood 2X4. Result is, engine STILL locked. Cylinder walls minor and scattered surface rust. It SEEMS, the salt water has seeped to the rings, and may have filled space. I am TRYING to HOIST, and remove engine block, to place on deck of enclosed lower helm, to disassemble, directly above engine-room. I will purchase a engine stand, if low cost. I plan on rebuilding engine, as I find what needs to be done. Risers WILL be replaced with new parts. Exhaust manifolds will be "vatted". Further examination will reveal, what needs to be done. It will be hot and sweaty work and time consuming. My only other choice is, pay $2,500 for a reman, or up to $10,000 for a new engine. Since I have recently retired, time is not a problem. The boat is a 1979 Chris Craft 33 ft. Catalina, with Flying Bridge, and dual helms. Needs Port engine rebuild, Starboard needs replace risers, engine still runs ok. Replace bilge pumps. It has been, 4 years since last "bottom-job", so when I am able, that will be done. And do other fixes, that have been neglected. I have my hands full!! However, I purchased for $4,000 knowing, I had "work" to do. However a boat like this, in tip-top shape, would cost $25,000 to $35,000. When I'm finished, I will know every inch of Her, from Bow to Stern, and Starboad to Port. Dan

Yes, access from inside, seems to be only method, of any success. I did not waste too much time and effort, to free-up piston. Gave it a good try, but KNOWING, I STILL would have to get inside anyway. I know everyone could agree, to free-up, and starting Her, is not a solution, or proper. Hoisting engine out from bilge, is my real problem. I'll probably end-up renting a engine hoist, rather than purchase. I did, and hope, by unbolting engine block from, the 2 front engine mounts, (mounts remain inplace) and remove starter, then remove the 4-5 bolts from rear of engine, would leave tranny/coupler intact, and release engine block. The engine purchased new in 2006 by previous owner, and dealer installed, ( Not subjected to excessive RPM'S /abusive useage, per previous owner). 350 MAG MPI Mercruiser, Horizon. Model: 33500131S Serial: OM317013 This engine costs NEW, in 2004, $10,530.00 ( unsure if $ includes installation) according to Mercury Company paper-work per previous owner. Unsure of tranny model. Will look and check, next time onboard. Dan