paint engine in the boat?

[bill r]

My used albemarle came with a reconditioned engine that had OK looking paint at the time, but a couple seasons in a slip with near constant bilge water present have turned it into quite the rust bucket. Live further away from the water now and like the dry rack storage option much better...

Anyone ever done a complete repaint of an engine in the boat? Tips for engine prep? Anyone used the "rust converter" stuff? Brush or sray for getting the bottom of the oil pan? Better off to send it to the shop and have it pulled???

[Canyon305]

IMO if there is a lot of rust I would have the engine pulled in the off season...

It will allow you to get a better look at all the parts that are hidden in the engine compartment..

You can also take a look at the bilge and try to figure out a way to keep the water from getting on the engine when it is re-installed...

I have a 305 Express and it doesn't have very much rust but, next season I am having the engines pulled and changing all of the hoses, painting the bilges, and re-routing a few things to make maintenance easier.

It is also a great time to have the transmission connection between the engine looked at.. I have seen a couple of engines pulled and there is a lot of rust between the too..

Good Luck and post some pics if you do...

[24Albie]

Agree with Canyon305. Go get a basic cherry picker and pull the engine yourself. really isn't hard. I'm pulling mine soon to clean up the wiring in the bilge and repaint. Only takes me about an hour to pull the motor, that includes taking the outdrive off. Takes longer to get your tools together than actual work.

[Ramsi]

I third the motion....pull the motor. Will be faster in the long run and a MUCH better job. Plus you can clean and paint the bilge while it's out.

[bill r]

thanks guys,

Will the kind of engine hoist a typical equipment rental place carries do the job? I'm guess-timating the bottom of the oil pan would need to be 6' off the ground, with a travel of 4'...

[bill r]

been thinking about this today, the idea is starting to catch hold. The below looks simple enough- doubled 2x8's and 2x4's, and I also read about a "tripod" of steel pipe chained together at the top....

[Canyon305]

That's Awesome!!!!

Post some before and after pics of the engine and bilge... Also helps to have a ton of pics just in case you forget where something goes...

Also a good time to change the pan gasket, Oil pump and screen...

I am going to have mine pulled next fall..( Diesels are much to heavy for me to do)

That lift mechanism looks great...

Good Luck..