Engine swap on B31

gcreas1 · Post by **gcreas1** » Feb 8th, '13, 13:06

I'm in the process of swapping out a Mecruiser 454 in my B31 and would like some advice on best method of doing this while the boat is sitting in the water.

Looks like we can, block the back of the engine, unbolt the bell housing and slide the engine forward while it is lifted, problem looks like the cabin overhang will inter fear with lift access from above.

Anyone who has experience on the best sequence for any easy swap really appreciate your input.

Thanks

In Memory Walter K · Post by **In Memory Walter K** » Feb 8th, '13, 13:16

Loft via a fork lift and chain then back up till past overhang. Done.

gcreas1 · Post by **gcreas1** » Feb 8th, '13, 13:41

Thanks, my problem is finding a lift apparatus that would work like a fork lift while boat is sitting in the water, area options are more like a chain pulley from above. Looks like I can gain a few inches if we release the trans mounts and slide it back towards the stern, not sure if that will buy me enough clearance.

Thanks

Capt.Frank · Post by **Capt.Frank** » Feb 8th, '13, 18:59

I used a LULL 4 x4 forklift with 20' reach. Lifted my 3208 about 2000 lbs with no problem. Don't forget to plug the exhaust with a fender then inflate to make a tight seal. I them triple clamped plastic over the exhuast hose. The biggest problem I had was counter weight for the missing engine. I would disconect the shaft coupler and pull both motor and trans. Good luck.

gcreas1 · Post by **gcreas1** » Feb 8th, '13, 19:42

Thanks I was debating to pull both engine and trans at the same time, sounds like that might be best.

Keith Poe · Post by **Keith Poe** » Feb 8th, '13, 20:38

Here's a video that might be of a little help

http://youtu.be/B193vHWNZF4

Thought i would toss this picture in as well

.

gcreas1 · Post by **gcreas1** » Feb 8th, '13, 21:24

Thanks much enjoyed the video, wish I was dropping in a pair of diesels.........

Bruce · Post by **Bruce** » Feb 8th, '13, 23:10

Pull engine and gear as one. Much easier.
Use a lift bar so you can level the engine/ gear assy.

conchy joe · Post by **conchy joe** » Feb 9th, '13, 09:07

I pulled the motors out of my 28 last year while still in the water. Neighbor had a davit lift on his seawall and it worked great. The gas tank was empty so I did not even have to plug the exhaust.

Good luck.

gcreas1 · Post by **gcreas1** » Feb 9th, '13, 14:03

thanks, you probably had the deck plates lifted? Engine and trans out together?

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Feb 9th, '13, 17:31

On dads boat we made up a Gantry.

Legs from one A-frame placed on Pads in engine compartment and two legs on deck for the 2nd frame.

Kept it simple with a chain to connecting rail (Pipe)
Lifted with Chain fall and slid over a bit...we just needed to work on motor,then drop back in...but could have brought back to deck and picked up from there.

His boat has a brow that goes way over motors...more so then the 31.

Rawleigh · Post by **Rawleigh** » Feb 11th, '13, 09:02

I pulled and installed the port side 440 Chrysler and gear in my 31using a winch hung overhead in a friend's well built boathouse. We pulled the 31 out from under the motor and set it down on a tire in the bottom of a Southern Skimmer skiff. Then we took the skiff across the creek to the public boat ramp and pulled it out on a trailer. I towed the skiff with the engine still in it to my farm and removed the engine with an excavator. Put it in by reversing the process. Redneck engineering at its best!

longfin · Post by **longfin** » Feb 11th, '13, 13:21

Pull it at Balboa Boat Yard they have a kick ass telescoping crane that will do it with the boat in the water, I think Dave at Basin Marine has one as well.

gcreas1 · Post by **gcreas1** » Feb 11th, '13, 13:40

Thanks much for the info, haven't seen many west coast guys on this site.

Joe E · Post by **Joe E** » Feb 11th, '13, 14:20

I am just up the street. I didn't know if you were from CA, or an east coast Newport beach. Getting the engine out will be easy. Shoot me a PM when your ready and I'll come down and we can brain storm it. Joe

gcreas1 · Post by **gcreas1** » Feb 11th, '13, 15:25

Thanks will do.

longfin · Post by **longfin** » Feb 12th, '13, 12:09

I'm in the back bay on Northstar

gcreas1 · Post by **gcreas1** » Feb 12th, '13, 12:49

Great another west coast B31, I'm on mooring H62 right off the Legion. You still on gas or running diesels ?

Ironman · Post by **Ironman** » Feb 13th, '13, 00:53

If I can help .. Im at Basin while they are dredging my mooring field.. Basin has a crane with an arm that will fit under your brow...I have done this on land ..& had a bit of an issue installin Cummins with the brow,using a forklift..My son has a skippy in your area...
Wayne on B dock..

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Feb 13th, '13, 22:25

Ironman wrote:If I can help .. Im at Basin while they are dredging my mooring field.. Basin has a crane with an arm that will fit under your brow...I have done this on land ..& had a bit of an issue installin Cummins with the brow,using a forklift..My son has a skippy in your area...
Wayne on B dock..

Wayne

Mine went it with a fork lift that has armes that are about 15 foot long, over the transom, lower the engines to just off floor height and slide them in.

longfin · Post by **longfin** » Feb 14th, '13, 12:32

Diesel Cummins 6BT 250's

bertram31.com

Engine swap on B31

Engine swap on B31

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