Mercruiser question - fuel cooler leaking...

abl1111 · #1 06-08-2009, 10:29 AM

2001 5.7 350HP, MAG MPI ( fuel injected ).

I replaced my seawater pump earlier this season. I thought that was going to be tough - it's in a bad spot, but do-able.

The fuel cooler - I think is probably in the worst spot that can be worked on while the motor is still in...

I think an epoxy will work. I too, do not like the short path, but if I can get this whole gizmo out, it comes out w/ the fuel pump, fuel pressure reg, etc, then, you have to start thinking about replacing these parts too ( even if they work fine, just so you don't have to go back in there again ).

abl1111 · #2 06-13-2009, 12:42 AM

Well. No help here - but I guess I can help someone in the future. I finished this knuckle bearing job - a lot of blood lost from tight quarters and mercruiser #$@$%%$ sharp stuff everywhere ! My original fuel cooler must have been crushed while being dropped in boat - against motor mount, by mechanic during install after my resto of boat because cooler was smooshed where the water hose gets clamped down.

Anyway, it is a methodical job that can be done but it takes about 4 hours total if you're lucky and don't drop anything in the bilge ( a likely possibilty ).

A few helpful tips: disconnect fuel lines at water/fuel separator as oppoosed to the cooler/fuel pump. Disconnect all cooler/ fuel pump connections and slide entire unit forward along stringer until out.

I don't curse this job on anyone !

All went well and I'm ready for fishing again. Bloody knuckles and arms will heal soon enough !

R/R

htillman · #3 06-13-2009, 01:06 AM

No help now, but I have my turbine mechanics tie strings to their wrenches to their bodies when working on open turbines. We also keep drop list when and if they do drop items.

abl1111 · #4 06-13-2009, 12:24 PM

I did tie a pc of engine part when I was installing it because if it dropped into the bilge it would have been a bear to get. I used 15lb fishing line and then when I attached it, I tore the line free...

I also used electrical tape to partially cover the face of a ratchet to hold a nut in place while trying to install it in a vertical / upside down position ( not to mention the paper towel I jammed in the ratchet first to keep the nut close to the face / or front of the ratchet so it would not recess !!!

My favorite 'tool' when I re-do a complex thing is my digital camera so I can detail the ripdown via pix and see what things looked like after I have many pcs laying around !