1962 merc 700 -help

[tinker-bell]

I am new to S&F, and the new owner of a 1962 Owens "bedford" 16' that came with a '62 merc 700 FGS.
Very excited about this engine - I have strong compression across all 6. Lucky break there.
As a novice mechanic, I am starting out by replacing some gaskets. I'm having trouble getting the lower water jacket cover bolts removed - the bottom two are way down inside the cover, and short of pulling the entire powerhead out, I can't see how to remove them - and so can't replace the gasket. Can anyone advise?? Much appreciated...

[tinker-bell]

so from all the research I can find online,and on one previous S&F thread from '08, I do in fact have to pull the powerhead to get to these bolts, as well as the ones on the port side crankcase cover- to get to those gaskets as well. . If anyone can verify, I would be grateful. But I will likely jump into it, and will keep my findings posted...

[rock]

Welcome to the site. I also started out with an old Merc. The more you tear apart the more you will know. I would suggest making sure the gaskets you want are available before you remove anything. Have fun.

Rock

[tinker-bell]

Thanks for your reply Rock. I already have all the gaskets - I must say that Dave at Seaway marine was of great help, and also Bill and Tom from Mastertech- in providing gaskets and a few basic replacement parts. I'll be taking it very slow, one step at a time. I'm going to build a quick stand for the LU and then the Powerhead tomorrow, then I'll start digging in.

[tinker-bell]

So, for anyone who may be following this thread, or any other old Merc owners, I'll post my findings ...
As in so many things, as you dig deeper, the answer reveals itself, and so it it with my 62 Merc 700 EL-2.
The answer to my original question is - NO. The water jacket cover and gasket (called a cylinder block cover in the parts manual) cannot be removed without pulling the entire powerhead, because the bottom starboard bolt has a nut that is UNDERNEATH the crankcase. Totally hidden. (thanks Merc engineers) There was no way to get to that unless the powerhead came off. Pulling it was easier than I thought, just took alot of notes as I went along, and pictures, and made a little stand on wheels for it so I can do the work. Now the fun begins....well ok, its already fun.

[rock]

Mercury engineering can amaze in many ways.

[milkdud]

Take lots of pictures. That helps.

[tinker-bell]

Here's another funny one - a chin scratcher for sure. The starter bracket doesn't come out on it's own unless you remove one of the carb bolts - the head of which is actually blocking one of the starter bracket bolts. It's like puzzle really.... messing with your logical mechanical brain just to see if you are paying attention. Yes, many pictures and step by step notes. Basically making my own manual at this point!! Got the entire powerhead gasket and seals set from Dave at Seaway today - glad to know it's still available!

[tinker-bell]

Well gents, I finally finished the motor and I started it today - it's running great. It has been a journey, and I got chance to really work on my patience on this one. A lot of WTF moments there in these last months. I changed out the lower seals and bearing, rebuilt the fuel pumps, the carbs, put in a new impeller, changed the gear oil, and replaced the water jacket gasket. At times I felt as abused as a presidential candidate, but in the end, that sound, that smell, fantastic. And I just can't wait to put her in the lake now - hopefully in the next few weeks. Let me say that Doug Brooke at Vintage Outboard was absolutely invaluable with parts and counsel. Hope this helps anyone walking down the same path with an inline 6 vintage Mercury.