Mounting 90 ETEC on 1982 Montauk 17

[kipkeller]

I got a 2019 E-TEC 90 to mount on my 1982 MONTAUK 17. I removed the 1990 Evinrude 90 Evinrude.

The top holes already drilled in the transom of the 1983 MONTAUK 17 matched, and the E-TEC 90 sat at the right height.

The blind bolt holes were useless as there isn't a blind threaded hole in the E-TEC 90.

To get it home, we raised the engine mounting height. putting the top mounting bolts in the top hole, and then the bottom bolts in the slot on the engine mounting bracket.

To get the engine at the right height, I need to drill holes that will go beneath the MONTAUK's engine splash well and out the front.

Is this even feasible?

Thanks.

[Phil T]

Kip -

Mounting the engine with the lower holes in the splashwell and in the slots is not a concern.

While I am not totally clear on the location of the lower holes, here is a measured diagram for the BIA bolt hole pattern.

For the E-TEC on a classic Montauk, you will want to be "2 holes up", top bolt in 3rd hole counting down from the top at a minimum. At this height, the lower bolts will be ~ 1/2 way up the slot.

Take a look at the diagram, measure your transom and report where the existing holes are located.

[kipkeller]

Phil,
Thanks for the info. When we first had the motor by the transom, I put a straight edge on the keel and lined it up with the cavitation plate. That would put it at 0 holes up, just like the old motor. If I put it at 2 holes up, then I should still be able to hit inside the splashwell.
Now, this brings up another question.
What is the best method to fill the old blind holes?

[Phil T]

Go to HD, Lowes or woodworking store and buy a bag of 1/2" hardwood plugs.
Coat the hole with epoxy.
Dip a plug in epoxy and insert into the hole so it sticks out the end a little
From the other side, repeatly dip and insert plugs untill the last plug sticks out proud of the transom a little.
Trim excess wood on both sides.
Coat both plug surfaces with Locktite marine epoxy in white. It dries to a very close desert tan.

The reason you don't use a dowel is the wood grain is going in the wrong direction, in relation to the transom. When the dowel dries, it will shrink and break the seal of epoxy.

[kipkeller]

Thanks. I have now read the FAQs. I should have done that first.
The hardwood plug idea is great. I have a plug cutter for the drill press.

[jimh]

The diagram that Phil has shown is informative, but I don't think it is quite self-explanatory. Because of that, I have created a slightly different and I hope improved version, and began a separate topic thread to explain engine mounting hole locations in the transom in more detail. Please see

Engine Mounting Hole Layout for Shallow Splash Well
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5808&p=33740#p33740