The engine coupler links the engine to the stern drive on inboard/outboard engines. It has six additional holes on the opposite end, or side, that allow you to bolt it to the stern drive.Click to see full answer. Likewise, people ask, how do you know if your engine coupler is bad?Usually, once the coupler lets go, there is no halfway. There may still be a bit if friction left and if you take the engine up to normal cruising rpms, you will find the boat will just go slower, maybe not over about 8 knots. And you will smell burning rubber in the engine room. how do you remove an inboard boat motor? How to Remove an Inboard Outboard Engine Position the boat’s gear shift lever in forward gear. Remove the outdrive unit from the rear of the boat by disconnecting the tilt/trim cylinders, removing the nuts which connect the outdrive to the gimbal and then pulling the outdrive and driveshaft from the rear of the boat. Also question is, how does an outdrive connect to the engine? An outdrive motor is essentially the bottom half of an outboard motor connected to an inboard engine. The upper half of an outdrive contains the driveshaft which runs through the hull to the engine. Two 90-degree gearboxes connect the upper half to the lower half and transmit the power to the propeller.Can you change an inboard boat to an outboard?Yes, you can convert from an inboard/outboard to an outboard. Assuming someone with survey and/or hull repair experience has inspected your transom and it is sound (very important) there are aftermarket setback brackets which will bolt to your transom without modification.