'94 3200scr oil pan repair, now dual engine change

[geoffm70]

after finding chunks of piston in the pan, switching out both 5.7 Mercs for rebuilt Volvo Vortecs. Yes, it hurts.

[mmwjr]

Are you keeping your Bravo drives or switching to Volvo? From what I know the Volvo only uses one shift cable from the helm to the drive while the Mercruiser uses two cables, one from the helm to the engine and the other from the engine to the drive. Volvo exhaust manifolds don’t have the bolt pattern for the cable bracket.

[geoffm70]

Noted and thanks Mike, I don't know enough to know what I don't know. Was told this morning that I'm buying 2 'vortec long blocks', and all the accessory parts from my Mercs will just bolt on. 2nd and working engine comes out today. Getting cad 1000 for it, as a 'long block' as well.

[mmwjr]

Ok so no Volvo just Vortec long blocks. Note the Vortec uses an 8 bolt intake manifold wich doesn’t come with a long block. Your old engines use a 12 bolt intake. I bet they are buy new intakes as well. BTY I did this in 2016 when I repowered by Maxum.

[geoffm70]

Yes, getting new manifolds, both fuel and exhaust. How did you like the change? Apparently I can expect more HP (25 to 30), does that mean the same speed, with less fuel?

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by geoffm70

Yes, getting new manifolds, both fuel and exhaust. How did you like the change? Apparently I can expect more HP (25 to 30), does that mean the same speed, with less fuel?

I noticed shorter time to plane and better economy.

[geoffm70]

My fuel economy has been anything but economic.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by geoffm70

My fuel economy has been anything but economic.

Nothing economic about a boat. I said better economy not economic. 🤪

[geoffm70]

Had a steering pin leak on one that was repaired but who knows how long that'll last. Getting 2 used fresh water bravo assemblies for cad 2500 each. My port side currently is in good working order, ugly, but sound condition. Would it be worth anything?

By the end of the week, should have 2 refreshed Vortec 350s with like new assemblies installed. The legs were rebuilt last May with stainless steel shafts and new props. Ready for another 29 years!

[mmwjr]

Keep us posted on the progress and post some pictures.

[geoffm70]

here are some so far... including the piston parts found in the pan.

[geoffm70]

maybe Wednesday these go on.

[mmwjr]

Coming along nicely.

[geoffm70]

I'm having a bit of a dilemma re the transom assemblies. Mechanic friend (who's not doing the job, and maybe bitter) asks why would I spend 5000 on replacing assemblies if they were working and not leaking (previous repair works still)? If it were to start leaking, it wouldn't sink her. Yes I'll have to lift the boat, pull both leg and motor, but it wouldn't cost 5k, and why replace both, maybe could even repair the leak again? 5000 is a lot for peace of mind. If I replace one, I'd want to replace the other to keep them age same. Having said all that, if I do change them, from block to prop would be done, like new. Or is this simply, 'because you're in there-ism'?

So here goes:
Change Transom Assemblies, yes or no?

[mmwjr]

Lol, that’s always a personal decision. Are you asking us to spend your money for ya? IMO while the old assemblies were rebuilt the aluminum is still 20 years old and has been exposed to water which weakens them to an unknown degree. If you have the money do it if not use the old ones. You’ll find plenty of folks on both sides of this fence.

[shrew]

Replace the transom assemblies. It's beyond a small leak. If these are Bravo III, then they will slowly crush the intake water line. The solution is to either replace the transom assemblies, or to install a drive shower to cool the drive externally, and installing an intake, seacock, and sea-strainer to cool the motor.

[geoffm70]

I'll continue as planned and replace them. They're Bravo2s. Already did the seacock thing last year when the newer engine was running at 200f temps at cruise. Thanks again Shew, it worked.

[Mongoose]

Geoff,

In the empty engine compartment pic, the first thing that caught my eye was the floor under the holding tank has been replaced. Mine is showing signs of softening/rotting, and I'm thinking of replacing it. Would you mind taking some more targeted pics of that area for me? I'd like to see how it was done on your 3200. If you did it, some advice would be helpful. PM is fine; no need to hijack this thread. Thanks!

'Goose

[geoffm70]

Getting ready to install the (new to me) fresh water transom assemblies yesterday and discovered one of the exhaust Y-pipes was almost ready to go/start leaking. There's another $400.

[geoffm70]

Fingers crossed engines go back in tomorrow!