found some cracks on my block! - Maxum Boat Owners Club

grantnicol543 · 02-08-2009, 09:10 PM

Hi guys, If you go down the engine topics page a bit you will see i wanted to replace the engine in my 1800 sr 4.3. I decided to rebuild, ive been getting stuck in and upon removing the heads tonight i found two cracks on the block. So that is that plan out the window!!! Back to replacing the engine now i think!!

. Gonna have to be a recon tho as money is tight! Has anyone done this recently? If so where did you get the engine? I already know of www.michiganmotorz.com, just wondered if there is anywhere else i should try? In the US or in UK is perfect.

SilveradoSS · 02-08-2009, 10:08 PM

I got an engine from Amercanmarine and motorsports (4.3L) for my old boat. It ran really strong 51mph in an 1994 2000 SR. They are kind of a weird place though.

grantnicol543 · 02-08-2009, 10:44 PM

Thanks. Was that a recon, used or new engine???

SilveradoSS · 02-08-2009, 11:52 PM

It was a rebuilt. I will have to look to see what I paid. I would think shipping overseas will be bad.

grantnicol543 · 02-09-2009, 01:05 PM

yeah i think it could cost up to $1200 to ship! thanks man

gezy · 02-09-2009, 11:14 PM

cant you just get a block. :wink: and put your bits in to it ?.get a gasket set
sent over .better on shiping.is your crank,rods heads ,oil pump still in good shape.

gezy · 02-09-2009, 11:25 PM

look here,
his name is tray.this is where i get my bits from :wink:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-Tru ... 240%3A1318

Stressleave · 02-09-2009, 11:56 PM

Where were the cracks located? Water jacket , bore???
Were they causing problems?
Did you check with a engine rebuilder to see if anything could be done with them?

I would try getting a block too if needed.
Good luck
Paul

seapuppy · 02-10-2009, 12:10 AM

Do Not use a truck rebuild kit.....you need the parts that are designed for marine use...ie head gaskets...plugs...etc...the engine isn't designed to run like a truck..which is low down grunt type of torque......marine engines run at higher loads and rpms...

I'd look at getting a crate engine from a local engine manufacturer out there...to ship one here from michigan motorz might be cost prohibitive but they may have deal on shipping since they ship all over the place anyway....

just my two braincells firing off again...

SP

gezy · 02-10-2009, 09:39 PM

ops: i just put that link to find the site.if you get on to them they do
marine engine parts :wink: .well he did for me.

grantnicol543 · 02-10-2009, 11:44 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys, The way i see is there is not much difference in weight between a block and short block engine so shipping costs wont be a great deal more but i will have the piece of mind of having fresh, fully tested recon major parts! I dont think i could ever relax and enjoy using it not knowing if there was any more damage on the parts i have re-fitted that i had missed. I'd rather spend the extra and have the piece of mind!

The valves are pretty rusted, some of the exhaust ports are very blocked, 2 piston tops are damaged and ive got worn rings. I did buy the boat knowing that a new engine had been recommended by the local marina workshop, but wanted to see if there was anything could be done to repair it 1st.

The cracks are located in line with the middle pistons on both banks at the water jacket side (facing up towards the cover with the carb on it) if that makes any sense!!
They were causing problems as the water and oil was constantly mixing.
I checked with a local engine builder for the cost of a full rebuild and repair of the block (which he couldnt guarentee would last) to cost around Â£5000, which is astronomical!!!

Seapuppy.........What is a 'crate engine'???

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

Grant.

seapuppy · 02-10-2009, 11:50 PM

a crate engine is an engine completely built up and ready to drop in...it comes in a crate hense the term crate engine....just take the crate apart...lift it up...and drop it into the engine bay...hook it up and start the engine after you out the fluids in it.......

everything is completely new.....cheaper in the long run if you think about trying to salvage say the distributor or the carb to put on a rebuilt engine...

SP

grantnicol543 · 02-11-2009, 12:01 AM

Ah i see! A uk supplied crate engine would cost around Â£8500 which is roughly $12400. I could have a recon short block engine and use all my ancillaries for around $1899 plus the delivery what ever it may be, so the saving is significant and the engine is warrantied.

SilveradoSS · 02-11-2009, 12:26 AM

I paid around $2000.00 for a long block crate engine in Wisconsin. If you move forward be very careful with the engine alingment to the out drive. I had some problems with this being done incorrectly by the installer.

grantnicol543 · 02-11-2009, 10:46 PM

Did you get that from americanmarine and motorsports as u mentioned above?

SilveradoSS · 02-12-2009, 01:34 AM

Yes, but remember there is a lot of work to transfer all of you other parts to the block. What got was block and heads. Everything else was from the old engine.

grantnicol543 · 02-12-2009, 11:18 AM

Yeah thats fine, ive got a mechanical background so that sort of work isnt a problem. Are you happy with the quality of the engine and its performance compared to the old one?

SilveradoSS · 02-12-2009, 08:03 PM

I did. I see that I said crate engine. What I got was a rebuilt engine as I mentioned in an earler post. The engine ran great and made good HP.

gezy · 02-15-2009, 05:54 PM

have a look at this may be for you :wink:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MERCRUISER-4-3-MA ... m153.l1262

grantnicol543 · 02-18-2009, 02:44 PM

Thanks very much for that but that is a much earlier engine than i require. but thanks though