Mercruiser 5.0 upgrade to 5.7 Vortec

[Island llofe]

I recently purchased this 1996 2300SC knowing thr engine had major issues when I got it ( pulled the dipstick to check the oil and water came out instead).

Instead of trying to fix this engine I decided now woild be thr time for an upgrade. Even though Ive never even ridden in this boat Im gonna go iut on a limb and say the 5.0 non vortec with a 2 barrel carb is underpowered.

This past weekend I turned on pandora, brought a handful of tools on board and went to town, getting the old engine stripped and ready to oull iut. During the disassembly, I now aee why the engine failed or at least what the end tesult was. The was a huge crack on the starboard side of the block, below the head. Im attaching pictures of the teardown.

Aside from the manifolds, risers, and bolt on accessories, everything will be replaced.

[mmwjr]

The crack in the block may not be the reason for the water intrusion as it's the outer wall of the cooling jacket. The only way this would be the source is if the block deck is cracked as well. However this crack is right up to the block deck so it is possible. There is rust in the exhaust ports which means the exhaust system is shot and leaking which is a more common reason for water in the oil. You need to replace the exhaust manifolds and elbows/risers.

[Island llofe]

Originally Posted by mmwjr

The crack in the block may not be the reason for the water intrusion as it's the outer wall of the cooling jacket. The only way this would be the source is if the block deck is cracked as well. However this crack is right up to the block deck so it is possible. There is rust in the exhaust ports which means the exhaust system is shot and leaking which is a more common reason for water in the oil. You need to replace the exhaust manifolds and elbows/risers.

Thanks for the heads up man! Im not too concerned with what or why, I just want to hear this thing run and scoot in the water asap!