Oil Filter Nipple/Adapter for 4.3L Merc

[WBubble]

Ok.. I'll make this quick and short (I hope).

1997 1900 SR with 4.3l Mercruiser and Alpha One

Replaced the engine (conn rod knock) with one from a 2003 auto. Block is pretty much identical. I swapped/replaced all external and marine specific parts then disposed of the old block and internals since I had no place to keep it.......

Upon installation of the new engine, I realize the new motor has an oil filter mounting assembly that incorporates an oil cooler, which of course the old motor did not. After removing the oil cooler assy, there's no nipple on which to thread an oil filter. I've temporarily solved the problem by connecting the oil cooler's in/out lines, but I know I'm adding additional potential failure points.

Is there an adapter with a nipple still on my old block? And if so, how can I find a new one to install on the new engine? GM has one but the bolt spacing is wrong.

Thanks in advance, and thanks for not asking questions about whether I modified the new engine for marine use. I did.

[mmwjr]

"Is there an adapter with a nipple still on my old block?" Probably but since you disposed of it what difference does it make?

"And if so, how can I find a new one to install on the new engine?" You should be able to get one from a junkyard engine.

"GM has one but the bolt spacing is wrong." I don't understand this as it is a GM block, should have the same pattern as any small block GM.

[WBubble]

1. I was inquiring if I had discarded the piece with the old block. More self-deprecating than anything else.

2. I'm assuming you mean a marine junkyard. Good idea.

3. I didn't understand it either, however I had the thing and it did not fit.

I'm seeing some posts elsewhere that the nipple from the oil cooler adapter may unscrew and screw into the block. I may try that as well. Thank you for the reply.

[mmwjr]

marine or auto junkyard, the block casting are the same and will have the same pattern forthe nipple adaptor.

Where did you get the one that did not fit? Are you sure it was for a small block?

The nipple should be attached to a base that takes 3 (? may be 2, been a while) screws to attach it to the block

[WBubble]

I was provided 2 round plate mounted adapters w/ nipples that were supposed to bolt on in place of the oil cooler assy. Neither worked. GM dealer didn't show any SB 4.3's without a factory oil cooler... The suggestion now is that the nipple may unthread from the assembly and thread straight into the block - no bolts, no adapters. I curse myself for not triple checking the old block.

[mmwjr]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...rview/make/gmc


It should look like this

[mmwjr]

OK did a little searching and it appears the 4.3 uses a simple threaded unit see item 20 in link.

http://www.mercuryparts-direct.com/f...r=0&fveh=35654

[WBubble]

Mike Thanks again, very much. I'll be back home this weekend and will remove my oil filter to see if I can unscrew the nipple from the oil cooler collar. Gonna give it the old college try.

[WBubble]

Removed oil filter and Viola! 10mm allen wrench removed the nipple. Pulled the oil cooler assembly and it screwed right into the block and accepted the oil filter. Wham Bam.

Thanks!!

[mmwjr]

Gotta love it when a plan comes together