looking for 4.3 parts

[brunolund]

could anybody suggest good places to find parts for a 96 4.3lx? i'm specifically looking for a cam and lifters and a block, but need various others as well. used parts are fine, as well as used complete engines.
thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

http://www.iboats.com/Mercruiser_Parts/dm/category_id.268708--view_id.268708

Used, try ebay.

 

[Bondo]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

Ayuh,......

A 96 4.3l from a Pickup will get you onto the water.....
Just use the basic Long Block.....
Along with all the trimmin's off your old motor of course.....

 

[brunolund]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

my problem with that is i was told i need to use my original cam, but it's pitted from having water sitting on it. thought about trying it anyway, as it's very minor pitting, but unsure

 

[wncrjb]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

could anybody suggest good places to find parts for a 96 4.3lx? i'm specifically looking for a cam and lifters and a block, but need various others as well. used parts are fine, as well as used complete engines.
thanks

where you located?

 

[brunolund]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

winnipeg, MB

 

[Bondo]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

my problem with that is i was told i need to use my original cam, but it's pitted from having water sitting on it. thought about trying it anyway, as it's very minor pitting, but unsure

Ayuh,..... That Cam is Junk,.... Don't even Think about running it......

That's also why I said you can use a Pickup Truck motor,......
The cut of the Truck Cam is Soooo Close to the Marine cut,....
You'll Never know the Difference....

 

[Silvertip]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

And just so you know -- do not put a used cam from one engine into whatever you end up with and then install used lifters from a different engine. You WILL be working on the engine again if you do. If you use the cam and lifters from the same engine, make sure they go back into the same lifter bores so they ride on the same cam lobes they did originally.

 

[brunolund]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

what about one from a van? they are the same as a truck right. i've got access to a 95 astr van that i'm thinking would work, but it needs to be bored, so i'd need pistons as well.

 

[Bondo]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

Ayuh,....

A Truck is a Truck..........

 

[brunolund]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

alright then, are these the same pistons as a 350? can i use my plastic 6 bolt timing cover on an engine with 10 bolt holes? is there any reason why i cant use new lifters on an old cam? are the heads the same or interchangeable? i know i'll need my original manifolds, but will the intake bolt to the new heads? is any of this worth it if I can find a rebuilt engine for $1600.00(long block)

 

[Bondo]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

are these the same pistons as a 350?

My life revolves around Part #s,.... You'll have to Check...
Besides,.... There's Only a few Hundred possible Pistons that can be stuffed into a 350.....

can i use my plastic 6 bolt timing cover on an engine with 10 bolt holes?

For Obvious reasons,.... NO.....

is there any reason why i cant use new lifters on an old cam?

Nope,... But Why would you even Want to..??
You're rebuilding your motor,.... Do it Right the 1st time.....

are the heads the same or interchangeable?

Ayuh,.... They're All interchangable,... But there's always fitment issues to go along with that....
And,.....
This is where your issue gets alittle Sticky,....
Vortec Heads were intro'ed in 1996,.....
Your original motor Might be a 96, or possibly from an earlier build date,.....
The Vortec Heads don't have retaining bolts in the center, by the carb, only on the ends of the intake....
The Plastic timing cover leads me to believe it's probably a Vortec motor....
Depending on what you find, will determine what you can Use,......
You might want to keep Looking til you find a Post-96 motor,.... It'll make things Easier....

is any of this worth it if I can find a rebuilt engine for $1600.00(long block)

That is entirely Your decision,....... Not mine......

 

[brunolund]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

reason i asked bout the timing cover is my motor had the plastic cover with six bolts, but when i removed it, there is ten holes all tapped on the block.

my heads have 6 holes for the intake, including the two in the center(almost)

I seem to remember pistons for a 350 are the interchangeable, but wasn't sure. will try to find the same style.

the casting number on my block is 196, i dont remember the casting number on the balance shaft, but i was told this specific combo was used from 92-97. it does however say vortec on the rocker covers. any other way to tell if it is actually a vortec?

 

[Don S]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

Why don't you start with saying what this engine is, other than a 4.3.
Year, OMC, Volvo, Mercruiser, what drive. Any tags with marinizers SN on it.

 

[brunolund]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

sorrry, didn't realize i didn't.
it is (apparently) a 4.3lx vortec mercruiser, in a lund tyee 1850 with an alpha one drive.
the engine sn is 0F294871
block casting number 10227196
balance shaft 10224542
head 10238181
plastic timing cover with 6 bolts
ten bolt holes for timing cover on block
hyd. roller cam
single roller timing chain
4 bbl carb.
electric fuel pump
stamped power steering bracket
4.00" bore
two bolt mains.
any other info you need, let me know

 

[wncrjb]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

reason i asked bout the timing cover is my motor had the plastic cover with six bolts, but when i removed it, there is ten holes all tapped on the block.

my heads have 6 holes for the intake, including the two in the center(almost)
I seem to remember pistons for a 350 are the interchangeable, but wasn't sure. will try to find the same style.

the casting number on my block is 196, i dont remember the casting number on the balance shaft, but i was told this specific combo was used from 92-97. it does however say vortec on the rocker covers. any other way to tell if it is actually a vortec?

The latest vortec heads have 4 bolts on each side of the intake holding it to the head. ( total of 8 )

the 4.3 and 350 have the same bore.

In 1996, the 4.3 changed to the latest version. Starting in 1995, some of the newer versions started showing up in production. I have a 1995 with the older style heads but the newer style composite valve covers and timing cover ( 6 bolt )

 

[Don S]

Re: looking for 4.3 parts

You BEST bet, would be to get the OEM Mercruiser service manual for your engine. You need #18, Mercruiser PN 90-823226--1
That will help answer about 99% of your questions both present and the ones sure to follow.