So I think I cracked the block.

[1980Galaxy]

I have done searches and have found mixed results, i'm sorry if this has been answered before (and im sure it has)

story: I was getting the boat ready for the season, got it up and running and changed oil and a few other things and noticed a crack on the outside of the block leaking water. i ran the boat on the muffs a few times and kept checking the oil for water (didnt find any). I figured i would just live with the small water leak on the outside of the block or just jb weld it. So i took the boat out on the lake for a test run and checked the oil about 2 min after i launched and sure enough: chocolate milk. I turned around and retrailered it and went home. The boat was NOT properly winterized.

I have a mercruiser 120 4 cyl. My question(s): what are my options? replacement block? heads? is there a possibility that i will have a cheaper answer than replacing an engine or block? I'm just trying to find out how bad this is gonna hurt. With the small engine i have, will it really cost THAT much to get a new one? and roundabout how much would i be facing ($1000.... $3000?)? I bought this boat as a present for myself when i came back from iraq and i dont have much to throw around to fix this.

I thank you guys for all the help... please no lectures on what i should have done last year, i know i screwed the pooch and feel horrible as it is.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

I have to say that after coming home from such a wonderful vacation it's the pits to find out your block is cracked.

(I've been thinking of getting a Condo in Kirkuk!!)

You're just going to have replace the engine. either with a "long-block" or other replacement engine.

I replaced a 3.0 longblock last summer for a co-worker from USENGINES

There's probably a similar place that does marine engines near you. Also, you can go to most automotive machine shops for block repairs. They send them out and get them professionally welded, then they machine the block, deck etc and rebuild them. They do the 3.0 frequently, but I think the "Iron Duke" (which I think you have) are plentiful so you may just find another block.

Sorry that happened to you....It's a hellova thing to come home to!


Cheers,


Rick
(24 years USAF/Desert Storm/Shield/Iraqi Freedom)

 

[Fishermark]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

Shop around for a used 3.0 liter. You will be happy with the power upgrade, and if you're patient enough you can usually find one pretty cheap.

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

i can handle most basic mechanical repairs but i am clueless as far as major stuff like this. i don't know if i have to buy a new block somewhere? or if i can take it to a machine shop to fix it up and give it back to me? maybe some outside chance it would be a blown head gasket? im not scared to tear into the thing and have a look inside but i really dont know where to start or if it would really matter anyway.

i just wanna know what im facing here cuz i feel so bad about it.

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

Shop around for a used 3.0 liter. You will be happy with the power upgrade, and if you're patient enough you can usually find one pretty cheap.

is that kind of a basic switch? haha well, compatability i mean... take out old engine, put 3.0 in and it bolts right up? and where would i even look for something like this? like i said, i have no idea where to start.

and btw, there really arent any boat shops around my area (kinda surprised i couldnt find any without driving far), so i cant even go there and ask for advice.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

Yep - basic pull out the old and drop in the new. You might want to do a little more research on any changes in the rear mount area - they MIGHT have different widths for different years.... but even then it should be an easy workaround.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

Let's approach this a little more logically. We know the engine block is cracked but we don't know if the head is -- and it's just a guess on my part that is not. It can be pressure tested by an engine rebuilder. We also know that water in the oil means the leak/crack is internal so the block is toast. There is no fix for that. Sorry. The good news is that you very likely do not need a complete engine but you do need a short block. A short block is basically the bottom half of the engine. You use all the original things attached to it including head, oil pan, starter, alternator, pumps, carb, etc. So your job is to locate a short block which can be new, rebuilt, or used. GM is a good starting point as they supply engines to all the major outdrive manufacturers and that's where your engine came from when it started life. Engine rebuilders in your area, marinas, Craigs list, E-bay, boat salvage yards, on-line used engine searches are all sources. These engines are not terribly difficult or expensive to rebuild so even if you found a rebuildable core (a used block or even complete engine but one that needed rebuilding) your misfortune could cost far less than a complete new engine. Be patient, obtain a service manual for your engine and make informed and well researched decisions. And from one Vet to another, thanks for your service.

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

so what kind of small block would i need to look for?

and thanks for all the help

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

Galaxy from what I understand the Merc block is the same GM block that was put into most of the postal jeeps that being said there are millions of them floating around ( cheap ) so look for used postal jeeps as well .


Rick

 

[flargin]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

Don't be afraid of the work. It is actually quite simple, compared to working on a car. There are a lot less components, controls, sensors etc. No transmission to deal with.

If you are handy with tools and can read a manual, you can get it done. A short or long box swap is a lot of fun, and if it is your gift to you, it will be a good reward when it is running.

Back from Iraq... Thank you for your service!

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

i dont have the tools to pull the engine out anyway so i wont be able to do it myself. its a really nice boat and very good condition for being nearly 30 years old. not much fading on seats and everything is great about it so now i will just have to work a bunch of overtime to bring this one back.

thanks for all the help, its much appreciated

 

[Fishermark]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

so what kind of small block would i need to look for?

and thanks for all the help

Not to bust your chops or anything... ... but just to keep you (and others) from getting confused... you are looking for a short block not a small block.

Short block = block with the lower parts included and assembled. (Crank, pistons, cam, rods, etc)

Long block = everything on the short block plus the heads and valve covers (usually)

Small block = various Chevy V-8 engines that share the same "small" block - like the 305 or 350 and others... (as opposed to the various Chevy engines that share the same "big" block - 396, 454, etc)

In your case you have the 120 HP or 2.5 liter engine. It shares the same block with the 3.0 liter. I have operated a boat that had a 3 liter 140 HP originally and someone put in a 2.5 liter 120 hp - the change was pretty dramatic... for the worse. Again, I think you will be pretty happy with the change from the 120 to the 140.

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

Not to bust your chops or anything... ... but just to keep you (and others) from getting confused... you are looking for a short block not a small block.

Short block = block with the lower parts included and assembled. (Crank, pistons, cam, rods, etc)

Long block = everything on the short block plus the heads and valve covers (usually)

Small block = various Chevy V-8 engines that share the same "small" block - like the 305 or 350 and others... (as opposed to the various Chevy engines that share the smae "big" block - 396, 454, etc)

In your case you have the 120 HP or 2.5 liter engine. It shares the same block with the 3.0 liter. I have operated a boat that had a 3 liter 140 HP originally and someone put in a 2.5 liter 120 hp - the change was pretty dramatic... for the worse. Again, I think you will be pretty happy with the change from the 120 to the 140.

but would i have to change(buy) more parts to upgrade? as far as like pistons, heads, exhaust, and whatever else that wouldn't fit?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

but would i have to change(buy) more parts to upgrade? as far as like pistons, heads, exhaust, and whatever else that wouldn't fit?

Well, if you buy a used engine you wont have to worry about the stuff you mention - pistons, heads, etc as it will come with it. ALL of the external stuff will interchange between the two. There is outwardly no difference whatsoever. Even the exhaust manifold is the same. It really is a very simple swap.

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

Well, if you buy a used engine you wont have to worry about the stuff you mention - pistons, heads, etc as it will come with it. ALL of the external stuff will interchange between the two. There is outwardly no difference whatsoever. Even the exhaust manifold is the same. It really is a very simple swap.

i like the idea of a little more oomph... i was just concerned about the cost. i dont have much money to throw into this project so i would like to keep all costs down if i can. but if it would cost about the same to put a 3.0 in there then i would prolly be all for it.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

Look around at the usual sources - Craigslist, ebay, local classifieds. Sometimes you can even find someone with a boat sitting forgotten and rotting in their side yard with the engine you need. They might be glad to have you haul it off for free!

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: So I think I cracked the block.

i dont have the tools to pull the engine out anyway so i wont be able to do it myself. its a really nice boat and very good condition for being nearly 30 years old. not much fading on seats and everything is great about it so now i will just have to work a bunch of overtime to bring this one back.

thanks for all the help, its much appreciated

Galaxy an engine Hoist isnt a big deal you can rent them from alot of tool rental places ( I recomend renting on saturday as they will usually let you keep it till monday for the one day rental price ) . You can get them cheap ( $150.00 ) at places like Harbor Freight . You can also build a quick and nasty gantry crane with some lumber a few 2X4's and a couple 2X6's and a comealong and you have a homebuilt gantry crane.


Rick