Help with choice of engine

[miller184]

I have a '89 Glastron 177 Sierra with what I thought was a 4.3L Mercursier S/N 0C604271, Thunderbolt Ignition, and an Alpha stern drive. I received the boat free from a friend who had it last summer then forgot to winterize last winter. He replaced exhaust manifolds this spring but still found water in the oil so he gave it to me. Once I pulled the intake manifold off I found a shaft running from the front to the back of the engine which I believe to be part of the harmonic balancer. I thought that was odd since from what I have read Mercrusier didn't put these in until the mid '90's. I checked further and found out that the block is a '92-'93 GM S/N 10224535. My questions are:

1) Should I purchase the original motor for this boat or go with a newer model because that?s what in their now?

2) Are the parts for these two motors interchangeable? They seem as if they would be.

3) Is it worth my time in money to repair this engine or should I find another boat?

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Help with choice of engine

Ayuh,....

1),... A 4.3l is what you need,.. The Vintage can be whatever, as long as it's adaptable, which Most are...

2),... Yes,... Most but not All....

3),... That's Your Call,... Nobody but You can decide that...

 

[miller184]

Re: Help with choice of engine

Thanks Bond-o.
I will probably go with the newer engine to hopefully make sure the parts from the current engine match up.