3.0LX ...3.0L parts

[stat4u]

Does anybody know for sure what the difference is on the cylinder heads from 3.0LX vs 3.0L? I have the 3.0 LX and need to get a new cylinder head, problem is I cant find one for a 96 3.0LX anywhere.Can I use a 3.0L head ? I've even thouight about pin n stitch the crack



Thanks Folks

 

[martyh]

Re: 3.0LX ...3.0L parts

You might share with us more about the boat. Year and make for starters... If you have a casting number and a picture of the ports that would also be helpful.

Some will argue that all the 3.0 heads will interchange between all the years and, to a point, they will. However, you have to make sure the port shapes and sizes match up to your intake/exhaust manifold.

From personal experience, I have an extra (new rebuilt) cylinder head because of the theory that all 3.0 heads are the same.

 

[stat4u]

Re: 3.0LX ...3.0L parts

You might share with us more about the boat. Year and make for starters... If you have a casting number and a picture of the ports that would also be helpful.

Some will argue that all the 3.0 heads will interchange between all the years and, to a point, they will. However, you have to make sure the port shapes and sizes match up to your intake/exhaust manifold.

From personal experience, I have an extra (new rebuilt) cylinder head because of the theory that all 3.0 heads are the same.

I'm not sure what the boat has to do with this? Motor is not in a boat, was just asking a question about the heads on a 1996 mercruiser 3.0LX vs a 3.0L are they the same?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 3.0LX ...3.0L parts

Some will argue that all the 3.0 heads will interchange between all the years and, to a point, they will.

There's your Answer,... Right There....
Any 3.0l head will Work....

 

[stat4u]

Re: 3.0LX ...3.0L parts

I hope so. A new head for a 96 3.0lx runs about $850.00- $1100.00. A new 3.0l head runs about 400 bucks. needless to say I puckered up when i was told 850.00 bucks

 

[martyh]

Re: 3.0LX ...3.0L parts

I guess my question is, why would you buy a brand new head when rebuilt ones are so plentiful? Just make sure the ports match your intake/exhaust manifold.

Here are two 3.0 heads, neither one of them fit my intake manifold port shape, yet the one on the left was used on the original manifold and you can see by the exhaust carbon tracks it was choked. The prior owner complained the engine never did run very well and that it was a dog. Ya think?.

I had to track down the correct cylinder by the casting number and found a new rebuilt one for 400.

If the chocking or port match is not a concern to you than sure any 3.0 head will work.

 

[stat4u]

Re: 3.0LX ...3.0L parts

this is the casting #....14096620

 

[martyh]

Re: 3.0LX ...3.0L parts

Yup! That is the same head I had to find. Your ports will match the picture of the intake/exhaust manifold. If I recall correctly it was used on the 1994 and newer engines. Can?t tell you if the LX or non LX models made a difference in the ports.

Best thing I can tell you is hit up all the machine shops in your area (take the gasket with you to match the ports) and see what they have. It was harder to find this head, I searched a few weeks for it but did find one. If you don?t have any luck let me know and I will go back to the shop where I found mine and see if he has access to another one.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 3.0LX ...3.0L parts

Check this out, there's 4 heads that can be used on the 4cyl GM engine, not all the same displacement or vintage. I believe martyh is correct in that you will need the one with small ports, check the gasket.

(sorry for the big pic :redface: )

 

[totx]

Re: 3.0LX ...3.0L parts

Pics of 3 types of cylinder head:

http://remanufactured.com/IMG_0017.JPG (click on pics for zoom)

I think the one to the right is the 1990-up

I have been looking for this heads earlier,
and cant find aftermarket for 1990 and later.

Mallroy:
9-59000
Cylinder head assembly
Fits: GM 2.5L, 3.0L, 153, 181 1960-90
Castings: 087, 531, 748, 758, 852, 950, 954

Look like the left one in the pics.

According to Mallroy they are not interchangeable???

 

[totx]

Re: 3.0LX ...3.0L parts

Mallroy 1960-1990
Sierra 1968-1995 (Non LX)

Why?
Should be the same....

And what is the difference with the LX
Only thing I know about is that, LX dont use oil seal rings on exhaust valve stem.

Manifolds seems to be the same up to 95......

CYL HEAD ASSY 2.5L/3.0L GM 18-4489

Part Number
SIE18-4489

CYLINDER HEAD ASSEMBLY Replaces: MerCruiser 936-5544, 936-810840/986767 Fits: 2.5L/3.0L GM (1968-95) (non MerCruiser LX models) (1968-95)

 

[stat4u]

Re: 3.0LX ...3.0L parts

This is crazy how difficult a head replacement can be. I really dont know what the difference is from the "L" to the "LX" . I thought I remember reading the ignition is different between the two . Getting info has been a chore so far. On the bright side my Dad had his own shop for years before he retired. I never had the chance ( no intrest back then) to do a rebuild with my dad until now.