What to replace after Cracked Block

[Sparkyman215]

So I cracked the block of my 98 4.3 Carbureted Mercruiser. The block was cracked after I believe to be a improper winterization. I didn't know it was cracked and ran the engine for about 30 min. to an hour when it started to stumble pretty bad, so I backed off the throttle to idle and the engine died. Opened up the engine compartment and there was milky, frothy oil everywhere.

Now I have take the drive off and have the engine all unbolted ready to be lifted out but don't want to until I get a new engine bought. My question is what all do you think I need to replace/should replace. My engine only had about 250 hours on it so I was looking at getting a shortblock engine from somewhere (looking at rapido, looked like they had some good reviews on here but still open to suggestions) and then putting a lot of parts from my old engine on it.
I also was thinking that I probably need to replace the heads, is this correct to assume. Calling Rapido today they also mentioned that I should probably replace waterpump, themostat, starter, distributor and such since I am in there. What are your thoughts on this these or do you think my parts since they are low hours will work.
Also when I talked to Rapido today they really pushed replacing the exhaust manifold and risers and all of that. Do you think this is needed or can I get away with just gaskets?

I am doing this on somewhat of a short budget but want to do it right at the same time so I am just trying to get a idea of what I really need, should probably get and what isn't completely needed.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: What to replace after Cracked Block

If you winterized them improperly too most likely there cracked.
most other parts can be swapped to the new motor

 

[OldNBold51]

Re: What to replace after Cracked Block

take the heads and camshaft to a auto machine shop and have them checked. You'll need the heads reworked anyway, so no harm in this. The camshaft will need to be checked for wear also.

As far as the starter, alternator, and water pump, I don't see that as a necessity as these parts weren't under water, so they shouldn't have any damage. T-stat would not be a bad idea, though.

I had this same problem and my oil pressure sending unit wouldn't work again, I guess due to the water/oil mixture it was subjected to. A new one fixed this on the new engine.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: What to replace after Cracked Block

Sounds like they want to sell you a bunch of parts you don't need...

 

[Cuyose]

Re: What to replace after Cracked Block

With any luck, if someone told you it was winterized, but you ended up with a cracked block anyway, maybe they just drained the manifolds and unhooked the battery. You can pull the manifolds and risers and pressure test them to be sure. That will save you a few hundred dollars if they are still in good shape.

No reason you should need to replace distributors, starters, alternators etc. Just inspect them for wear when you remove them. Of course if you can find good deals on new ones, thats just more piece of mind knowing the age of those components.