Help with I/O motor swap

[PaulP]

Hi guys, I have the chance to buy a 1986 Fourwinns 19Ft Bowrider with a bad motor for $1000.00 The motor runs but water leakes out from the block somewhere,I hope freeze plug but I think the worst because the oil is milky. The motor is a Mercrusier Im not sure of the Hp. Hull and interior are ok just need a little TLC.I am thinking of buying a rebuilt motor and swapping it out.I am hoping to end up with an older boat but a good reliable motor i can trust. I have 2 options a complete new/rebuilt motor with every thing new or I think they called it a Short block where I would reuse some parts from the old motor,ie.oil pan,covers,carb manifolds ect.All I know about the motor is it ran fine last year and it was not winterized,shoul I try to reuse what i can or go for the complete motor.<br /><br />PART 2 How hard is it to pull an Merc I/O and swap with the new one? WE have access to a heated garage with a chain fall set up.What do I need to know, Dos and Donts, I mean I know if i undo enough stuff something will happen.What do i have to do with the outdrive will that need to come off, and how?<br />I have only workked on out boards, I have seen a lot of guys walked through repairs with help from the this board and I think it is great. I hope i am not trying to take on more than I can do and would love any help,advice,words of wisdom,do's and don'ts. thanks, Paul

 

[oar master]

Re: Help with I/O motor swap

what size motor is it? 4 or 6 cyl? the reason i ask is a recon. motor, 4 cyl. will run u about $1700- 2000. i wouldn't reuse the manifolds/risers without having them pressure tested for leaks. if there bad, you'll need to get new ones & they ain't cheap. if the motor wasen't winterized, how about the drive? check the drive fluid for water. why go to all the trouble? u can probably pick up an 86 for $3000 or so with a good motor etc. without all the headaches. just my .02

 

[Trent]

Re: Help with I/O motor swap

Sounds like a PARTS boat to me! Find out where the engine leak is first!!..If it is just a manafold thats about 300.00. If its the block on that old a boat..Move on and forget it..There are too many boats out there that are in better shape.

 

[rloper]

Re: Help with I/O motor swap

PaulP, Look friend has the boat been run in saltwater, if it has for any length of time run from it. Now if you are still serious about trouble shooting it, and providing it will crank. Change oil in it first, then with it hooked to the muffs to run out of water, disconnect the hose from engine to exhaust manifold. It will empty into the boat. Open drain plug! Turn water hose on and crank, let it run for about 5 to 10 minutes. Shut off and check oil, if not milky it is your exhaust manifold. This is a common problem with the mercruiser heat exchangers. New maifold will probably be around 300 bucks, also probably time for a new exhaust bellows. These old mercruisers work fine if you have heatexchanger that is sea water cooled and fresh water runs in the engine. Good Luck

 

[PaulP]

Re: Help with I/O motor swap

Oar,Trent,Loper,<br /> Thanks for your input,I know there are a lot of other boats out there but this is what i am thinking. Ok I could find another 86 or so 19ft bow rider for $3000.00 give or take a little but I still wont know what I might run into down the road,If i buy the boat,spend lets say $3000 on it for $4000.00 I have a good boat with a new engine and I know what I have. The hull and Interior is in excellent shape,just dirty,however I did not think about the outdrive as that could be trouble that is where hearing from you guys really helps,I am in no rush,I will shop around a little and see whats out there,anything you can add is sure appreacited. thank you Paul

 

[Hooty]

Re: Help with I/O motor swap

Yo, PaulP,<br /> Check some of the used boat web sites, (this one for instance). There are a gadzillion good, used boats out there and this being the off-season, etc. they're reasonable. <br /> g'luck & c/6<br /><br />hooty