1.6L Crossflow Bubblebacks

[Solittle]

I am thinking about hitting the Dania Fl annual marine flea market this year and looking for one of these to rebuild. I have a pair of 1987 SeaDrives & was thinking it would be a fun project to build one up and stick it in the garage for a spare.<br /><br />What years would be compatible with my 1987s?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1.6L Crossflow Bubblebacks

You can make any V4 cf work from 1979. Even if you found an 85/90 the ports are easy enough to enlarge. Adding the bubble back is real easy. No problem. It'll probably be harder to find the plates than add them.<br /><br />Keep this in mind -- on the front half, the lower pan mounts that have that rubber piece in them -- if its bolted on its a 1978 or earlier. If those mounts are part on the casting its a 1979 or newer and uses the larger crank. Thats the one you want.<br /><br />See if the guys from Hardcore Marine are there again. They might have one. If you cant find one let me know. Ill hook you up with Jack at Superior Marine Salvage.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1.6L Crossflow Bubblebacks

Got it on the pan mount - thanks. A couple of additional questions:<br /><br />1. Outside of the obvious visual inspection and turning the flywheel by hand to see that it is not frozen do you have any tips on what to look for? Do sellers usually permit a prospect to remove the heads?<br /><br />2. Considering that I will probably have to do a complete rebuild what is the going rate ($) for one?<br /><br />I'll keep you in mind if I don't find one at Dania.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1.6L Crossflow Bubblebacks

Usually, not always, if it turns over real smooth with the plugs out it'll be OK. Turn it over and the rock the flywheel cw / ccw /cw / ccw a few times. If you feel anything clunking it may be a bad sign. Allow for the normal piston rock at tdc and bdc. <br /><br />If the powerhead is rebuilable I would think the seller would already have the heads off, maybe not. But yes, I would take the heads off. Water in the cylinder isnt as bad for the cylinders as it is for the crank and rods. If it has water in it, we need to know where it came from. <br /><br />Neat project. It'll be fun -- especially since its a spare.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1.6L Crossflow Bubblebacks

OH, as for the $$$. I'll check with a couple of local guys who do that stuff. They'll give us a better idea.