1978 Merc 228 Overheating.

[78 Chieftain]

I have begun a complete reno on my 78 Chieftain but after completing the hull, decks, interior and carpet, I tried out the engine only to have it overheat. I had the pumps replaced, thermostat removed and it overheated again, The riser on one side cracked and there now water in the oil. That was two years ago and I can't find anyone willing to tear down the engine to find out what needs to be done. Help!

 

[mjf55]

Help will be along the way, but first, what engine and drive is in the boat. I assume a 78 engine?
If i read this correctly, the riser cracked and you found water in the oil 2 years ago? If so, what did you do when you found water in the oil.

Photo did not post use this link for a tutorial on posting photos here
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/forum-rules-and-guidelines/9938375-photo-upload-tutorial

 

[78 Chieftain]

The engine is a '78 Merc 228, Chevy 5.0. I spent several thousand dollars and hours on the reno and when the engine overheated again, I was emotionally drained. I looked for someone to take the engine apart but when that didn't pan out, I parked the boat and purchased a pontoon. It has new parts all over and some still not installed but my will was gone.

 

[Vintage Rider]

Talk to the auto shop teacher at your local high school. He may not know anything about outdrives but I'm sure he knows how to rebuild a small block chevy which is exactly what you have. The novelty of it being a marine application may even get you bumped up on the waiting list. The really nice part is, if it becomes a class project the labor cost is usually zero.

 

[GA_Boater]

Moved this into the Mercruiser section and re-titled the thread.

What exactly are asking?

 

[78 Chieftain]

I will locate additional pictures for posting. The bottom has since been stripped and epoxied. A red stripe has been applied like a Chris Craft. The boat has a teak swim platform and a bracket for a kicker. One of the posts suggested that the old pump might be blocking the passage and causing the overheating. I intend to start disassembling the engine this winter and attempt to take care of the pump, crack and water issues. I am too old to wait any longer. Thanks to all of the folks that have posted. I feel some renewed interest. I am not lazy but I would rather be on the lake than work in my driveway another year or more.

 

[78 Chieftain]

Thanks GA_Boater. I am from Atlanta and grew up on Lake Lanier.

 

[Scott Danforth]

working on an SBC is easier than working on the hull.