1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

[lmorefield41]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

This is what I was talking about guys. Thanks for the link Fishermark, I really appreciate it. Yea though, does this look familiar to any of you guys?

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

Looks like the block might be cracked below the deck, about 1" down, hard to tell from the pics. All that fresh rust would be a good indicator though. Someone epoxied the core plug for a reason, maybe trying to cure the cracked block (if it is), maybe the core plug is rusted out (should be brass), maybe the core plug hole is cracked????

Clean up the epoxy off the core plug and see what you find.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

Is that a "freeze" plug/core plug missing in the block?

I sent you the contact info.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

Yea though, does this look familiar to any of you guys?

Yeah - it looks like an old barnacle encrusted anchor I once pulled up from one of my dives!

Seriously - that engine is about as bad as I have ever seen.... and I have seen some bad ones.

 

[lmorefield41]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

Lol, yea, I think the guy got one over on me, however, I paid less then what the trailer is worth, and the engine is the only bad thing. I found a block on ebay that is very reasonable, its the same as the one I have as far as 181 CID, so with that being said, I can just replace the block right?

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

I found a block on ebay that is very reasonable....... I can just replace the block right?

I'd be careful with an Ebay block, could require a a bunch of machining or have other problems.

Also, I wouldn't expect to just swap the block, all the parts from your existing and Ebay engine would be questionable; lifters, cam, timing set, bearings, pistons, rods, etc, etc, etc...

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

that block looks like its been underwater for quite a few years.Agree on what appears to be a crack.

 

[lmorefield41]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

Ok, so the ebay block is a bad option? 1980Coronado has the same motor for sale with some extras. Would you guys recommend anything else besides buying another engine?

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

Well, the Ebay engine (if it's the one I saw) is $300, + freight shipping, so another $300 +- there. $600 for a rebuildable core isn't a great option. It cost me $800-1000 to completely rebuild my 140 a couple years ago, I did a lot of the work, 1/2 was for the machine shop, other half was for parts.

I'd look for a good running 140, possibly out of a basket case fiberglass boat.

Something to think of... You're in Ohio, water is going to be getting hard, won't be boating season for another 6 months. You have time on your hands waiting for a deal to come around...

Craigslist might be your friend, post up a wanted ad in the boating section.

 

[lmorefield41]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

Ok, I will do. Sorry for wasting all your guys time, but thanks for all of the help. I really appreciate it. I'm going to continue to take it apart for the experience and to see the mechanics. I'll probably try to sell the parts or try and keep them for the future. Thanks again guys, I really appreciate all of your help.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

If you are not in ahuge hurry, you may consider buying a whole parts boat for next to nothing.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

If you are not in ahuge hurry, you may consider buying a whole parts boat for next to nothing.

He knows where he can find one.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

From your first post

1985 4 Winns Horizon 190, The entire interior needs replaced...........I cannot get the motor to start.

I hate to say it, but it kind of sounds like you should cut your losses on this one, interior shot, engine shot, who knows what condition the drive is in? Part out the boat and try to get back the money you spent on the purchase.

Well, that's unless you want a project to work on over the winter. It's going to cost more money to rebuild your existing boat (plus all the blood sweat and tears) than to buy another that does not need all that work.

 

[lmorefield41]

Re: 1985 Mercruiser 140 Won't Start or Manually Turn.

I hate to say it, but it kind of sounds like you should cut your losses on this one, interior shot, engine shot, who knows what condition the drive is in? Part out the boat and try to get back the money you spent on the purchase.
Well, that's unless you want a project to work on over the winter. It's going to cost more money to rebuild your existing boat (plus all the blood sweat and tears) than to buy another that does not need all that work.

That's what I was planning on doing fishrdan, is making it a winter project. I have all the material to redo the interior, leftovers from when I restored the interior on another boat of mine. The interior is the least of my worries. I didn't buy this boat trying to be cheap, but to simply take it and make it like new. I've done it to cars plenty of times, and for some reason, there's no feeling like restoring something that didn't work at all, then using it like it's new after the restoration.

I'm going to try a different approach and see what you guys think. My new question/path is to find out what putting a in different engine (different horsepower and brand engine) would consist of, as far as another outdrive and all the changes I would need to make to have this work. I really want to rebuild an engine, instead of buying one that is brand new or buying one like 1980Coronado's engine, simply for the experience and the gratification of doing it myself. I have already started to part out this engine, and I could possibly make some trades on a different engine and outdrive, one that has no cracks in the block, and turns easily. I went and saw the engine, he started it right up and it ran fine. Started it multiple times. He has a few of them. He makes it sound very easy, however, I wanted to check with you guys and get your thoughts.

Thanks again for all the input and advice. And 1980Coronado, if I don't find any other route, I'll be coming your way to talk business with you.