1989 Chaparral 198 XL I/O V-8

[roscottjr]

I am looking for anyones suggestions or advice on a venture I am taking. I am becoming the new owner of a 1989 Chaparral 198 XL I/O V-8 for the cost of $0.00. Yes thats correct, the boat is being given to me. Now I know there is no such thing as a free boat and I am planning on putting the money into it to restore as from what I understand Chaparrals are very well built boats. I currently have a 1988 Maxum 19' with 125hp Force outboard that will soon need interior and a new floor board. Anyway, back to the Chap, This boat is somewhat complete. I am being given the hull, engine, and outdrive. There is no interior left due to rot and the elements. Apparently the drain hole in the rear of the hull became clogged and therefore the engine became submerged at least to the point the starter was under water. I do not know for how long but I do know the engine spins freely now. The outdrive has been rebuilt and aside from some rust on the joints it is in excellent condition. There is also a stainless steel prop that comes with it.

Now for my concerns. What exactly is the difference between the one-piece rear seal engines and the two-piece as far as an engine swap would be concerned? I only ask because this engine does not have the center valve cover bolts that should be on a 1989 model engine. I know this could simply be where someone changed the heads but I do not yet have the numbers to verify the year of the motor. The boat has the Alpha 1 Gen 1 outdrive. Is there a major difference in this bolting up on a 1984 engine as opposed to a 1989 engine?

Robert

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1989 Chaparral 198 XL I/O V-8

Is there a major difference in this bolting up on a 1984 engine as opposed to a 1989 engine?

Nope,... Not as long as they both have the 14" flywheel that the coupler bolts to...

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 1989 Chaparral 198 XL I/O V-8

Nope,... Not as long as they both have the 14" flywheel that the coupler bolts to...

Exactly correct.

 

[roscottjr]

Re: 1989 Chaparral 198 XL I/O V-8

Ok, thats what I was thinking but just wanted to be sure.

I got another minor question. At this point I only have pics of the boat. From what I can tell according to an Ebay listing I accidently stumbled across, This boat appears to have 2 Merathodes in it. What I see in the pic could possibly be somthing else but this is what they look like. What do the merathodes do?

Robert

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1989 Chaparral 198 XL I/O V-8

What do the merathodes do?

Ayuh,... It's an Anti-electrolisis device... It slows corrosion...

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 1989 Chaparral 198 XL I/O V-8

... This boat appears to have 2 Merathodes in it...

Uh, red flag time. I am not 100% certain that an Alpha 1 in 1989 even had one Mercathode system, let alone two. This makes me think this boat has a severe corrosion problem. Check out the drive, transom assembly, and rear of the engine very closely. The "rebuilt" drive may just have been repainted to hide a severe corrosion issue.

Fact is, it sounds like this boat has a lot of issues. Not saying they can't be fixed, but it may take LOTS of money.

 

[roscottjr]

Re: 1989 Chaparral 198 XL I/O V-8

Well, like I said that is what it appears to be in the pics but Im not sure. The engine and outdrive are on the way right now so I will be able to check them out better once they get here. As far as the everything else goes, I only have pics at the moment. Everything appears to be in great condition in the pics but that doesnt mean they are. If it comes down to it, I have already located a rebuilt engine and outdrive for $3800 so Im ok with that if I have to go that route. I am pretty well betting on this engine to be shot. I am hopeing for the best but expecting the worst considering the boat is free and he is bringing it to me. There are other things that to me look like he is not hiding anything like the starter and alternator are rusted and obviously have to be replaced. The exhaust manifolds have the expected rust on them that is to be expected on an exhaust manifold. With the exception of the starter and alternator needing replacement, the other items look like a good cleaning will take care of it. At any rate, the engine and outdrive should be here soon so I will be able to get a better look at things and will update shortly after I check them out.

 

[roscottjr]

Re: 1989 Chaparral 198 XL I/O V-8

Ok here is the drive train update. I am now in possesion of the engine and outdrive. I would have to say it doesnt fit in my expected worst case area but not far off. The outdrive whil not perfect is in great condition. No corrosion at all on the outdrive. Fluid is good, pressure test passed, and vacuum test passed. It does however need new universal joints due to rust from this boat getting full of water because the drain hole got clogged. These joints could possibly be cleaned up and reinstalled but I will be taking the safe approach and just simply replace them. The stainless steel prop is in excellent condition as well as like new condition. The prop says "BALLISTIC" on the side, I am assumeing this is a brand name.

The engine is of course a different story. It is a 5.0 engine with 2-piece rear seal so it is definately not a 1989 engine. Apparently someone did not winterize the engine so we all know what this caused. The block has several cracks in several different areas, 1 of which has the block pushed out about 1/2 inch. I was planning on a new engine anyway so this is no big deal, I really only wanted the engine for the accesories such as exhaust manifolds, carb, ignition, etc. The block is trash but all of the external components are good.

Here is some information on the engine if anyone has anything handy and could send it to me:

G.M. 5.0 LG
Casting number on block: 14010201
Mercruiser Block plate number: 6882894
Other info: MCM 228 228 HP
Thunderbolt IV
Carb: 1347-8296