2003 SeaRay 200 Bowrider seized engine????!!!!

[RidgelyJay]

Took the boat out with the kids and while running 4200 rpm for a couple minutes I noticed the boat seemed to be slowing down looked at the oil pressure it was zero shut everything down motor temp was 170 although it was around 130 everytime I looked at it before. Opened the motor hatch and there was oil all in the bottom of the hull(photo1) had to get a tow back! Now I’m being told a replacement engine is gonna be 12k uninstalled. So my question is what would everyone else do or consider? My thoughts thus far are to repower with the 357 alpha carbed or maybe a long block but I’ve been told I can get a 5.7 long block and swap everything over just like it was a 5.0 long block? Also who and where should I get what I need?

2003 5.0L mercruiser MPI

 

[Rick Stephens]

Tons of options. 12K is way over what should consider reasonable. I suppose that is for a new Merc.

Yes, you can get a long block and swap it in. Or have yours rebuilt. There are some pretty decent engine builders for marine engines. No problem swapping in the 5.7 except I think you have to have the ECM reprogrammed.

 

[RidgelyJay]

Yes 12k was for a new drop in motor

 

[RidgelyJay]

Tons of options. 12K is way over what should consider reasonable. I suppose that is for a new Merc.

Yes, you can get a long block and swap it in. Or have yours rebuilt. There are some pretty decent engine builders for marine engines. No problem swapping in the 5.7 except I think you have to have the ECM reprogrammed.

Would you recommend I get a long block or get mine rebuilt?

 

[Scott Danforth]

a new long-block is only $3500

If it was me, I would build a 377 or 383 stroker.

However before spending any money, find out what happened.

 

[alldodge]

Would also like to know what caused the oil to leak? Did someone just change the oil?

Rebuild yours or long block

 

[tpenfield]

$12K seems way pricey . . . probably can get it fixed for half that.

 

[Scott06]

I have the same boat , 2004, absolutely love it.

I bought one the previous owner cracked the block. I swapped the 4.3 for a 5.0 carved setup I got from Michigan motors. Would recommend them

the options depend on how involved you want to be and how dirty you get. If you can do the work get a long lock and swap everything over.
cleanest route is a 5.0 either new base engine or reman ($2500-4 k plus instal) This keeps from having to get your ecu reprogrammed like if you swapped in a 5.7.
if you want a turn key with warranty the 357 alpha is a good option but the cost above is typical.
I was able to pickup my boat cheap because the previous owner had to unload it when he got an $11 k estimate for a 4.3 mercruiser reman bobtail installed, this on top of his wife not wanting the boat already... I spent about $5500 all in on the engine including upgrades since I was swapping sizes.

 

[Scott06]

Would you recommend I get a long block or get mine rebuilt?

Rebuild yours or long block I would base off what yours looks like when you tear it down

 

[Lou C]

It really depends on what the actual failure was. If the bearings burned up due to a lack of oil that's one thing but if it dropped a valve and it scattered debris all round the cyl that's another.
Does this engine have a standard oil filter mount or a remote mount? Those can leak sometimes.
I would stick with the 5.0 just to not have to change anything else, if your injection system is in good shape etc its worth keeping it as is.

 

[nola mike]

@alldodge , what would have to be done to the ecu to upgrade to a 5.7? Cost?

 

[Scott06]

@alldodge , what would have to be done to the ecu to upgrade to a 5.7? Cost?

The programming / fuel mapping is different between a 5.0 and 5.7 , reprogramming or reflashing as it’s called

AD had given these guys out before https://obd2allinone.com/mercecms.asp
they list going from a 5.0 to 5.7 reflash as $400 . I suspect there may be more details when AD swings buy but comes down to how turn key the OP is looking for. If you enjoy a project like many of us a 5.7 upgrade is a good idea in my opinion. If just just want to hit the key and not worry about what ecm it has maybe not the best option for you

 

[Scott06]

Does this engine have a standard oil filter mount or a remote mount? Those can leak sometimes.

merc MPis have remote oil filters so would check the hoses and adapter at the block

 

[alldodge]

Reflash would do it in most cases.
If the OP is willing to put in the work then might get by without the reflash, but would need to do a lot of plug reading or get AFR readings from O2 sensors.

Merc is know to program ECM's fat, so depends on how much load the motor has and things it will do (pull skiers, tubes other) and determine if its needed. The issue, is Bob at OBD may not be able to reflash the ECM depending on which one it has, may have to replace

 

[Lou C]

merc MPis have remote oil filters so would check the hoses and adapter at the block

I really want one of those remote filter mounts but the little orings worry me!

 

[Scott06]

I really want one of those remote filter mounts but the little orings worry me!

Every fall hanging upside down cursing with hot oil on my hands I wish I had spent $200 on one when I repowered... i cut off a gallon jug drop the filter into it and I can squeeze it between the manifold and the stinger pulling it out .

 

[Scott06]

Reflash would do it in most cases.
If the OP is willing to put in the work then might get by without the reflash, but would need to do a lot of plug reading or get AFR readings from O2 sensors.

Merc is know to program ECM's fat, so depends on how much load the motor has and things it will do (pull skiers, tubes other) and determine if its needed. The issue, is Bob at OBD may not be able to reflash the ECM depending on which one it has, may have to replace

Thanks for this info, so worst case a $1300 rebuilt ecm and that’s it ? I think really comes down to OPs desire for plug and play for the extra hp and convenience of mpi - 357 alpha carb is 275 hp, 300 hp for mpi in alpha configuration.

 

[Lou C]

I was tempted to pick up the Merc remote oil filter kit for the 4.3....

 

[Lou C]

Every fall hanging upside down cursing with hot oil on my hands I wish I had spent $200 on one when I repowered... i cut off a gallon jug drop the filter into it and I can squeeze it between the manifold and the stinger pulling it out .

On my '88 F/W H-200 I have just enough room to get it out without spilling oil...or else I would have probably installed one by now lol!

 

[Searay205]

At one time in Houston there was a complete 5.0 mpi for $4500, complete drop in, manifolds, pcm, coupler etc. I would definitely investigate someone selling an engine due to repower. I think its on eBay right now at $5500 but might have sold. Just another option