3.0L with cracked block

corner27

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Aug 28, 2007
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I am looking at buying a 2002 Bayliner with a 3.0L. It's pretty cheap due to it needing work. The owner said it "Wasn't Winterized correctly which resulted in lower end unit has a cracked block" So I'm assuming that's the engine block? Would do you think this would cost to repair? I am pretty mechanically inclined, so I could do most non-advanced work myself. Would this be a worthwhile buy, or is it a lost cause?

I guess my other question would be what type of engine can I replace it with? Can it be any 3.0L GM engine, or does it have to be something special?

Thanks
 
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Fishermark

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Re: 3.0L with cracked block

Even if it needs a new engine, that is a relatively easy job. Money wise... well, that's for you to decide. But mechanically, the 3 liter is about as easy as it gets.
 

WillyBWright

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Dec 29, 2003
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Re: 3.0L with cracked block

In "most" cases, 3L block cracks are limited to the area just under the intake/exhaust manifold. In "most" cases, you can grind off the paint around the cracks and JB Weld over it and it'll last for years (I prefer Marine Tex). A couple of weeks ago I replaced a 3L that wasn't one of "most" cases. The customer had the starter break the bolts a few times and had us replace the longblock since #1 seemed to have a compression problem. It wasn't until I got it out of the boat and the maniflod removed that we saw that the block had freeze damage. It was in the usual place, but apparently also internal. Water was getting into #1 cylinder and hydrolocking. I didn't tear into it to confirm this, but the external cracks were enough proof for me. I'd estimate that 90% of the time, the only cracks are external and epoxy-able.
 

heyttown

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Aug 3, 2003
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Re: 3.0L with cracked block

Had a cracked block in my buddy's 3.0 Did some surfing around the net and found them out of the crate drop right in, right around $900(this was over 1 year ago)..If Im not mistaken it was based out of detroit.


I took a small dremel tool with a grinder bit down the crack,cleaned it up nice and good. Drilled 2 small holes at either end of the crack to prevent the crack from cracking further....and slapped on some jb weld.....

Boat still runs like a top...
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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71,095
Re: 3.0L with cracked block

Personally,........ I'd find a Different project boat,..........:rolleyes:

And,.......
Before you go buttering the block with Plastic,......
I'd check it out,..... If it's leaking Into the Oil,......It's Junk........
Those blocks tend to Split right exactly Behind/ Inside where you guys are talking about.......
 

corner27

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Aug 28, 2007
Messages
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Re: 3.0L with cracked block

Well the boat is fairly cheap. What would it cost to replace the entire engine? heytown mentioned around 900, would that be a good estimate?
 

Bondo

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Re: 3.0L with cracked block

I think Double that before you're done would be alittle more Realistic...........
 

corner27

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Aug 28, 2007
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Re: 3.0L with cracked block

What would you value the boat at? It is an 02 bayliner 175. The engine damage happend during the winter after he bought it, and it has been stored since then. It has a new trailer as well.
 

Fishermark

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Oct 19, 2003
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Re: 3.0L with cracked block

I know Bondo is less than thrilled with Bayliners in general.... what outdrive does the boat have?
 

corner27

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Aug 28, 2007
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Re: 3.0L with cracked block

I have very little information about the boat right now. I am waiting on an e-mail from him to see if it's even still avaliable.
 
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