4.3 mercruiser

[juggernaut150]

I recently put a down payment on a used but nice looking 1989 rinker captiva 186, hour meter says 591 hours. The boat was for sale for 7,000 and the salesman said its not for sale because its not 100% it has a cracked exhaust manifold. I said well i don't mind replacing a manifold I'm a mechanic for a CATerpillar dealer. So he said he would sell it for 3500 and have his mechanic go over it thoroughly and I could talk to the mechanic and even previous owner if I wanted to. I guess what Im saying is that Im not worried about a cracked manifold, but, how can someone tell its just a manifold and not a cracked block? I asked if I could I hear it run when the mechanic goes over it and he said since it has a cracked manifold it will get water in the oil (this doesn't make sense to me if its just a cracked manifold). However he assured me that all I would have to do is replace the manifold and that the block is not cracked. He said previous owner drained block but forgot one manifold. Should I be worried about this? What have other peoples experiences been with cracks in 4.3 blocks and manifolds? Thanks for any responses and info. Also where can I download a service manual for this drivetrain.

 

[danond]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser

That price is what I like to call the "spring sucker" price for a boat that old.

$7K is way too much for that vintage boat with ANY problems. It should be perfect at that price and be fully inspected and water-ready with a training course, life jackets, trailer, free oil changes and tune-ups for 2 seasons, etc.

As well, most boats at that age have rot somewhere. If you haven't done core samples on it, you don't know if it's rotten or not.

Previous poster was right on - that boat should come with a warranty.

That someone would forget one manifold and not the other is BS. The sales guy is telling you what you want to hear. The true story - it wasn't winterized at all, and the manifold broke. If there's any other damage, it hasn't shown up yet, so I'm going to make up a story that explains it all away.

Regardless, I'd get my $ back and shop elsewhere.

 

[juggernaut150]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser

I agree that 7 was too much and that the salesman may be explaining away a deeper problem thats why I ask. Im not worried about the condition of the boat the floor is solid and for 3500 Im not going to worry about core samples. The boat was just nicely reupholstered so that does increase the value. Yes the trailer is decent and in good condition (load rite). My concern: does 3500 seem like too good of a deal for just an exhaust manifold issue? Also is there a way a mechanic can isolate block issues from exhaust manifold issues? Also Im not sure if he said someone forgot one manifold or they drained the block and not the manifolds. Thanks so, far I had a feeling my suspicions were correct.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser

I think you should assume that you're going to put 3500+ in it after you buy it JUST to get the engine and exhaust right...Because that is the most likely scenerio. As mentioned above, there is also a reasonable chance that you're goig to have to put many hours of haqrd work into other things (or pay a fortune) before you'll be basking in the sun cruising the local waterway...

note that I just bought a nice galvanized tandem axle trailer (cox) for 200 with a boat on it.

For that kind of money, I bet you can do ALOT better!

 

[IVAZ]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser

$3500 is silly for a broke boat. About 4 months ago I bought a 1988 Celebrity with a 4.3 Merc. Upholstery in great shape and the gelcoat was ok but it buffed out to a great shine. It was 100% water ready (I put 21 hours just in this weekend). I paid $2600 for the boat and trailer. For the $3500 you want to spend, it should be no problem finding a water ready boat.

 

[danond]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser

Juggernaut I'm guessing you haven't done a full floor/stringer/transom job which explains why you'd say what you did. That is a super bastard job to do and takes a full season, costs around $2G's of work and has a tendency to leave you tired, broke and ready to sell it.

Just because you don't fall through when you walk on the floor doesn't mean it's not rotten, and if a salesman tells you it's just the manifold, that's a lie.

Walk away. There are other boats out there.

 

[juggernaut150]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser

To keep u informed I talked to the salesman he said he has no problem putting in writing and signing that says the only issue with this boat is a manifold. He says they don't sell junk boats which I believe him as they have a fairly reputable establishment. (Robbins Marine Milton PA) Im sure relacing stringers is a bastard but I just don't think this kind of boat has those issues. Also yes I could buy a cheaper boat but not in as good a shape I don't want a 2500 dollar beater. I think Ill take my chances as the dealer has no problem working with me on this boat. I appreciate input and again the question was, Is there a way to isolate the manifold water jacket from block/cylinder head water jacket. Thanks again Ill keep u posted as to what happens hopefully I pick it up tomorrow or friday.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser

You can pressure test the block to see if its cracked. You did not say what make the engine and drive are but, there is manuals in the "adults only" sticky.

It sounds suspect that the price of the boat would drop in half for just a manifold. I guess in reality that boat is nowhere near 7000 to begin with. You should keep in mind that you will most likely have to replace the other manifold sooner rather than later (it will cost from 400 to a 1000+ for both).
In my opinion a boat that old is not worth 3500. After manifolds, it will be crazy overpriced.

 

[Jet Lag 176flyer]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser

jug check ya pms

 

[waveland]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser

The NADA guide for this boat was just over $4000 last fall. I bought one for just under that price which was in great condition, engine and interior and has been keep inside and covered for 20 years. $7000 is way too high.