4.3 Rebuild

[gergAlicious]

So my job took a turn for the better late in 2016 and I was home pretty much on weekends only long enough to sleep and recharge. Needless to say everything was neglected, even the NEW drain plugs I put in for winterizing the engine the year before. So . . . . exhaust manifolds and at least one head cracked in a freeze. Yep, absolute bonehead move. But I am ready to fix it.

I had actually got it running for the first time of the season last July, and as I was ready to walk away and let it run in the driveway for a while, I decided to look under the cover and saw water gushing out of the port side. Thinking it was the manifold only, I removed that side and right away I could see the head had cracked / expanded also.

I was going to just put a long block in it. But here is the simple ask for you experts. I am going to start on it today, removing everything I need to so I can basically bear hug the engine (maybe not literally) - if I get the intake / heads off, can I do a decent enough inspection in the valley pan area and outside (where I presume there are CORE plugs?) to determine if the short block is OK? I would much rather put a set of heads on it and a new exhaust setup than pull the whole thing if I do not have to.

There was NO water in the oil I will also add. Engine ran VERY well also. This is a very low hour engine, which makes me that much more sick to my stomach about the whole ordeal. I am the third owner of the boat I believe.

If I can inspect it good enough and repair this way (presuming I find no visual cracks) I can work on it here at the house. If not, it becomes a much larger task - getting to my shop and then configuring a chain hoist to get it lifted out.

All comments / thoughts and guidance will be MUCH appreciated!

 

[alldodge]

The head cracked but the block didn't? Count your self real lucky if that's the case, but that wouldn't be normal IMO. Look it over real good, but if its OK, then your good. Did it pop out the core plugs?

 

[gergAlicious]

I am not certain yet - I will be looking at it today - but thanks! So, very rare that the heads would crack but the block would not?

 

[alldodge]

Just in my findings, have not seen it that way, not saying it did happen. The head is full only after the block is

 

[gergAlicious]

Understood - and thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

you can build a new 5.7 or 6.2 for about $2500

 

[gergAlicious]

That sounds enticing Scott!!!

So I got after it and pretty much removed all interior as I planned to get to the engine.

First (likely false) promising sign is that the port side core plug popped out during the freeze. Looks like there are 2 side by side and the rear one popped out.

Cannot really see much on the starboard side as I still have the manifold and all accessories in place. Tried reaching up in above starter and beneath manifold but was pretty tight. I'll next get that side apart - manifold and riser that is.

Taking tons of pics, putting any fasteners I can back where I got them and bagging / labeling the rest. Just like any of the classic cars I have embarked on.

More to come . . .

 

[JASinIL2006]

Pictures, baggies and labelling... all good things to do if you want it all to go back together easily! Smart!

 

[nola mike]

First (likely false) promising sign is that the port side core plug popped out during the freeze. Looks like there are 2 side by side and the rear one popped out.

.

That would make me more cautious. It just means that you had enough water in your block, and it froze enough to pop out the plug...which means there was enough water elsewhere to freeze and break the block.

 

[gergAlicious]

Agreed and thanks!! I’ve pretty much determined to remove engine - hopefully this weekend if I get something that can lift high enough. Have an engine stand ready for it to go on. Likely look for a good long block and just move my accessories to it.

 

[gergAlicious]

Wall of shame material . . .

 

[Scott Danforth]

pull your drive
pull the motor

your going to need all new exhaust. and 99% of the time a core plug is pushed out the block is toast

are you carbed or EFI?

because if your carbed....now is the time to build a stroker.

 

[Scott Danforth]

once you pull your motor apart. pull the heads and have them inspected.

assume your block is toast.
assume your intake is toast (they usually freeze and crack too)
most likely your crank is good but will need to be re-conditioned. new cranks are the same cost as re-conditioning



new vortec heads $500 (may not need)
having heads modified for bigger cam $100
Roller tip rockers $70
new pushrods $50
New cam K-kit $880
new SBC block is $700 (clean, line-hone, bore and hone, deck is about $350 for a used block)
New Scat rotating assembly is $900
Coated Bearings $150
New oil pump, dizzy drive shaft $60
New gaskets $130
New valvcovers, oilpan, timing cover $220 (use yours)
New vortec intake $300
balance rotating assembly $150
assembly lube, sealant, etc $40

a heat exchanger kit to never worry about winterizing again. $1500

you can build it or you can buy it.

check with your local machine shop on pricing most rebuilders get better prices than use mere mortals

Here is some reading https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...79-mercruiser-1999-5-0-want-to-upgrade-to-5-7

 

[gergAlicious]

I’ve done a lot of building over the years - stock and performance, just nothing marine

Heads are definitely cracked. Saw that last year.

Stern drive is off. Thinking through lifting the engine out now.

One problem found. O-ring was installed bad previously.

 

[gergAlicious]

Meant to say thanks also!!

Engine is 2bbl carbed.

 

[gergAlicious]

So is the heat exchanger a water/water exchanger? Uses sea water to cool the closed engine system? Much like air would do over a car radiator?

 

[Bondo]

So is the heat exchanger a water/water exchanger? Uses sea water to cool the closed engine system? Much like air would do over a car radiator?

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Ya, if ya had one, that's correct,....

But, you'd still have to drain the raw water side, or there'll be other frozen busted stuff,....

 

[alldodge]

Yep, not a good seal

You can select edit in the bottom right to fix issues for an hour after first posting

 

[gergAlicious]

Thanks all! Just watched a video on installing a heat exchanger kit. Pretty cool, but I did wonder about the raw water that would be in place though.

Anyhow, I am still building two other engines for vehicles, so this is going to be a simple engine drop in. I'd love to do more to it, but we really want to get back on the water and I have very limited time lately.

Anyone have some creative ways they have lifter these inboards out of their boats?

There is an equipment rental place here in town I will check with in morning. You get Sunday for free if you rent on Saturday, so if they have anything that will work it is coming home tomorrow.

Thanks!

 

[gergAlicious]

Was looking at a long block from Center State Engine Exchange - anyone have any experience with them?

Looks like a 4.3 is ~$2k . . . . or $1,800 if you catch one of their internet sales.

Just a long block. Believe ~$2,400 gets you that with a water pump and intake, maybe an oil pan too - not sure what else.

http://centerstateengine.com/remanu...-marine-base-engine-replaces-years-1996-2007/