4.3L Mercruiser Blown Freeze Plugs

[gordonandnicole]

Looked at a lovely boat which had been winterised by opening the drain holes and filling with antifreeze. Don't think the engine was run though so the trapped water popped a freeze plug. Engine was run for 3 mins before plug was found. What's the chance of damage? and should I walk away from this boat?

 

[B_Eager]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Blown Freeze Plugs

Any motor that froze, walk away. There could be alot more damage that you cannot see.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Blown Freeze Plugs

The last guy I read about here that had started a thread explaining how only a freeze plug had popped out........<br /><br />Last I heard the big gaping hole in the block that had been hidden during his initial examination.......

 

[JBrooks]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Blown Freeze Plugs

Just a word of from the not so wise!! I blew a freeze plug !! and Craked the block good!!! <br /><br />Step back from the boat and no one get hurt!!!

 

[Solittle]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Blown Freeze Plugs

If you really like the boat you could base your offering price based on the assumption that you would have to replace the motor. If you make the deal you could then tear into the motor to see how much damage has been done. You might get lucky - Then again - - At least you took that into consideration when you make the deal.

 

[conimicut1]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Blown Freeze Plugs

Either run not walk away or make a real lowball offer with using an estimate from a pro to replace the engine ans manifolds, they crack too. Freeze plugs hardly ever work, there'll be a crack somewhere else.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Blown Freeze Plugs

Freeze plugs are a fallacy.<br /><br />Those are holes left over from casting the block and arent designed to "pop out" when the water freezes.<br /><br />Block is probably cracked, maybe in more than one place.<br /><br />Ken

 

[DJP]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Blown Freeze Plugs

So in summation my friend, your offer should be in line with having to replace the engine. There are plenty other fine vessels available if the owner wishes to not meet your price. Have you found the book value for the craft through....<br /><br />http://www3.nadaguides.com/SectionHome/Marine.asp?UserID=540720F38D06 3&DID=37768&ColorId=&wSec=4&wPg=1172

 

[gordonandnicole]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Blown Freeze Plugs

Many Thanks to you all for your replies. I'm going to walk away as advised - I know there's plenty of others out there just waiting for me. Glad I got to grips with all this as in the heat of the moment I could have cracked (excuse the puns) and got myself a duffer. Thanks again, no doubt more later....