4.3L Mercruiser Short Block Rebuild Time

[mutiny]

Hello boating world. I have a question as to where I can obtain some information regarding an engine rebuild. I have a customer who handed me a complete 1980's 4.3 that has been blown, and a brand new short block engine. He said he would like me to assemble the new short block and install it in the boat. Is there anywhere that I can find the normal service time charged for a rebuild like this? Simply the time it takes to swap the parts and make the new engine work properly would be awesome. I've looked in my flat rate manual and can't seem to find what I need. He seems to think it will only take 2 hours. I.. don't ... Thiink .... SO.. At least, not with THIS mechanic.. The short block is plastic wrapped all ready for me to put wrench to the old engine and start swapping parts. Any clue? I've tried searching the googles but can't seem to find anything but advertisements in engine block sales.

I understand that this service can be done quickly with an experienced technician, and a bit slower with an inexperienced one. I was wondering what Mercruiser suggests - If this service is even listed - for an appropriate shop time for the service?

 

[JonBrown]

That is custom hours at most shops. Mine anyway. And a 4.3 marine has a few differences than a truck 4.3...

 

[mutiny]

That is custom hours at most shops. Mine anyway. And a 4.3 marine has a few differences than a truck 4.3...

I see.. There has to be some kind of reference for time I would assume. Hard to just say to a customer that it will be done whenever it gets done.

 

[JonBrown]

The time would be relative to a automotive engine short block rebuild. And since your rates are probably smaller than a marina or marine mechanic he probably is using your shop. Reason being is my shop/marine insurance is about 3x or more than a auto shop. And installation should be about 4-6 hours for someone whom hasn't done it before. Just double check your work and of course be clean. You can use a car for a reference, but allow some time for small things. Your rates will still save him money. Witch is what he is trying to do. We do custom rates on boats because I install diesel engines , few I/O . They are custom per boat and accessories .. No 2 boats are the same. And it is a boat, there will be problems.

 

[mutiny]

The time would be relative to a automotive engine short block rebuild. And since your rates are probably smaller than a marina or marine mechanic he probably is using your shop. Reason being is my shop/marine insurance is about 3x or more than a auto shop. And installation should be about 4-6 hours for someone whom hasn't done it before. Just double check your work and of course be clean. You can use a car for a reference, but allow some time for small things. Your rates will still save him money. Witch is what he is trying to do. We do custom rates on boats because I install diesel engines , few I/O . They are custom per boat and accessories .. No 2 boats are the same. And it is a boat, there will be problems.

Thanks for the input. I do have lower expenses because of overhead. I do carry insurance but only need a 3 million dollar policy so my overhead is much less than a marina such as yourself. I'm not new to rebuilds but am not a master technician. I did a couple 8.1's last season plus a couple 350's. I am just simply looking for some kind of information like flatrate to show that his guy is off his rocker asking me to dissassemble, reassemble, and test everything before I install the engine in his boat for 2 hours of labor. There is at least an hour in timing, filling oil, priming oil pump and adjusting valves properly.

 

[JonBrown]

PM me and ill share my information if it covers your vessel over the phone. But yes he is off his rocker with the 2 hour thing. He should be able to agree to 15 hour min. or walk. Customers like this is why he is there. You will end up loosing and he knows this. I make money by not taking money loosing jobs.

 

[mutiny]

PM me and ill share my information if it covers your vessel over the phone. But yes he is off his rocker with the 2 hour thing. He should be able to agree to 15 hour min. or walk. Customers like this is why he is there. You will end up loosing and he knows this. I make money by not taking money loosing jobs.

PMd with number

 

[Rick Stephens]

Couldn't agree more with Jon. If you can't include time spent on model change differences and time to do it right, is not the job for you. Make money or send him down the road.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... 15 hours, aka: 2 work days sounds 'bout right,....