4.3L mercruiser

[brian36578]

I am currently rebuilding my boat (stringers, deck, motor mounts, transom) and I figured since I have the engine out and on a stand, I should do a full tuneup. So far, I have found the coupler should be replaced, the gear on the distributor is in rough shape and will be replaced and since the intake manifold had some oil sitting on it I am replacing the manifold gaskets. I also plan on replacing plugs, wires, fuel hose, and thermostat. Anything else that should be looked at while the engine is out?

 

[Bt Doctur]

starter and alt, belts,

 

[H20Rat]

In addition to the starter as bt mentioned, I'd do the oil pan gasket. Cheap and really easy with the motor out, impossible if it is still in.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Ever do a compression check on that motor?

And if doing pan gasket - front and rear seal.

 

[thumpar]

If you have the plastic timing chain cover check it carefully.

 

[brian36578]

Thanks for all of the help everyone! I will plan on doing the pan gasket and front and rear main seal. As for the alt and starter, are they known to have issues on these engines? The alt seems like it wouldn't be too difficult to replace if need be while the engine is in the boat. Rick, I did not do a compression test but it did run great with no issues last year. I will probably do a leak down test while its on the stand though for piece of mind.

 

[brian36578]

For the distributor gear, will an automotive gear work? Is there a difference? There is a huge gap in price. Automotive $6.99 aftermarket and mercruiser factory replacement is $57.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Automotive works fine. New Mercruiser longblock is whatever is rolling off the GM assembly line at the time.

 

[NHGuy]

Cap & rotor, fuel water separator. Check bilge pump wiring & pump. Blower. Add a bilge float switch. They are awesome.
Maybe add an oil change remote line that can be pulled out of the drain hole to change the oil easily. And if you really want to make the oil changes easy you can add a remote oil filter bracket.