4.3l Salt water damage?

[kevC]

I have a new (to me) 1999 4.3l Mercruiser on a Maxum 1900 sc.

The engine appears to be going well with no issues, apart from the harmonic balancer falling apart.

When talking to a local boat yard about it I found out that the history I thought I knew about my boat is not true. The dealer I bought it off hadn't exactly been honest.

So, it seems that my boat has a dubious history and that the engine has been in salt water.

The engine goes well - how can I tell what damage the salt water may have caused? Is my engine corroding from the inside and going to surprise me one day?

thanks

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 4.3l Salt water damage?

I don't know what history your boat has of course, but if the engine runs well now, I wouldn't worry about it. The engine will itself will have no problems due to the salt water. The starter and alternator may have limited life if they have been subjected to salt water.... but I wouldn't suggest replacing them "just because."

As long as you don't get out in situations where it would be dangerous to break down (off shore for instance). Then I would suggest keeping your SeaTow or Boat US current and go out boating!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 4.3l Salt water damage?

Just a follow up - are you saying it was USED in salt water.... or IMMERSED in salt water?

I boat exclusively in salt water and engines do just fine in salt water.

 

[kevC]

Re: 4.3l Salt water damage?

Thanks for the response.

It was used in salt water, not submerged at all (afaik) I was just a bit concerned that it possibly hadn't been cared for, flushed etc and that this would cause problems later. I was wondering if there was any indicators of salt damage....from the outside it looks clean and the hoses etc all good.

Like I said, it is going well apart from the harmonic balancer that started spinning (about to be replaced).

The boat is now in fresh water.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3l Salt water damage?

I was wondering if there was any indicators of salt damage....from the outside it looks clean and the hoses etc all good.

Ayuh,...Pullin',+ inspectin' the risers to manifold joint is probably the Best inspection....

Salt/ Rust could be what started the balancer issue....