Buying used 3.ol 140hp- Help needed

[Lil' Rhody]

Saturday I will go look at a mid-90's 3.0l 140hp rebuilt in 2004 and sitting unused since 2007 allegedly winterized too. Engine currently in a 19' Renkin and I am interested in purchasing entire engine, transom assembly, gimbal and outdrive for my 1966 starcraft restoration and my first i/o project. Owner states it runs and will demonstrate all features including tilt/trim. Can you guys help me to identify what to look for as far as telltale signs of a cracked block or water jacket etc etc...? Any other tips will be very much appreciated too.
Thanks!

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Buying used 3.ol 140hp- Help needed

telltale signs of a cracked block

Take a BRIGHT flashlight, and get your head cranked in there right upside down under the intake/exh manifold. Take a big mirror in case the engine compartment is tight. (I use an old side view mirror off a truck) Inspect the side of the block for cracks or JB weld type repairs.
That's where 3.0's like to crack.

As far as internal cracks, just check the oil on the dipstick after it has run for 5 minutes. it'll be milky/gray if water's getting into the oil.

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: Buying used 3.ol 140hp- Help needed

Do a compression check. This will tell you if the rebuild is a good job in that area.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Buying used 3.ol 140hp- Help needed

What brand? If its a OMC Cobra I would pass as parts getting hard to find and no point in repowering your Starcraft with an obsolete drive system. Hope it's a Mercruiser! 'nutcase

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: Buying used 3.ol 140hp- Help needed

Make sure you can run it. A full sea trial is perfered, so long as the boat is sea worthy. Check the oil before and after..... Checking the oil after is critical. While its running, open up the engine compartment and make sure nothing sounds odd.

 

[Lil' Rhody]

Re: Buying used 3.ol 140hp- Help needed

Thanks guys! Yes it's a Mercruiser and I am on my way to look at it at around noontime. Will post results later.