converting an automobile engine to marine

[tateant]

I am designing plans to build my own 18' boat and would like to equip it with a motor from an automobile. I know there should be information out there for converting an automobile engine to marine one but have not been able to find it. Can someone point me in the right direction? tateant@mnic.net

 

[G DANE]

Re: converting an automobile engine to marine

I would recommend you to look for a used marine engine instead, you would save much work and money, trying to buy or construct cooling of manifold ect.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: converting an automobile engine to marine

Ditto G Dane:<br /><br />for some good reading...Click Me

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: converting an automobile engine to marine

I would like to also add that using automotive electrical components can cost you a hefty fine by the Coast Guard if caught. Usually when you get caught, it is because something caught on fire. So you not only have you lost or damaged your boat that you have to pay for, but you will end up with that hefty fine too!

 

[fone_man]

Re: converting an automobile engine to marine

Here are my two cents...<br /><br />You can use automotive engine/block that is already in service by various mfgs of marine engines as the blocks are not different...<br /><br />But some of the changes/differences that would have to be made to engine (sample listing:<br /><br />1) Gaskets<br />2) Fuel Pump<br />3) CamShaft<br />4) Pistons???<br />5) Electrical (Alt,etc.)<br />6) etc, etc, etc!!!!<br /><br />So it can be done... but what I would do is this... I am going to build myself a boat, so I find a used marine powerplant from old boat floating around... just drive around the areas around marine areas, etc... look in people back yards, etc in these areas... there are plenty of beatup old boats with good cores & build you one from that plus you have all the wiring, electrical components, etc to complete your boat build out plus have documentation (boat model/year) should CG do an inspection, etc.. Good luck... but that is the way I would do it!<br /><br />

 

[cole1340]

Re: converting an automobile engine to marine

Hello Tateant,<br />I whole heartedly agree with G Dane, Schematic and fone-man. If you were just exchanging one motor for another it would be one thing but starting from scratch... You should find a used marine engine and rebuild or buy a remanufactured marine motor.<br />I am doing an engine swap (marine 350 for auto 350) I can do it easily because I will be converting the auto motor to marine using parts from the old motor and some new parts. <br />Here is a sample list of parts to be changed:<br />Altenator, Distributor, Starter, Carb/Manifold, oil pan/pickup, camshaft, head gaskets, water pump, coils, selenoids, motor mounts, manifolds etc...<br />Not to mention the mounting brackets for all of the selenoids and the like. The list goes on for days. <br />Just price out some of the marine grade parts I mentioned and I think you will be in awe over the cost. <br />My boat will be 100% legal when I finish. The fines from the Coast Guard and Marine Patrol can be staggering. Not using Marine grade parts can cause serious damage to your boat and to your person.<br />Hope this 2 bits helped out your decision making.

 

[old-six-pack]

Re: converting an automobile engine to marine

only differance i see in the marine starter is a thin plate between the mounting head and the body of the starter, ,, weather you use marine parts or not,,If you smell gas ,, don't hit the switch!!!! Marine parts aren't worth a penny with gas fumes present.!! They ALL make sparks. It might not look cool , but I tought my children to remove the hood before starting when they put the i/o in the water. No exceptions. Better to take a couple un-cool moments than to blow.. all carbs will put some fumes in the engine compartment,new or old. they can't help it.. I like fuel injection myself ,,thats what i want to work on , putting tbi or mpi injection on mine. I like the idea of overdrive trans too.

 

[JB]

Re: converting an automobile engine to marine

This thread has been dead for nine years, OSP.

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