Cracked block???? 4.3 mercruiser

[woodlaker]

Re: Cracked block???? 4.3 mercruiser

Thanks for being up front guys. I am going to get the manifolds and the heads magnafluxed to see if those are still reusable, if not i will just have to get a reman long block.

 

[woodlaker]

Re: Cracked block???? 4.3 mercruiser

Pulled off the exhaust manifolds and do not see any cracks. In two of the exhuast ports the valves were wet, is that any indication of any thing? Should I have the manifolds checked for cracks or if they are not externally cracked would they be internally cracked?

 

[gshldon]

Re: Cracked block???? 4.3 mercruiser

take a look in the sticky section at the of the forum and in there is a way to test the manifolds to see if they are leaking, you can do this if you want to know if the manifolds are cracked internally. but if you are replacing the block then it would be a good idea to go with new manifolds as well just to make sure you dont not have the problem again. If you are going through the expense of replacing the engine then spend the extra money on NEW manifolds.

 

[woodlaker]

Re: Cracked block???? 4.3 mercruiser

Pulled the intake off last night and found that my block is cracked. Going to have the heads checked out. If heads are good, any opinions on a short block or long block? I have been looking around and there are a few different options that a guy could go with. Any past experiences? Thanks

 

[bamadave]

Re: Cracked block???? 4.3 mercruiser

What is the cost difference between short and long block? Get a price on having the heads rebuilt and the determine the difference. There's no way I would put the engine back together without rebuilding the heads. If it were mine, I would go with the long block, I'd also replace the manifolds and risers as well and be assured I'd have happy boating days.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Cracked block???? 4.3 mercruiser

Another vote for long block with new manifolds and elbows.

 

[A_Jones]

Re: Cracked block???? 4.3 mercruiser

hello,

i read your post and relived many HORRIBLE memories, lol. i too got a good deal on a boat with a core plug that had come out. put the plug in and it ran awesome, until water filled up the crankcase. spun a couple bearings, found several cracks in the lifter valley and deck. i ended up buying a long block from Rapid-O marine in florida (i live in iowa). the price was cheapest around(bought a 4.3). after i put the engine in, it cracked a head. i called rapid-o and they paid all shipping for the return, then sent me a brand new motor. no questions asked. i couldn't ask for a better business. i would recommend them to anyone, anytime. hope this helps....

Tony

 

[A_Jones]

Re: Cracked block???? 4.3 mercruiser

oh, rapid-o sells risers and elbows too! and yes, it's way easier to go long block and new manifolds!!

Tony