Cracked block on 4.3L Mercruiser, HELP????

[thunt55]

I live in Georgia and did not winterize my 18' Chaparral this winter (I usually do). I have a 4.3L 190 HP Mercruiser I/O. I put it in the water last weekend and it started right up. I drove it for 15 minutes and then it cut off. I couldn't get it started so I took it to the shop. They said I had a cracked block and that it would be over $5000 to fix. $4200 for a new engine and over $1000 for labor. My question is: Doesn't that seem too high? Why can't they just weld the block or even get a new block and use all of the other existing parts that are ok. How could my engine be totally worthless now? Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I need to tell them to do that would be significantly cheaper. $5000 is probably half the value of the boat! Please help! Thanks in advance for any advice or input.

 

[karayj]

Re: Cracked block on 4.3L Mercruiser, HELP????

go to ebay you can buy a rebuilt for 500.00 saw one for sale 2 months ago.. 4.3 I was going to buy it as a back up but chaged my mind there have a few now for 1,300 cut and paste this link:<br /> http://search.ebaymotors.com/search...3+engine&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&ebaytag1=eb ayreg&category0=6000&s_partnerid=2%26category2%3D26443%26siteid%3D100&BasicSearch=&from=R2&catref=C3

 

[ajp]

Re: Cracked block on 4.3L Mercruiser, HELP????

I would get a 2nd and/or 3rd opinion. My nephew had his block on a 3.0 ltr welded and it worked great. It does depend on the damage inside, as to whether the engine is salvagable.

 

[flashback]

Re: Cracked block on 4.3L Mercruiser, HELP????

thunt, you should not have to pay more than about 1200.00 for a rebuilt marine block and put all your parts like starter,fuel pump alternator,etc.. on the new block.. to change the motors out could'nt be more than about 300.00. I paid 1500.00 2 years ago for a v8 and did the swap myself.... got the block at buford automotive and machine shop up near lake lanier on holiday road. he builds most of the engines for the dealers in the area..........where in georgia are you?

 

[thunt55]

Re: Cracked block on 4.3L Mercruiser, HELP????

I live in Atlanta and my boat is currently at Starboard Marine (2nd opinion). Marine Max at Bald Ridge Marina are the ones that originally told me $5000+. I don't trust them. Thanks so much for your input everyone. I really don't know what to do if Starboard tells me it is cracked and $5000 as well. I guess I will sell it. I am devestated, I can't believe I was so stupid to not winterize it. I don't know any honest mechanics and I don't know anything about engines nor have any tools. Thanks.

 

[ajp]

Re: Cracked block on 4.3L Mercruiser, HELP????

A cracked block can be minimal to major. I have a friend that just bought a nice boat with a 3.0 ltr for 1,300 that supposedly had a cracked block. He estimated 1500-2000 for a fix. The boat was worth $5,000 se he took a chance. Turned out to be the water housing between the motor and the outdrive that cracked. He repaired it with a $60.00 part. <br /><br />If your motor got hot, it would automatically shut down. I hope it turns out to be something simple and "cheap". Good luck.

 

[karayj]

Re: Cracked block on 4.3L Mercruiser, HELP????

hope this help 500.00 for 2 engines sell the other<br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2414354298&category=26454

 

[MGallik]

Re: Cracked block on 4.3L Mercruiser, HELP????

Changing engines in most boats is easy. It's not close quarters like a car or small truck.<br /><br />If you get a rebuilt engine, you can swap the parts off your old one and install it yourself. <br /><br />Get a few books and read up on it. Get the manual.<br /><br />You can do it. Perhaps even a better job than some shops. Who would put more care into your stuff than you?

 

[Tyski]

Re: Cracked block on 4.3L Mercruiser, HELP????

You might try doing what I did with my cracked manifolds 7 years ago... that would be to go to the store and buy some JB Weld. Make sure you sand the cracked area REAL good, then apply that JB weld. My manifolds are still holding up after 7 years, and I have saved over a grand. If you don't know what JB weld is, it is a liquid concrete type of material, that is AMAZING! I think you can get it at a hardware store for about 8 bucks for a toob. Wouldn't hurt trying!

 

[fredcrn]

Re: Cracked block on 4.3L Mercruiser, HELP????

JB weld idea sounds great. I'm pretty sure I've read somewhere here about repairing a cracked block that way. Course, will only be an option if crack is external. If internal, you're out of luck with that fix.<br /><br />I agree with the idea of trying to repair it yourself. You'll get plenty of help here and it sounds like there may even be a couple of 'forum friends' in your area, that may help out.<br /><br />For sure the price that marina has quoted you is way out of line. Invest in a good manual and invest some of the money they're trying to rip you off for and buy some tools. You could most likely pick up a replacement engine, set of tools, tool box, engine stand and hoist and have money left over.<br /><br />First rule...don't panic.<br /><br />Good luck<br />Fred

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Cracked block on 4.3L Mercruiser, HELP????

Don't know where that marina is getting their engines but I've been selling the 4.3 completely dressed out and new from Mercruiser for $3500. Depending on the style of the engine compartment, shouldn't take more than a day to swap them out. Usually half a day is all the time needed. Problem with repairing the crack and it being internal, is the possibility of the repair failing on that special weekend that you've been planning for a long time.