Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

[horndog]

I have a 1992 Subird Corsair 175 with the 3.0L Cobra. The boat is currently in the shop for a bad upper drive and a blown head gasket.

The shop stated I need to replace the whole drive and they have one for $1100, and it also needs the steering cables replaced along with the a water S hose, gimble bearing, etc for an additional $775.00. The head gasket would cost another $500 or so to replace including any machining IF the head and block are good...

So total would be: $2375.00

OR

I cam across a used good motor with 122 hours that came out of a 1991 Bayliner and all transom parts gimble housing trim, etc, plus the drive for $1400 locally. I think I can get him down to maybe $1000-$1200 for it

My question is, to save $1000+, I would need to do this myself. I am pretty mechanically inclined, how hard is it to replace everything? And how long would it take? Is it worth the risk?

 

[southkogs]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

Personally (and I'm an OMC owner), I don't think I'd pour $2,500 into an OMC. I'd bet in a few months you can find a comparable boat with a Merc or outboard for under $3k.

As far as doing it yourself for $1,200 or so: I REALLY like my boat. I might put $1,500 into her (in one setting) to keep it going, but I would have to think about it. I've kind of set a several hundred dollar per year budget (including gas) for "cost of ownership." I kind of scavenge parts when it's not important, so that when I have something bad happen it's not all bunched up in one expense. Someday, I'm expecting the Stringer to let go completely and pooch that budget ... when it does, I'll probably opt for a new(er) boat.

I'd do a cost/benefit reality check. Look at what's up for sale in your area now, and guess-timate what you might be able to catch a new(er) one for this fall.

 

[horndog]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

Thanks...

The hull and interior are in really good shape, no matter what year it is. The boat is worthless sitting the way it is right now.
But, back to my original question, how doable or how easy is it and how long would it take someone to do this?

What tools would I need, etc?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

91 Bayliners were Mercruiser powered. Are you planning to swap to Merc?
That would probably be a worthwhile process, but could get tricky around gauges and electrical wiring - but I suppose you could just transfer all the senders and such off your broken engine and keep everything OMC electrically.
I'm thinking you might need a Merc shifter. Not sure if the OMC shifter would have the right throw distance. uncharted territory there.

 

[horndog]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

It is definately an OMC... So back to the original questions.....

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

then it ain't a 91
GIGO

 

[horndog]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

I am not going to argue with you about it.... It is a 1991, where it came out of is irrelevant to the original post and questions.

 

[wcasey5]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

They made OMC up to what, 96/98? In any case, if you could test the new drive and be sure it wasn't in need of major repairs, I would be tempted to go full replacement. As long as the rest of the boat checked out. You could also ebay some of the good parts off your old drive to make some money back, if there are any.

 

[horndog]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

I forgot the gimbal bearing was going to be replaced. I am just going to have the stealer finish it and then I can have someone to blame if it goe wrong.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

I am not going to argue with you about it.... It is a 1991, where it came out of is irrelevant to the original post and questions.

1991 Bayliners did not have OMC in them so its very relevant. 1990 Bayliners also had Mercruisers in them so if you are getting it from a Bayliner, the newest its going to be is an 89.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

They made OMC up to what, 96/98?

Dog clutch Cobras were made until 1994.

SEI drive might be a better way to go.

 

[Don S]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

1991 Bayliners did not have OMC in them so its very relevant. 1990 Bayliners also had Mercruisers in them so if you are getting it from a Bayliner, the newest its going to be is an 89.

Maybe this from the original post will help straighten things out.

I have a 1992 Subird Corsair 175 with the 3.0L Cobra.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

How about this from the original post:

I cam across a used good motor with 122 hours that came out of a 1991 Bayliner and all transom parts gimble housing trim, etc, plus the drive for $1400 locally. I think I can get him down to maybe $1000-$1200 for it

from post #5 questioning the OMC/Mercruiser in the Bayliner.

It is definately an OMC... So back to the original questions.....

 

[horndog]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

So what does any of this have to do with my questions?

I have pictures of the motor and stern drive, what it came out of is irrelevant.
The owner of the motor said a 1991 Bayliner, maybe it did. Maybe the original owner of the Bayliner blew up his merc and put an OMC
maybe he was wrong, who cares. it is a 1991 OMC 3.0L!!!

How about this from the original post:



from post #5 questioning the OMC/Mercruiser in the Bayliner.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

Good luck with your project!

 

[horndog]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

Your sarcasm is not needed. You can take your arrogance elsewhere.

Good luck with your project!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

I cam across a used good motor with 122 hours that came out of a 1991 Bayliner and all transom parts gimble housing trim, etc, plus the drive for $1400 locally. I think I can get him down to maybe $1000-$1200 for it

My question is, to save $1000+, I would need to do this myself. I am pretty mechanically inclined, how hard is it to replace everything? And how long would it take? Is it worth the risk?

Whew!


Well, you can easily do it yourself. Assuming the drive is "ok" and everything else is good..... It's just a parts swap out.
(of course, plan on replacing the gimble bearing, drive bellows etc though)

Also carefully check the manifold/riser and I would also pressure check the cooling system (to look for cracks..........you live in "freeze country"!!)


On the other hand, if you can find a Mercruiser or Volvo engine/drive, that would be a good (or better) choice too........ but you're still ok getting an OMC since most of the repair parts are still available for that engine/drive combo....

I can't tell you how long it will take. It took me 2 or 3 months to remove a complete 460 King Cobra and replace it with a 454/Bravo, but I did a whole lotta other stuff including a bunch of fiberglass work in the engine compartment etc.

I also had to dry everything out in the transom area because I had some water intrusion......but luckily no rot...........which brings to mind your boat........check the transom opening and engine mounting block for water intrusion (and rot) once you get the gimble mount out (and I would "pull" it) look closely for rot around the opening.

If you have rotten wood in the transom you're wasting your time replacing the engine and drive as you'll be pulling it soon when the coupler fails.


Then you'll need to decide if if the boat is worth replacing the engine and drive after you replace the transom and engine mount + stringers floor etc.......



Good luck.



Rick

 

[horndog]

Re: Dilema - Replace Engine & Stern drive or...

Rick,

Thanks! That is the best answer I have gotten yet! I decided to go with the marina to do all the work it gives me peace of mind.
There is too many unknowns about a used motor and stern drive.

If my current head is cracked, then I will look at replacing the whole long block (which I will do myself, all summer long) or revisit this boat idea again.