Engine Spares

[NZ-Kevin]

I have seen it mentioned that only Mercruiser parts should be used, not standard car parts. Does this go as far as gaskets? I have the heads off my V6 and want to get some new gaskets to put it all back together, do I really need to use Mercruiser ones or can I get some from an auto shop?

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine Spares

Gasket aren't exactly spares as your title asks about, but head gaskets can be automotive as long as they are composite, or have stainless steel in them. If they have regular steel in them, they can rust and should not be used. If you have a closed cooling system, the material in the head gaskets doesn't really matter.
Felpro makes a great composit gasket if you want to use other than Mercruiser.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Engine Spares

My new-to-me boat has a spare engine . . .

It is best to study up on the differences between the auto and marine engines . . . Mostly in the electrical, ignition, exhaust and fuel components. As Don indicated the head gaskets and the core plugs are different. The cam shaft has less overlap.

Otherwise it is a truck engine.

+1 on the Fel Pro marine gaskets

 

[Struc]

Re: Engine Spares

I used the FelPro automotive full engine gasket kit when I replaced my 4.3l engine last winter. It includes the composite head gaskets. I think it was around $65 with online coupon from Advance Auto Parts. Heck of a lot cheaper than $250'ish for a Mercruiser kit. I believe they sell just a upper engine kit too, which includes the head gaskets.

 

[NZ-Kevin]

Re: Engine Spares

I used the FelPro automotive full engine gasket kit when I replaced my 4.3l engine last winter. It includes the composite head gaskets. I think it was around $65 with online coupon from Advance Auto Parts. Heck of a lot cheaper than $250'ish for a Mercruiser kit. I believe they sell just a upper engine kit too, which includes the head gaskets.

Wow, I wish they were that kind of price here! Anyone have a link to a US online store that sells this gasket set and will post overseas? The full Mercruiser gasket set is $900 and I can get a Fel-Pro head set for about $250 (these are NZ$)

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: Engine Spares

Do a search on eBay. You should be able to find a gasket set from a company which will ship overseas. The problem (extra cost) you'll have to pay will be any import duty imposed by your country. I've sold used marine parts as far away as Belgium. Even with import duty, it was cheaper than purchasing it locally. Hy

 

[NZ-Kevin]

Re: Engine Spares

I tried eBay, but there was virtually nothing listed for the 4.3 V6. Loads of parts for most other mercruiser engines, just not this one -was it unpopular in the US?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Engine Spares

I tried ebay and got 68 hits for "4.3 Chevy Head gasket".
Complete sets shipping worldwide starting at under $50US including shipping.
Here is just one.

Be sure you are searching the US ebay site. (ebay.com)
Even the AU site finds the US gasket sets. (ebay.com.au)