Frankenmotor?

garbageguy

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This will be my third season with 1998 Wellcraft 240 SE. I think it has a 5.7 GL, but a marine mechanic who works on both Merc and Volvos says it's a Merc block with VP accessories. He doesn't seem to think it makes any difference. Can you tell from the picture if it's a mix?

Does it look like the risers should be pulled, inspected, and re-installed? I ask because there seems to be leakage/rusting and I have no idea how long they've been in service. Fresh water use only. I have time now while I wait for water in the lake to return to liquid. All comments and suggestion appreciated.
 

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bruceb58

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Re: Frankenmotor?

The block looks like its painted black instead of charcoal gray. If it really is black, it means the engine is not the original one or it was rebuilt and painted black. No such thing as a Merc block. They all come from the same place originally...GM.

I would pull the risers and replace the gaskets. Make sure you get the OEM Volvo gaskets and use the current procedure that Volvo recommends. That procedure will come with the gaskets.

Take a picture of the riser and manifold joint after you clean the gasket material off and post them.
 
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bruceb58

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Re: Frankenmotor?

Out of curiosity, what is this in the picture? I added an arrow.View attachment 229050

GL would mean it's a carbed motor. It is carbed right?
 
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Lou C

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Re: Frankenmotor?

Judging by how the riser joint looks for sure I'd remove them, check the mating surfaces and replace if needed. You don't want water leaking into a cylinder and rusting your exhaust valve stems.
 

garbageguy

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Re: Frankenmotor?

Thanks guys, that's what I was looking for. Bruce, I couldn't open you attachment, but my mechanic did say something about some Merc ignition parts - I think you've confirmed that. Good eye Bondo. I'm sure I'm in for more surprises.The flame arrestor is Merc, and the carb is a whole 'nother story.

Lou, thanks for confirming my plan for risers. I'll post pics when I get them off. I have been able to loosen all but one riser bolt. Have put some liquid wrench on it. With a short ratchet, the upper part of the bolt will twist a bit, but the bottom part hasn't budged yet. Should I put a breaker bar on it, or am I in danger of breaking that long bolt? Is there a torque spec for when they go back on? What paint do you suggest? Is a rattle can (high temperature Rustoleum or similar) OK?
 

garbageguy

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Re: Frankenmotor?

I plan to scrape, wire brush, sand to get as much rust off the risers as reasonably possible. Expect very minor amount of bare metal. Before I re-paint, should I be using any primer before the paint?
 

Bondo

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Re: Frankenmotor?

I plan to scrape, wire brush, sand to get as much rust off the risers as reasonably possible. Expect very minor amount of bare metal. Before I re-paint, should I be using any primer before the paint?

Ayuh,... The outsides, or the riser gasket surfaces,..??

Rustoleum usually sticks, primer of not,...
Just takes less paint for a uniform finish with primer 1st,...

No paint on the gasket surfaces, manifold either,... Clean bare metal, 'n Merc's gaskets,...
 

garbageguy

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Re: Frankenmotor?

Here's what they look like. I think they're Volvo risers.

How do they look? Yep, plan to scrape, brush, prime, paint outside surfaces (not gasket surfaces). I'm guessing (hoping) they're not shot1-IMG_1529.jpgIMG_1533.jpgIMG_1532.jpg
 

bruceb58

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Re: Frankenmotor?

Take pictures looking straight down to the mating surfaces of both the risers and the manifolds. From the angle you have for now, the risers look good but it's hard to tell.

This used in salt or fresh water?
 
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garbageguy

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Re: Frankenmotor?

Take pictures looking straight down to the mating surfaces of both the risers and the manifolds. From the angle you have for now, the risers look good but it's hard to tell.

Some wouldn't upload, trying againIMG_1535.jpg

I think the best one of the mating surface wouldn't upload, is there a file size limit?
 

garbageguy

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Re: Frankenmotor?

Thanks Bondo. I took the as-is photos to get some opinions on whether they're obviously shot or not. I don't seem to be hearing that, so I will continue to clean them up. Then I'll post some more pics so we can inspect.

I recall reading about some flappers that rust out and clog things up. Is that realted in any way to my situation?

Thanks again for all the help. I enjoy tearing into stuff like this, but would be hesitant without all your support.
 

Bondo

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Re: Frankenmotor?

Thanks Bondo. I took the as-is photos to get some opinions on whether they're obviously shot or not. I don't seem to be hearing that, so I will continue to clean them up. Then I'll post some more pics so we can inspect.

I recall reading about some flappers that rust out and clog things up. Is that realted in any way to my situation?

Thanks again for all the help. I enjoy tearing into stuff like this, but would be hesitant without all your support.

Ayuh,.... Volvos have used shutters, 'n Volvos haven't used shutters,...
Donno 'bout yer set-up,....

Clean the gasket surfaces with a flat file, payin' extra attention to keepin' the surfaces Flat,...
Then you can decide whether they're Runners, or anchors,...
 

garbageguy

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Re: Frankenmotor?

Ayuh,....

Clean the gasket surfaces with a flat file, payin' extra attention to keepin' the surfaces Flat,...
Then you can decide whether they're Runners, or anchors,...

Should I be looking to see if the mating surfaces are flat and solid with no pitting?
 
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