Looking at Boat Need Help/Suggestions

Sunken Ship

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 19, 2014
Messages
252
I am looking at a 1999 Mariah with a 4.3 V6. I am told the engine has been replaced at some point. Two gauges do not work and it has an oil leak on top of the engine. Leak is professed to be power steering, but the oil is amassing near the out drive fill near the SB engine top.

I found two wires on the top of engine-SB side of carburetor-that are just laying there disconnected. Just below the crank pulley two larger gauge wires (blu/blk) have been chopped off at the loom.

I am concerned to even ride in the boat with the oil leak on top of the engine and the possibility of arching wires causing a fire. The shop has had the boat three times trying to fix oil leaks. I am told it was leaking oil really bad at one point leaving them on the lake due to an oil leak. Power steering pump was replaced by the shop trying to fix an oil leak. This is all after paying the dealer $1800 to change the front seal. Concerned about engine bearings. I did not hear any knocking. I am frustrated with this shop and I have not even given them a penny of my own money.

It started fine, although it blew a little smoke from the prop/exhaust at start-up. Sure doesn't seem consistent with a rebuilt engine.

With this information what are some things I can look at in order to conduct my due diligence on this boat. I am mechanically inclined, but my knowledge base does not extend to Mercruiser. Had an O/B for two decades, will start reading here now.

Appreciate any information. Thanks and happy boating.
 
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Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,095
Ayuh,.... The wires by the carb are probably for settin' the timin',.....

The cut wires could be 'bout anything,.....

Ditto the oil leak,.....

Maybe ya oughta keep lookin' for another boat,.....
 

Rick Stephens

Admiral
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
6,118
Best part about shopping for boats - there are always more of them! Never ever get to feeling like this is the one and only. Another one, even better, is just around the corner. Patience is not only a virtue, it is more fun.
 

Sunken Ship

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 19, 2014
Messages
252
About what year was fuel injection adopted by Mercruiser?
 
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Rick Stephens

Admiral
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
6,118
I believe that GM throttle body injection came out in '95 and '96. depending on motor. Mercruiser has made TBI and later MPI along with carb'd motors ever since then.
 
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