Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

[StevenT]

What to do. I have a 1985 5.7 Mercruiser that has a milkshake for oil and needs a new outdrive. Should I replace engine and drive or should I part out? The boat is a 1985 18' Celebrity bowrider. Any opinions?

 

[dubs283]

Re: Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

Should I replace engine and drive or should I part out? Any opinions?

right now the boat is worth nothing, actually less than nothing because it will cost you money to get rid of it

as far as parting it out the two best parts you have are wothless - engine/drive

put it up for free, you will be lucky if it goes away

 

[Split Shot]

Re: Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

Steven, I don't agree with Dubs! The boat is what it's worth to you. I have a 83 Sea Ray and It is in great condition (solid transom, floor and great gel coat.)Engine went on me last year. I had a new gimbal ring put on and I put a new aftermarket outdrive and Remanufactured engine in last fall. Now I have a like new boat. Put 3 grand into the boat and you will have a great boat.(if it's in good condition), If you went out to buy another used boat like yours,with new motor and outdrive you would have to pay more. Just my opinion. I think this site is read by more people who are trying to keep their old boats running. If you have alot of money, you wouldn't even have to visit this site. You would buy a new boat and have a warranty. When it runs out get another new boat. It's easy to tell somebody to junk their boat.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

Check for used engines on EBayMotors.Com, or look on BoatTrader.com. With the internet, good used engines are often easy to find. You can also find completely new engine/outdrive units available at competitive prices--versus having your head taken off at your local boat dealer.

Another used engine source would be LanierMarine.com in north Atlanta--a huge salvage yard. They pull the engines and outdrives on many, many boats.

There is a 5.7 Mr. Goodwrench industrial engine available at GM dealerships that does have the motor mounts to fit a Mercruiser. It shouldn't be used in salt water. I don't know if short blocks are available, but it is much, much less money than a new Mercury brand engine. Many customers are satisfied with them.

I think it all comes down to the quality and condition of your Celebrity boat. I wouldn't think twice about re-engining a early 80's 22' Sea Ray or WellCraft. Sometimes lesser boat brands are destined for the salvage yard.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

Do you really like the boat? Do you need a difficult project to keep you busy for a while? Do you like to cry and cheer at the same time? Are you on a limited budget?

Don't laugh, those are the only valid reasons for fixing the boat. I can't say for sure what I'd do. I'm a little nuts and can see things in project boats, cars, bikes, etc that others can't. If you're that kind of person then fix it, if not then dump it I guess.

 

[zx9rstv]

Re: Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

checkout daddyosmarine in pompano, florida. They have remaned long blocks with rebuilt carbs. new manifolds, (intake and exhaust) timing cover, water pump, and a couple other things for 2795.00 +shipping. All you have to do is pull your old motor and transfer the accessories. Then look up SEI outdrives and you can get a brand new outdrive for 1295. So you can get a new engine and outdrive for around 4k if you install yourself

 

[Pete104]

Re: Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

Check NADA! I don't think Celebrity put a 5.7 in that size boat.

 

[Split Shot]

Re: Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

Steven, You can get a reman. long block delivered to your door from Rapido Marine for about 1,500. And no core charge.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

A 5.7 in an 18ft bowrider? That seems big, but if its true I bet it hauls. As far as what to do... that kind of depends on you. Is the boat in great shape? Are you totally attached to it? If so then it may be worth fixing. If not then part it out. Odds are your repairs wont end with an engine and drive either. You can easily add another thousand or more in parts once you start digging into those repairs.

 

[StevenT]

Re: Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

Yes it does have a 5.7 with a 4 barrel edelbrock carb. I don't get passed on my lake unless the passing boat has 2 engines or more. It's been fun!

 

[StevenT]

Re: Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

Thanks Bam...I like the inventory of project boats available at Laniermarine.com

 

[StevenT]

Re: Merc 5.7 Gave up the Ghost?

Steven, I don't agree with Dubs! The boat is what it's worth to you. I have a 83 Sea Ray and It is in great condition (solid transom, floor and great gel coat.)Engine went on me last year. I had a new gimbal ring put on and I put a new aftermarket outdrive and Remanufactured engine in last fall. Now I have a like new boat. Put 3 grand into the boat and you will have a great boat.(if it's in good condition), If you went out to buy another used boat like yours,with new motor and outdrive you would have to pay more. Just my opinion. I think this site is read by more people who are trying to keep their old boats running. If you have alot of money, you wouldn't even have to visit this site. You would buy a new boat and have a warranty. When it runs out get another new boat. It's easy to tell somebody to junk their boat.

I'm thinking new long block and SEI drive $2850.00 Then I have a very fast 18' bowrider