OMC 3.0...repair or not?

[trentmh]

I have part ownership in a 91 Seaswirl that has a OMC 3.0. I took the boat to a highly recommended mechanic for a yearly checkup yesterday and he just called me with a laundry list of problems:<br /><br />1) The block is cracked, but it is at a spot that he believes can be welded and still hold.<br />2) Number 2 cylinder is low on compression. He thinks the head is possibly cracked.<br />3) There is no water flowing from the lower unit up to the engine.<br /><br />He advised that it would probably take somewhere between $400-$500 in labor cost just to determine what was all wrong and he believed that the total repairs (assuming the head was cracked) would be around $2,000. <br /><br />We only have about $2500 invested in the boat and the trailer. We are both really torn as to whether or not we should spend the money for repair or just try to sell the boat as is. If we try to sell it as is, is there generally a market for fixer up type boats?

 

[trog100]

Re: OMC 3.0...repair or not?

u wont get much for your boat needing a new engine.. if the rest of the boat is worth it u have to fix it.. then sell it on for better boat or simply keep it..<br /><br />i would try and source a used engine and possibly drive unit.. it would be cheaper than having the old one repaired..<br /><br />trog100

 

[Silvertip]

Re: OMC 3.0...repair or not?

How did the mechanic know the block was cracked if there was not water reaching the engine? Was the engine running ok up to the point you elected to get the yearly inspection as you called it. Was the engine not properly winterized (freezing cracked the block)? Was it run hot (possibly because the water pump is shot). Too many questions here so I would recommend a second opinion. If the first diagnosis is accurate, the next step is to determine how much you like the boat, how much you use the boat, and if you are considering replacing it anytime soon. If you like the boat and have no plans to upgrade, replace the engine with a rebuilt, fix the water pump problem and have a good time.

 

[tommays]

Re: OMC 3.0...repair or not?

the water pump in the drive should be a minor problem but could be more<br /><br />if the block has a crack and other problems i dont see putting big money into it as a good idea<br /><br /><br />if you buying fixer up boats in this price range there is not one to be had that is not going to end up needing this kind of repiar to the drive or motor<br /><br />if you and your co owner end up with 5000 dollars or more into this boat your spending 50% of the dollars of a brand new entry level one<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[trentmh]

Re: OMC 3.0...repair or not?

The boat seemed to be running fine before I took it to the mechanic. I took it to this mechanic because neither I nor my partner are knowlegeable in boat maintenance and we were wanting to make sure it was sea worthy before the season began. I knew from an inspection last year from another mechanic that one of the cylinders was somewhat low on compression. That mechanic suggested that we run it over the season last year to see if it might possibly be a valve not seating correctly. I don't know how the current mechanic found the crack in the block, but he did say that it was due to not being properly winterized and that it was definatley caused by water freezing.<br /><br />We like the boat OK, but we both know that we want to upgrade to a larger boat anyway since this one is only 17.5'. We are both leaning towards just selling the boat as-is. Do you think the boat and trailer is worth $1500-2K as is? If not, what would you say?

 

[tommays]

Re: OMC 3.0...repair or not?

if it is frozen which will happen if it was not winterized i think that motor is done<br /><br />non running 17.5 ft boats have very littel value there are just to many boats that size around that dont have problems <br /><br />tommays