Piston Cylinders All Have Water In Them?

[jmw129]

Re: Piston Cylinders All Have Water In Them?

Check out the SAE J1171 standards for electrical and ignition systems. As noted above, marine engines differ from automotive engines in terms of fuel delivery (fuel pump, carb, etc) and electrical (starter, alternator, distributor, etc) for safety reasons. Generally the marine engines do not have as much valve overlap in the cam so as to prevent 'reversion' in the exhaust/cooling system.

There have been a few posted lately about boats that have exploded/caught fire due to ignition of fuel vapors in the engine/fuel compartments.

So, if the mechanic is up to speed on the needs for a marine engine, then you might be back in business. Hopefully this will work out for you.

I think you set a 'land speed record' for diagnosing a potentially tricky engine problem . . . nice work.

Thank you for the "setting a land speed record for diagnosing a potentially tricky engine problem" comment.

I'm checking with the seller about the 350 Vortec in regards to the engine truly being marine.

 

[jmw129]

Re: Piston Cylinders All Have Water In Them?

With what you describe, I'd definitely agree that it's time for a new engine. Cracks like that don't just go away.

A 350 Vortec, stock, puts out about 255 to 270 HP, depending on carb/fuel injection. If that's close to 300, then you are good. If he's done other work to it, it could easily get there. I do have a couple of things for you to think about:

- Is this built as a boat motor? If not, I wouldn't do it. Carb will be wrong, starter will be wrong, camshaft will be wrong, freeze plugs will be wrong; best case, it won't run that well and will wear out fast. Worst case the whole thing blows up. I know guys that do it (put auto engines in boats) and claim there aren't any problems. I just wouldn't do it myself.

- If it is a boat motor, with 100 hours on it, the price/trade seems fair. A new marine short block would run more like $1,800 to $2,500 depending on where you get it, and shipping. Throw in all the extras (gaskets, water pump, alternator rebuild, head rebuilds, etc) and you can get to $3k pretty easily. There just aren't that many good, used boat motors around, waiting to be dropped into a boat, primarily because of freeze damage.

- If you are doing the install, be sure to check for electrical compatability (do the plugs match). If this new engine has EFI, this could be a big deal. Take a really hard look at the new engine, compared to the old engine...if they are pretty comparable, then it could be a simple drop in. If pumps are in the wrong places, (or don't exist), it's more hassle. Make sure the outdrive connections are correct. The 305/350 came in two version, a 12 3/4 inch flywheel and a 14 inch flywheel. The old (two piece main seal) flywheels have a larger hole in the center, the new (one piece main) type (which is what the vortec probably is) has a smaller hole. My point is to make sure the outdrive will mate properly with the new engine's flywheel.

-I love the vortec heads. They are much better breathers than the older style.

- Once I had the vortec engine installed in my boat, I really wouldn't care what he took off the old engine as a part of the trade. Less for me to mess with on Craigs List. Just be sure you don't get stuck having to buy exhaust manifolds or some other part because you traded it away.

- And of course be sure to check out compression and leak down and for water in the oil, as well as a vaccum test to be sure what he is selling you is a sound engine. Trust and verify.

Well seller just texted me back and he is selling the engine to another buyer for $1,500 + labor to install.

Seller and I had an agreement to meet Sunday to complete the deal but I guess a verbal agreement does not mean s--t.

 

[jmw129]

Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

Guys, couple questions on these 350 vortec (Marine) engines.

When did the first 350 vortec engine come out? Mid 90's??

Does the vortec require a certain type of intake manifold?

Certain type of carb?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

the engine came out at the end of 1995 for the 1996 model year.

yes, vortec engines have a different intake as compared to the prior generations of engines.

the carb will be specific to the intake and its bolt pattern, not the engine.

why do you ask?

 

[jmw129]

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

the engine came out at the end of 1995 for the 1996 model year.

yes, vortec engines have a different intake as compared to the prior generations of engines.

the carb will be specific to the intake and its bolt pattern, not the engine.

why do you ask?

Hey Scott,

I've been looking for a good rebuilt block & heads and coming across what sellers say is a rebuilt 350 Vortec engine.

My application right now is a 1985 305 (block has issues) looking to upgrade to a fresh 350.

Recommendations? Pros / cons if I get a marine vortec?

Will my 305 quadajet rochester marine carb work after a re-jet?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

you will need a flywheel, and possibly more. your current engine is a 2-piece rear seal. in 86 they changed to 1-piece. it can be done, however be prepared to need more than just the block and heads.

The vortec blocks also do not have the fuel pump boss machined, so you will need a marine electric fuel pump.

 

[LiquidC]

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

I'm building a 350 Vortec as well, you should be able to get a brand new Vortec 350 from a Chevy dealer for around $1900-ish. A rebuilt will save you a few hundred bucks, but in my opinion, I'd rather get a motor with zero wear.

Here's the major items you'd need:

Intake & Intake Bolts:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-7116
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-8516
(I would get the Fel-Pro intake gaskets instead of the Edelbrock gaskets, the Fel-Pro will snap in place while the Edelbrock could be pushed out of position when you install the intake)

Carb:
You could get the QJet to work, but you would need to switch out the choke to electric & install an adapter plate, which will cause a slight loss of power - I would recommend just getting a new carb, clean up the QJet & sell it.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-1409

Electric Fuel Pump:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CRT-P4389


-LC

 

[wingless]

Re: Piston Cylinders All Have Water In Them?

Seller and I had an agreement to meet Sunday to complete the deal but I guess a verbal agreement does not mean s--t.

No it does not.

 

[Failproof]

Re: Piston Cylinders All Have Water In Them?

Probably for the best. A person whom cannot honor his word does not have words to honor. Meaning you probably were being lied to, and in for more money in the long run, not to mention the hassle. You can have a rebuilt LONG block, that will use all your old parts for 2000 or so. Just get a tree fiddy with matching crank style, and correct fuel pump style, and go to the water!

 

[jmw129]

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

I'm building a 350 Vortec as well, you should be able to get a brand new Vortec 350 from a Chevy dealer for around $1900-ish. A rebuilt will save you a few hundred bucks, but in my opinion, I'd rather get a motor with zero wear.

Here's the major items you'd need:

Intake & Intake Bolts:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-7116
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-8516
(I would get the Fel-Pro intake gaskets instead of the Edelbrock gaskets, the Fel-Pro will snap in place while the Edelbrock could be pushed out of position when you install the intake)

Carb:
You could get the QJet to work, but you would need to switch out the choke to electric & install an adapter plate, which will cause a slight loss of power - I would recommend just getting a new carb, clean up the QJet & sell it.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-1409

Electric Fuel Pump:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CRT-P4389


-LC

Thank you for the links.

 

[jmw129]

Re: Piston Cylinders All Have Water In Them?

Probably for the best. A person whom cannot honor his word does not have words to honor. Meaning you probably were being lied to, and in for more money in the long run, not to mention the hassle. You can have a rebuilt LONG block, that will use all your old parts for 2000 or so. Just get a tree fiddy with matching crank style, and correct fuel pump style, and go to the water!

I agree. I've always kept my word with a seller when I say I'm going to buy unless the engine or item isn't the way they have described it.

I had a 4hr drive and I even offered him a small deposit through pay pal to hold the unit. What a jerk!

 

[jmw129]

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

Re: Mercruiser Vortex 350 Engine Questions

you will need a flywheel, and possibly more. your current engine is a 2-piece rear seal. in 86 they changed to 1-piece. it can be done, however be prepared to need more than just the block and heads.

The vortec blocks also do not have the fuel pump boss machined, so you will need a marine electric fuel pump.

Thank you Scott.. Very helpful!!

 

[Scott Farley]

Re: Piston Cylinders All Have Water In Them?

I had the same thing happen to me on my MC120. It turned out the manifold cracked and the engine was sucking water in the cylinders. Pull the manifold and put water in the jacket and plug the openings. See if you loose water. Also, I had to replace the circulating pump on the block as it ruined the seal. Also, the cylinder head warped, so I got it resufaced and had the valves ground and new seals put in them ($100 at a quiality engine machine shop) Hope this helps.