Pretty sure its a dead 4.3

[1997StingRay190]

So I bought a boat back in January that came from Jew Jersey. When I got it back to NC I saw that one of the casting plugs was pushed out (guy hadn't drained the block). It ran for an hour in a tub of H20 and for 20 min with the muffs/garden hose on, with no H20 in the oil that I could see.

Today, I got it out on the lake, ran 20 minutes (sounded fine and seemed to run fine) and put it into neutral to check oil, died when I put it into neutral. Pulled the engine cover and low and behold the milkshake looking froth of oil/H20 mix was all over the intake. Took off the carburetor filter (steel doughnut looking deal) and it had tons of condensation on it. So at this point I'm 99. some thing % sure its a cracked block.

Engine is a 1996/7 Mercruiser 4.3 with 450 or 500 hours on it, mostly saltwater.

Is there any sense in checking to see if it is a head gasket, or intake gasket? Should I just assume its a cracked block at this point and go ahead and replace the engine?

If I should just replace the engine can anyone point me to a good place to find one of these at a good price? Also planning on replacing all the bellows and gimbal bearing while everything is torn apart, any other suggestions while its in pieces?

Thanks for any help/suggestions guys
Sean

 

[mark1905]

Re: Pretty sure its a dead 4.3

Talk to Raul at Rapido Marine. Best prices on reman'd 4.3's. Many people here including myself have used his engines before..

Good luck!

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Pretty sure its a dead 4.3

I bought a 4.3 longblock from rapido and had good luck with it especially after some simple modifications and bolt ons. I swapped it out with only a few hours on it for a stroker motor, but would buy from them again. Also sent you a pm.

 

[1997StingRay190]

Re: Pretty sure its a dead 4.3

Hey thanks for the quick replies guys. Sounds like Raul is a reputable source for remann'd rotating assemblies.

I started taking the engine out today, but am a little stuck now. Can anyone tell me the easiest way to part the engine from the outdrive so I can just pull the engine?

Thanks for the help

Sean

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Pretty sure its a dead 4.3

You pull the outdrive first