Project boat.... ho much would you pay?

mavryk

Seaman
Joined
Apr 23, 2013
Messages
65
Re: Project boat.... ho much would you pay?

yep freeze/crack damage...

Saw a really good way to check for manifold cooling system cracks using acetone posted in the Adults only Section. If/when the time comes I'll check em out and replace as needed.
 

series60

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 4, 2010
Messages
420
Re: Project boat.... ho much would you pay?

The exhaust manifolds look very good, but that is to my untrained eye. What would the concern be with them.... that the same frozen water issue on the block may have cracked the manifolds cooling system?

Thanks for the input.

The manifolds become plugged with rust etc and can crack and leak water into the engine. Most of the problems can't be seen from the outside. 14 year old manifolds will be problematic at best. I would not gamble my new engine on old manifolds! The flappers and y-pipe can also be a problem. If you do remove the engine be sure to check these items.
 

mavryk

Seaman
Joined
Apr 23, 2013
Messages
65
Re: Project boat.... ho much would you pay?

The 350 will of course drop right in and everything from the 5.0 liter will bolt right up as long as you stay in the same generation of engines. The down side is it usually requires a gear change in the outdrive to allow for more H.P. You *MAY* be able to get by with a change in props depending on the boat but just be aware you may not.

With a frozen / cracked block the manifolds, intake and exhaust, and the risers are immediately suspect and you need to test them for leaks once off the engine. The water circulation pump is also suspect but to be honest there is no way I would put an old water pump on a new engine, they aren't that expensive so replace it. If that's too much for the budget at least put new bearings in it with a rebuild kit.

While you have the engine out you might want to take advantage and install an oil drain kit on the engine. You'll be thankful every time you need to change the oil. It's also a great time to take a hard look at the gimbal bearing and replace if needed. Of course cleaning up the bilge is a given but you might consider a can of Bilge White. Amazing what a little paint can do! It's also a good time to sand smooth and repaint all the drive pulleys (alternator, power steering, harmonic balancer, etc.) A couple of coats of quality paint and your good to go.

Be aware you MUST have and USE a drive alignment bar. You can find them on eBay or have a local machine shop make one for you. Even a slight misalignment will cause excessive wear of the engine coupler, gimbal bearing and u-joints in a very short time and you will be pulling the engine again.

As to the outdrive, I wouldn't replace it unless I had too. Check the oil in it, do a pressure / vacuum test and if all is as it should be put it back on and run it. It's not hard or time consuming to replace it at some point in the future if needed. These drives are built to last a long time and most of them outlast the boat and engine.

Thanks for the advice. I must admit, I hadn't thought about the gear ratio aspect of up powering. I was definitely planning on the oil drain kit install and replacing the circulation pump. Gimball bearing check was on the list, as I want the entire outdrive checked/serviced/lubed/pressure tested. I plan to acquire an alignment tool, as I will be doing the routine maintenance myself, so it will be a must have. I know it's hard to believe, but the bilge is amazingly clean..... of course I will give it a good scrub but shouldn't take a lot to get it pristine. The pulleys are all in very good condition, not rust, wear, paint is very good on them. I do plan on replacing all the belts, of course and all new plugs/wires/cap etc. for the ignition. I am really hoping that the drive checks out..... it would really make this a sweet deal if it did. But like I said in an earlier post, Plan for the worst, hope for the best!

Does anyone have any recommendations for additives for the outdrive? Or just stick with the manufacturers recommendations? Is the manufacturer's recommendation a mineral based lube, and is there an appropriate synthetic lube that does a better job?


Thanks a bunch for the intel.
 

mavryk

Seaman
Joined
Apr 23, 2013
Messages
65
Re: Project boat.... ho much would you pay?

Update-

The boat I have been looking at sold today. Auctioneer failed to disclose on their website or in the printed sale bill that there would be a reserve. Not a huge deal as I was only 1/2 hour away from the auction house and the boat was #10 in line to sell. Reserve was $3000, boat sold for $4700, about $2000 more than I was willing to pay. No complaints though...... when you are in auction environment anything can happen. Thanks to all who posted. At a minimum, I learned quite a bit go through this process, so I don't consider any of it a wasted effort.

Ok- now I'm back on the hunt! I kept some other boats on the radar while I was awaiting the auction so I will start reviewing and trolling CL again.
 

crabby captain john

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 6, 2011
Messages
1,823
Re: Project boat.... ho much would you pay?

Be happy! You will find another and possibly one water ready for what you want to spend.
 
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