Proud Owner of 2 470's I think.....

[wyoben]

I have bought 2 engines, one came in a 1979 Boat I am fixing up and another I bought on eBay. I don't know much about these engines except they where both running at last time they where in a boat. The one that was in the boat has not been run since at least 1998. I did get it to crank over but did not try to start it because I'm sure there was bad gas it the boat. It has the old alternator and 3" heat exchanger. The engine off of ebay is supposed to have 300 hours on it and is pretty clean. I did a differential compression check on it and it has good compression with no leakage around the valves. It has the alternator conversion. I plan to put this one in the boat. My question is sould I do the cam seal repair now, while its on the engine stand? or put it in and hope it lasts a long time before it leaks? Its an older 470 with the all black /silver valve cover. Also both engines have the 3" heat exchanger. Should I but a 4" now or wait to see how she runs, I am from wyoming and plan to fish in cooler water and cooler air temps then say Florida. Thanks for any help.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Proud Owner of 2 470's I think.....

I assume you only need one of them? Take all of the best parts and make one good one. Try to use both alternators. That way you can charge two batteries independently and wire in a battery switch to the starter. You definately should go for more cooling, consider piggybacking the two 3" exchangers. It would take some fabricating, but I'd think it's feasible if you have the room. Take care of any leaky gaskets or seals now. It'll save you from having to bend yourself into all sorts of strange positions once it's in the boat. I believe there was also a 4-barrel carb motor, I believe they were called 485 & 190 (there's also a V-6 190). You'd need the carb & manifold. Might be worth an eBay search. They're all 3.7Ls.<br /><br />These are fairly amazing motors. Ther biggest downfalls were the 3" exchanger and the charging system. You might have more than enough to make a really reliable motor.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Proud Owner of 2 470's I think.....

Despite some drawbacks I'm a fan of the '470' also. The flaws are fortunately not large-scale mechanical issues that result in engine failure...how much better can it get?<br /><br />Regarding the cam shaft seals...do it now. In almost all apllications the engine must be removed to extract the cam and press on the two seals...and the front water pump cover is getting increasingly difficult to get if damaged.<br /><br />Regarding the 3" heat exchanger...it is marginal. Given the expense of a new or good used 4", I'd try it out since it's easy to swap out later if problematic. Using two is an option if you have them, but space is an issue, particulary if you attempt to run two alternators.<br /><br />Regarding two alternators...if the proper conversion kit was used (78+/- amps), you've got more than enough charging power for two batteries. Use a good switch and regulate charging, starting and accessory as needed, it's best to charge both batteries while running. If you have power steering you'll be unable to use two alternators any way, you won't have space and you'd have to find or fabricate a pulley to drive three belts...very ugly. Also, if you have PS, you'll need a different alternator conversion kit than the most commonly (and cheapest) available. The alternator will need to mount on the lower front starboard side, and require relocation of the coolant overflow container.