question about 4.3

[docster]

I am looking into a Tahoe Deckboat with the 4.3 currently. Heres the catch. The 4.3 is hydrolocked. The price on boat is good, but I am trying to decide if its worth it to me. Here is what i would like to do...Put a 5.0 in it to make watersports better.

more info. currently a 4.3L EFI mercruiser that is hydrolocked. Has all electronics and engine still in boat, so i would have to try to sell that. Boat has Mercury Alpha outdrive. The boat and engine and outdrive are all model year 2000.

So for those who have done it, will a 5.0 just bolt in (i know there is enough physical room)?

What else will need to change, can i use electronics?

any major changes i need to make to make a 5.0 work? (this exact model was initially offered with a 5.0).

What kind of cost am in looking at not counting the engine if i DIY?

Worse case I may just go with a new rebuilt 4.3 and call it good, that will be cheap and easy. I just worry the 4.3 will be straining pulling up wakeboarders or tubers with a boat full of 6+ people. thats why i want the 5.0. Think a 5.7 would work if i can find one cheap enough?

 

[Don S]

Re: question about 4.3

Lots of things can cause hydrolock. Too many people on the transom allowing water to get in through the exhaust, faulty exhaust parts, poor running engine, bad valves, cracked head or block etc. etc.

If you are looking, keep looking unless you want to buy an engine. It may have been sunk, or in a storm and filled up with water who knows.

 

[docster]

Re: question about 4.3

thats the plan, i plan to buy an engine, i dont want to keep the 4.3....thats why i asked about putting a 5.0 or 5.7 in it.

 

[Don S]

Re: question about 4.3

Price some bobtail engines, you need it all with a V8. You also need a different drive with the proper gear ratio.

 

[docster]

Re: question about 4.3

cant i just reprop correctly?

 

[Don S]

Re: question about 4.3

cant i just reprop correctly?

If that worked as well as a different gear ratio, why didn't Merc just change props instead of all the different ratios? Because only a certain range of props work on recreational boats, and you get there with gear ratio changes.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: question about 4.3

Is this the boat? TAHOE DECK BOAT 02

Someone else posted about a Tahoe with a hydrolocked engine . . .

 

[docster]

Re: question about 4.3

same model, but i am looking at a 2000, locally here.

and i have no plans to repair the engine, just use it for a core charger on a remanned motor with a warranty. just trying to decide if i should stick with a 4.3 or if upping to a 5.0 is worth it or not.

 

[thumpar]

Re: question about 4.3

Either get the boat and replace/fix the 4.3l or get a boat with the engine you want. You would need a complete engine with electronics plus a new drive or at least the upper.

How long has it been hydrolocked. Water is bad stuff on the internals.

 

[docster]

Re: question about 4.3

since fall. i would replace with possibly this...looks like its the 260hp version which should be plenty. i dont really want to rebuild, not worht it imo.

the 220 version
4.3L Vortec Marine Engine, REMAN (1996-2010)

or 260 version (legit?)
http://www.usenginesinc.com/Marine-...-Engine.html?gclid=CMCnzO_3ibYCFag7MgodLGgAvw
"This is just like your factory engine we just made it more powerful and better on the inside. Our redesigning makes this 4.3 marine produce 50 more horsepower and 25 lbs more torque over your factory engine."

big claims consider they dont tell you how they did it....

 

[docster]

Re: question about 4.3

Is this the boat? TAHOE DECK BOAT 02

Someone else posted about a Tahoe with a hydrolocked engine . . .

just realized this one is listed almost 1500 more than the one im looking at haha. and the one im looking appears much better shape.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: question about 4.3

just realized this one is listed almost 1500 more than the one im looking at haha. and the one im looking appears much better shape.

Hydro-locked Tahoe's must be in season or something :noidea:

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: question about 4.3

The cost is the only thing from keeping you back.
The V-8's gonna need a drive,500-1500$ Manifolds,$1000 and electronics? $500
Just guessing on the prices.
Not sure if the transom mounts or exhaust downtubes will work??
They make a high output v-6 I drove one in a 20ft and it had all kinds of power.

Some one said it earlier, Wait for the right boat/motor combination.
Look around and you can probably find a boat for the price of the motor you want to buy??

 

[stonyloam]

Re: question about 4.3

Sounds like you are kind of new at this, so one thing to remember about boats it that there is nothing more expensive than a cheap boat. To drop in a V8 is a pretty big job that requires a COMPLETE engine and outdrive, and inexpensive one could cost you a lot of money to get it set up properly, and there is no guarantee that it will not be ready for a rebuild. Another thing to remember is that V8 is going to be 200# heavier than the 4.3. These guys Engines motors Long Block mercruiser OMC Volvo Penta Crusader (NO CORE CHARGE) have a long block ready to drop in for about $1500. Couple of weekends of work and a couple hundred to get the outdrive in shape and you are on the water, as opposed to who knows how much and a lot of time screwing around with it. If you go with the rebuilt V6 you could wind up with a boat that is actually worth MORE than you have in it, a rare situation my friend. Anyway just my 2 cents worth, good luck whatever you decide.

 

[achris]

Re: question about 4.3

I think I see why it got water in... batwing manifolds. They do it every time.

Don't know why you think a 4.3 doesn't have enough power for that puny little boat? I also have a 4.3 in my boat (see signature), and I do more than 40 knots, and it has bags of torque. She's a HEAVY boat.....

Chris.......

 

[Lou C]

Re: question about 4.3

I agree with finding the boat with the engine you want already installed. There are many differences between the V-6&V-8 models, the drive, location of front engine mounts, manifolds/risers/Ypipe, etc.
I have the 4bbl 4.3 in my '88 4Winns and it has good power and is very good on gas. I have the OMC batwings and never have had a problem with water in the cylinders and that is with all salt water use.

 

[Bondo]

Re: question about 4.3

I agree with finding the boat with the engine you want already installed. There are many differences between the V-6&V-8 models, the drive, location of front engine mounts, manifolds/risers/Ypipe, etc.
I have the 4bbl 4.3 in my '88 4Winns and it has good power and is very good on gas. I have the OMC batwings and never have had a problem with water in the cylinders and that is with all salt water use.

Ayuh,... You Will, 'n it'll probably be Soon...