Rebuild bottom end or Replace, Opinions?

[HVAC Cruiser]

Well the jury is pretty much in, sounds like I have a spun bearing on my Mercruiser 228 . I was hoping I was mistaken and it was a bad U joint or something so I pulled the drive off this morning and fired it up. No such luck the rapping is still there
Here is a video of it running you can hear it


The 228 engine has 820 hrs on the meter
If you all agree that it sounds like a bearing, these are my options as to what I have available to work with:
a) I could just cut the crank and do a bearing job
b) I have a LT1 chevy 350, can freshen the engine, adjust power curve, change cam etc
c) a buddy offered me a 350 stroked to 383 vortex heads flat top pistons 9:1cr, I can adjust power curve, change cam, etc
The LT1 I have, the 383 I installed a heating system for him as a favor so its also a free engine

any and all input would be greatly appreciated

 

[rbh]

Re: Rebuild bottom end or Replace, Opinions?

820 hours doesnt sound like alot of time on a motor, unless its always hair straight back? I think I would do a bearing job if the bearings just spun, but keep it or flip it is your call.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Rebuild bottom end or Replace, Opinions?

Ayuh,... If I'm not mistaken, the LT1 is Not an option, due to fitment issues....

The motor from your Bud, who owes you sounds the Best to me....
Regardless of the diagnosis of the 305....
At Most, it may, or may not require a cam change,... Finding the cam spec.'s will answer that question...

 

[HVAC Cruiser]

Re: Rebuild bottom end or Replace, Opinions?

Hey rbh, I was thinking of just doing the crank but I'm not sure what else I'll find when I open her up

Hey Bubba, I've always considered the chevy 305 & 307's to good for one thing, Boat Anchors Oh boy, I'm sure somebody is gonna yell at me for that one lol. On the other hand its a 22' cruiser, not looking to build a race boat but I still want get up and go.

Hi Bond-o you may have a point with the LT1 I would have to take a look at it. The engine was one of my sportsman class ones. nothing really bolted to it
Here is a pic if it helps

I would have to make some heavy mods on it, right now it has phase2 heads with a 14deg angle mill even though its got flat tops the cr is up there. When she was fresh, on the dyno she was pulling 438hp with a 500cfm 2bbl holley good for a race track, not good for the boat

 

[rbh]

Re: Rebuild bottom end or Replace, Opinions?

yes, drop the pan and have a look see, at least you will have a visual of whats gone on.

 

[HVAC Cruiser]

Re: Rebuild bottom end or Replace, Opinions?

yes, drop the pan and have a look see, at least you will have a visual of whats gone on.

I agree, I'm going to go out and start pulling the engine. On another note, I thought about it and I would have to be out of my mind to put my sportsman motor in her, the thing has at least 8k in parts and machine work, its worth more than the boat. The Callies crank alone is worth a small fortune.

 

[HVAC Cruiser]

Re: Rebuild bottom end or Replace, Opinions?

Of, I'll swap ya straight up, I've got a fresh 305 marine engine and I'll swap ya for the LT1.

ROFL

 

[HVAC Cruiser]

Re: Rebuild bottom end or Replace, Opinions?

Would that be a no? ROFLMAO

Just unbolted the engine and disconnected the wiring harness, Have to do some Daddy stuff If I get back early enough I'm gonna back my truck up to her with my I beam and pull her, Now the fun begins lol

Hey Bondo- I decided to go with the 383 this should prove to be fun, gonna get my 7yo to work with me teach him how to turn a wrench , degree a cam and all that good jazz

Ill post pics when I get it out

 

[83vert]

Re: Rebuild bottom end or Replace, Opinions?

Well Bill you know what I would say, go with the 383 for sure. It should be a fairly straight forward swap, so I have heard. Let me know if you need that heater back now that your working outside?

 

[HVAC Cruiser]

Re: Rebuild bottom end or Replace, Opinions?

Well Bill you know what I would say, go with the 383 for sure. It should be a fairly straight forward swap, so I have heard. Let me know if you need that heater back now that your working outside?

Hey Man whats happening
Yea, I'm going to Maspeth tomorrow to pick the 383 up.
Thanks, but right now the heater won't do any good I don't have any structure, I was thinking about getting one of those pepboy tents like you have but if I get one for the Sea Gem and not for wifeys dads boat, as HappierWet says " And Then The Fight Started " Lol
For now I'm going bring the 383 into my basement, stick it on my stand pull the heads, pull the cam, plasti-gauge the bearings to start etc - freshen it up if needed.