Rebuild or Repower?

[8up]

I logged in as a guest earlier and posted this question, I can't find it. I apologize if this ends up being a double post.

I have a 1985 Evinrude 140 hp looper. The lower crankshaft bearing crapped out a couple of weeks ago. My original plan was to replace the lower bearing and seal, lightly hone the cylinders and install new rings.
When I pulled the pistons I found them to be scored (the bottom piston is really bad). The cylinders are also scored a little. This makes the repair cost jump up quite a bit.
My question is this......Do I do a partial rebuild, replacing only the damaged parts. Purchase a remanufactured powerhead ($1500 Blackbird). Or try to find a later model used motor.
There is a 96' Evinrude 150 hp Intruder locally for $2000. I don't know the condition of the motor at this point. If this looks like the best option I will check it over very closely.
Any thoughts or input would be great

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Walker]

Re: Rebuild or Repower?

My choice would be to stay with your 140. Rebuild yours or reman power head would depend on how much damage you have. Since you lost the lower crankshaft bearing your crank needs a close inspection for damage. Your pistons and cylinders are scored, they would need boring and oversize pistons.
The remanufactured powerhead looks like a pretty good option if Blackbird does good work.
Your 140 looper will run with, and pull away from that 150.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Rebuild or Repower?

If the Intruder runs and is healthy, that's a pretty good deal. While the V4 looper is a torque monster it's been out experience that the 60* V6 looper will out perform it in every way. Given that they're both set up properly. And they're very close in weight.

This is going to be one of those deals that you won't be disappointed with either decision.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rebuild or Repower?

unfortunately, it comes to your own gut feeling about each motor. you repair yours you know what you have. you spend $2,000 for something that someone else tells you what you have, check everything you can on the newer motor. you can always part out the good stuff off your existing motor on ebay, to help cover the cost of the newer one. good luck is my advice.

 

[8up]

Re: Rebuild or Repower?

Thanks for the input guys. I called an automotive machine shop today to get a price on boring and honing they said it would be $100. Would be be an absolute no-no to do a partial rebuild and use the old rod and wrist pin bearings?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Rebuild or Repower?

Do not use an automotive machine shop unless they are very accoustomed to doing outboards. If you need a recommendation just let us know, we'll get you to a marine machine shop.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rebuild or Repower?

would it be a no no to only half wipe your a$$? why bother at all.

 

[Walker]

Re: Rebuild or Repower?

Partial rebuilds are acceptable and are done all the time. It all depends on the condition of the parts you want to re-use. One thing you never re-use is rod cap bolts.
My personal 1994 120 looper had one cylinder bored .020 over and a matching piston put in 10 years ago. Original rod and wristpin bearings, new rod bearings. Still going strong.

 

[8up]

Re: Rebuild or Repower?

Thanks for the input, I enjoyed the a$$ wipe comparison.

What is the difference between the automotive and the marine machine shops. The automotive shop I called sayed they "did" outboards, not that it makes it the right place to take.

I'm still uncertain as to what I'm going to do yet for power, I'm waiting to check on that 96' 150hp.

Thanks,
Scott