So i have a 4" crack on both sides of my 305 merc

[Chappie_23]

Long story short my Chaparral wasn't proeperly winterized and i have a crack on each side of the block.....right above the pet-****, ironically enough. They are about 3.5 to 4" in length, both horizontal...

A: Can it be welded?

B: If not, how compatible is a chevy 350?

C: HELP!!! I love my boat...this hurt.


Oh and Hi! I am new to this forum.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: So i have a 4" crack on both sides of my 305 merc

A) No.
B) Could be somewhat, but don't know what you have.
C) Tough lesson to learn...

Welcome to iboats!

 

[lime4x4]

Re: So i have a 4" crack on both sides of my 305 merc

all your stuff from the 305 will fit onto a 350 block.If you go with a 350 marine long block your good to go.If your planning on using a block from a car/truck then you will have to replace the freeze-out plugs with brass ones,get a 350 marine camshaft.U also have to stay close to the year of your current boat or you will have to change flywheel and coupler over as well

 

[cheburashka]

Re: So i have a 4" crack on both sides of my 305 merc

You've got a few things to figure out. It's possible that they can be ground out and JB Welded, provided that there's no internal damage. Check to see if there's any water in the oil. If there is, you can't save the block.

How improperly winterized was the boat? On mine, the freeze cracked the block, the head, and the manifold. You'll want to make sure those parts are still in working condition. If they're cracked, a long block won't do you any good and you may as well find a complete marine engine with manifolds.

To check the head and manifolds, you first need to close the holes in the block and then pressurize the water jacket. I think it's worth a try. On mine, it appears that the inside of the block is fine and the crack was external only, but I'm working with a completely different block.

Good luck.

 

[Robj]

Re: So i have a 4" crack on both sides of my 305 merc

I guess that is a tough lesson to learn. If it was my boat, I would check for water in the oil, and if there wasn't any, then I would grind the area and use a cold welding compound such as JB Weld. This should tie you over till the winter when you should consider replacing the motor.

Good luck

Rob.

 

[Coors]

Re: So i have a 4" crack on both sides of my 305 merc

Dunno; I can't walk on water to get home
I would get a new engine, just for peace of mind.
But that's just me.

 

[Chappie_23]

Re: So i have a 4" crack on both sides of my 305 merc

Thanks for the feedback and the welcome. I know a little about motors (auto tech actually) and i have found no evidenced of any other cracks. Damn thing runs as well as it did when i left it in storage 2 years ago, they were supposed to winterize it when i couldn't get back to pick it up....


Its an 89' Chappie, and yes it was a learning experiance to say the least. I will be looking for a 350 to swap in...w00t-w00t.Thanks Guys!!

I will keep my progress posted here, i may try to whiz-wheel it and JB weld for Gits and Shiggles....

 

[Dakota47]

Re: So i have a 4" crack on both sides of my 305 merc

Just slap some JB weld in there , swap motor in the winter.