thoughts on remanufactured engines

[tonyrocks]

Hi all,

I'm looking at the idea of picking up an older boat with a seized engine or outdrive (the boat worked one day, then suddenly stopped running and won't turn over at all, etc). I'm wondering what thoughts/experience people have with remanufactured engines. One website I looked at was USengine. However, I found the following regarding this company:

http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/US.Engine.Incorporated.253-852-3263

I then also found that they have three different websites for this same company and product, which also generally makes me suspect (why would a reputable company go by three different names?).

Can anyone fill me with knowledge/experience/advice about this or any other remanufactured engine companies, or just generally thoughts on going this route? My thought was that if the hull/deck/interior are solid, if I put in a rebuilt or remanufactured engine, I come away with a solid boat with a shiny 'new' engine for the same cost as a comparable boat with a currently 'old' working engine. Any advice?

Thanks.

 

[iop]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

I got my boat on 04'. The seller repowered that same year with a Jasper marine engine. 450 hours later still runs great with no issues past or present. ( knocking on wood )...

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

Just a thought, but have you looked into what is currently wrong with the present motor and drive. Could be some minor things.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

I don't think he's picked out a boat yet.

Check out the many posts here on reman engines. The general consensus is that if you want a "new" engine and don't want to spend about 40% more for a crate engine that actually is new, reman is a good place to go.

I personally have had good experience with rapido marine (google 'em) in FL, they deliver a good product and stand behind it, plus they're cheaper than many other places.

Erik

 

[1ruralmailman]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

i can second the vote for rapidomarine.replaced mt 4.3 this year with a long block from there,was a great deal and got to me quick.i know they seem a little low tech from there pictures but there product and service seems top notch.
rob

 

[Fossilized]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

I bought a new 350 - '85 & older 2 piece rear seal - from Jegs.
These are new GM engines assembled in GM's Mexico plant from all new parts inclusing heads & block. I paid $1500 + less than $200 shipping.

I have about 10-15 hours on it - too new for a reliability report.

 

[cpt ron jc]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

i am also in the market for looking for a reman yes rapido seems like the best bet,most places and there are many are 5 to 800 more,as long as its a marine long block with some waranty,i think rapido offers 2 yrs,their 4.3 runs around 1400 del.to door i havent found any place that can beat their price,theres us and usa engines,gearhead,and many more out there check it out,even around my area they still charge 1900 or better for a reman,i figure i should be able to get something for my block,still running but raps loud.lol good luck

 

[DanielR]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

If you want to save money and time is not your concern, rapido marine is your answer.
Their customer relations are close to none, after 10 calls (service related) I still had to do full introduction of myself and what the issue is.

The good:
They stand behind their product. If something goes wrong, they will replace it.

The bad:
-Use of automotive (not marine, stainless steel) steel gaskets.
-Misleading time frame of completion (once again, if time is not a concern this isnt the negative).

Did i say that iboats members get $50 off !*$

 

[Aloysius]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

Nobody rebuilds engines as well as the factory builds them the first time. Jasper does an excellent job, but it's still a "used" engine with many "used" parts; others it's a crap shoot.

Marine gaskets and block plugs are important.

Avoid cheap rebuilds like the plague. Inexpensive gaskets will leak, and cheap parts have a short service life.

If you've ever watched a machine shop take valve springs off with a hammer, you'll understand the difference immediately.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

Marine engine?

I bought a new 350 - '85 & older 2 piece rear seal - from Jegs.
These are new GM engines assembled in GM's Mexico plant from all new parts inclusing heads & block. I paid $1500 + less than $200 shipping.

I have about 10-15 hours on it - too new for a reliability report.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

If you want to save money and time is not your concern, rapido marine is your answer.
Their customer relations are close to none, after 10 calls (service related) I still had to do full introduction of myself and what the issue is.

The good:
They stand behind their product. If something goes wrong, they will replace it.

The bad:
-Use of automotive (not marine, stainless steel) steel gaskets.
-Misleading time frame of completion (once again, if time is not a concern this isnt the negative).

Did i say that iboats members get $50 off !*$

Hmm... well, my block had marine gaskets... actually if they're stainless they're the same thing with a different label on the box... they just have to be non corroding when exposed to raw water.

My engine was delivered on time about a week and a half after I ordered it.

I can't comment on the customer service, I haven't needed any.

Erik

 

[Fossilized]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

Not marine head gaskets but has brass freeze plugs.
All bolt on items are marine of course.
Oil pan has a baffle that appears to be shaped and located just about the same as the bolt on baffle in my marine take out engine.

Do you think I should replace head gaskets for fresh water only use?

 

[300sflyer]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

Dont rule out Mercury Marine remanufactured engines... I bought 2-Mag 357's for our 31' Chaparral, and after 26 hours on both, have been very pleased with the performance and the warranty service.
,
http://sites.mercurymarine.com/portal/page?_pageid=33,31112&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

Nobody rebuilds engines as well as the factory builds them the first time. Jasper does an excellent job, but it's still a "used" engine with many "used" parts; others it's a crap shoot.

Marine gaskets and block plugs are important.

Avoid cheap rebuilds like the plague. Inexpensive gaskets will leak, and cheap parts have a short service life.

If you've ever watched a machine shop take valve springs off with a hammer, you'll understand the difference immediately.

Wrong. A quality reman can be vastly better than new; good machine shops maintain much closer tolerances than the factory can ever dream of. There is a reason racers, when buying a new crate motor, tear it down and remachine it before it is even started. Any good machinist can tell you horror stories of things he has seen on production engines. And the few "used" parts are inspected and refinished to better than "new" from the factory!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

Any good machinist can tell you horror stories of things he has seen on production engines. And the few "used" parts are inspected and refinished to better than "new" from the factory!

That is so true!

One website I looked at was USengine. However, I found the following regarding this company:

http://www.merchantcircle.com/busine...d.253-852-3263

I then also found that they have three different websites for this same company and product, which also generally makes me suspect (why would a reputable company go by three different names?).

I don't know if a company selling under different names is a showstopper or not......

I did an engine replacement (3.0L Merc) using a USENGINE (Kent, WA) rebuilt engine a couple of years ago. They were easy to work with and even gave him half credit for his cracked-block core.


I am probably going to get another engine from them when I do mine....(I'm only about 20 min away.)



regards,


Rick

 

[DanielR]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

Hmm... well, my block had marine gaskets... actually if they're stainless they're the same thing with a different label on the box... they just have to be non corroding when exposed to raw water.

My engine was delivered on time about a week and a half after I ordered it.

I can't comment on the customer service, I haven't needed any.

Erik

Head Gasket from rapido marine is NOT stainless steel, its an automotive Felpro gasket. Marine gasket coating is black, Automotive is blue. Go and check it yourself, if you are still unsure call Raul.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

One additional thing to consider is warranty..


If you get a rebuilt engine from someone local (and reputable), and you DO have a problem, you don't have to pull the engine and ship it somewhere. (or have some local mechanic pull it apart and have them argue with the re-builder)

So don't rule out a local machine shop for your "re-man"

 

[Philster]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

The local engine shop/builder that is rebuilding mine takes several different, brand new Mercruiser engine types and fixes weak spots for customers who know enough about original factory engines to have them fixed before they hit the water.

One example: The 500 EFI from Merc. Those in the know get these to high-performance engine shops before they log an hour of time. For years, the valve springs pretty much sucked.

Know who you are dealing with. If you can see the shop and meet the people, more power to you.

Getting a reman engine or rebuild from a well-respected builder can very often yield a better performing motor vs. a stock motor. You can add some better hardware that OEM factories don't offer.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

Head Gasket from rapido marine is NOT stainless steel, its an automotive Felpro gasket. Marine gasket coating is black, Automotive is blue. Go and check it yourself, if you are still unsure call Raul.

I'll check my engine, just out of curiosity.....

Erik

 

[Aloysius]

Re: thoughts on remanufactured engines

ZB:

You're kidding, right? you really think a $1500 rebuild is better than the factory? You think the parts are better? Ever been in an engine? Ever been in a $1500 rebuild????

As one of your "racers" to whom you refer, that kind of quality machine work cost $1000's, and is NOT found in the typical rebuild. First, if you're serious, you start with a "seasoned" block, not a new engine. EVERY single feature is remachined, not ONLY to accommodate really expen$ive part$ like forged cranks and forged pistons, but to optimize clearances for maximum horsepower, NOT longevity.

The factory clearances are usually perfect. Lifters are mated in batches measured to the 0.0001th. Engine balance is perfect. These are engines that are designed to run for 1000's of hours. Sure, the deck height may be off 0.020, but that isn't gonna affect the life of the engine.

The problem with valve springs in stock "marine" engines is that they simply aren't designed for extended high rpm usage, like many boat guys seem to think they are. They're box stock, single springs..designed to minimize cam wear yet provide adequate service in cars and trucks at normal rpms.

BTW, your $1500 rebuild is gonna re-use those old springs, after they pick 'em up off the floor after disassembling the heads with a hammer.