U.S. Engine Inc. Mercury 4.3 V6 Long Block replacement

[malibu3105]

So... I have a 1991 Bayliner Capri 2050. It has a 4.3L V6 2bbl. Bayliner says its 131hp.

I just bought the boat used, and turns out it needs some major repairs. Two of the six cylinders are not firing, and actually are spitting water. So either a blown head gasket, or worst. Currently looking 3k or more. Still waiting on an estimate from my mechanic.

I found U.S. Engine Inc. online, and called them. They will sell me a V6 long block that will provide an additional 50hp (different piston compression setup), for $2,895.00. Shipping is included.

Has anyone purchased an engine from them, or have advice on going this route. I would be using the same intake / exhaust manifolds, carb etc.

They include a 7 year / 500 hour warranty. So maybe for the same money, I get a new engine with 50 more horses. Sounds good to me.....

-Frank
http://www.usengine.us/mercruiser.html

 

[alldodge]

usengines, 1800runsnew, Massachusetts engines, something or another, all the same company. They keep changing their names for some reason. Bought my first 502 crate motor from them years ago, lets just say I won't do it again. Also check to see if that warranty includes marine use and is this a marine motor or just a auto.

Your buying a remanufactured motor. Take a standard motor, bore it .030 over and it can turn another 50hp, the issue is none of their motors are placed on a dyno. I would suggest Michigan motors

Last think maybe Ga boater can move this to Mercruiser section

Need to back step. usengines appears to be in Washington State, different builder. Don't know I have no comment

 

[malibu3105]

Ok, good to know. Yes it's listed in the marine section. Mercurymarine.com also has some listed. Just not sure of those prices.
I don't mind a rebuilt, and I have a tight budget. It's a case of spending money to fix what I have, vs spending for a redone engine.
I will keep looking, and probably have my mechanic check into it all before I decide anything.
Thanks

 

[Bondo]

It has a 4.3L V6 2bbl. Bayliner says its 131hp.

Ayuh,..... Where'd ya find that tidbit of info,..??

The 4.3l, with a 2bbl. carb is rated, at the lowest, at 175hp,.....

With a 4bbl carb, the same motor is rated up to 205hp,....

The ratin's have changed over the years, by how they're rated, but the 4.3l has never been rated at such a low horsepower as 130hp,....

The 3.0l 4 cylinder has been rated from 115hp, to 140hp,....

 

[JustJason]

Ayuh,..... Where'd ya find that tidbit of info,..??

With a 4bbl carb, the same motor is rated up to 205hp,....

The ratin's have changed over the years, by how they're rated, but the 4.3l has never been rated at such a low horsepower as 130hp,....

I agree. And to add to that Alot of Bayliners back then were Volvo engines, not Mercury. A boat like that would have either an AQ131 Volvo 4, (maybe that is why OP thinks he has 131 horsepower) or possibly an AQ170 inline 6.

OP you should snap a couple of pictures of what you have. What you wrote doesn't make any sense.

 

[malibu3105]

No Title

Ok, good to know. I am adding a picture of the engine. Seems with only 4 of 6 cylinders working, at 3,700rpm I am going 41mph (gps) that would take some hp. so makes sense that it would be higher.

 

[malibu3105]

The engine S/N is 0D610959 if that helps with this. It says Mercury Marine on it.

 

[bruceb58]

I agree. And to add to that Alot of Bayliners back then were Volvo engines, not Mercury. A boat like that would have either an AQ131 Volvo 4, (maybe that is why OP thinks he has 131 horsepower) or possibly an AQ170 inline 6.

Bayliner didn't use Volvo since 1985 or so. Once Brunswick bought Bayliner in 1986, they sold for a few years with the OMC contract still and then switched entirely to Mercury in 1989 or so.

 

[alldodge]

It would be closer to 131 KW or 185HP

 

[Maclin]

Spitting Water if you mean from the cylinders is probably a bad exhaust manifold, so do not reuse anything you have

 

[malibu3105]

Update: Heads are off. There was a full inch missing from the head gasket. So that is the culprit. Heads are at the machine shop getting tested, if all comes back good then it goes back together.

As far as the exhaust manifold goes, it is falling apart. So will have to replace those anyway. Everything else looks good.

Will include a tune up and probably a carb rebuild. Looking forward to getting back out. Figure I will push 50mph now. But will be trying some loaner props from shop. Going for a 4 blade loaner to get specs, then will possibly purchase a SS 4blade, or SS 5blade. Will also test my existing 3blade to see what my WOT shows.
Probably have 1 to 2 weeks before I get her back out.

 

[Bondo]

Update: Heads are off. There was a full inch missing from the head gasket. So that is the culprit. Heads are at the machine shop getting tested, if all comes back good then it goes back together.

Ayuh,.... Make Sure the block is clean, flat, 'n true where the blown gasket was,...

It can erode, or build up crud from the flame shootin' back, 'n forth,...
If the block gasket surface isn't Perfectly Clean, Flat, 'n True,....
It'll just blow out again,....

 

[malibu3105]

Ayuh,.... Make Sure the block is clean, flat, 'n true where the blown gasket was,...

It can erode, or build up crud from the flame shootin' back, 'n forth,...
If the block gasket surface isn't Perfectly Clean, Flat, 'n True,....
It'll just blow out again,....

Roger that. It's at my local Marine shop. They have been there 30 years. Letting them worry all that. I should hear from them today. I know they sent the heads out to the machine shop, not sure about the block. But I will ask.

 

[alldodge]

A 4 or 5 blade prop is great for hole shot in most cases, but not always good for running or WOT. As props rotate they are trying to move forward along with trying to reach the surface. More blades gives you more lift, so if you running close to the surface now, a 4 or 5 blade may push you right into grabbing air. Just something to think about