What do you think about the Chev 3.8 L engine

[mrozborn]

I'm looking to purchase 1980's 19' Rinker with a 3.8Litre V6 OMC Chev motor. The mechanic at the marina where I go said to stay away from that model engine, nothing but trouble. Said the OMC drive wasn't very reliable as well. He claims it was a very "short run" and then they used the 4.3 litre which is better. He was so against the engine he said "don't bring it to me for repairs, hard to find parts,

Any comments

thanks

Mike

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: What do you think about the Chev 3.8 L engine

Id have to say, Listen to him!!!

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: What do you think about the Chev 3.8 L engine

I think you are misinterpreting what your mechanic is saying. I suspect he is properly trying to steer you away from the OMC 800 series drive.

The 3.8L 229 cid Chevrolet V6 is a great engine.
Mercruiser, Volvo Penta, Crusader and OMC all used that engine in the 80's. It is better than the 4.3 in my opinion. It runs smoother and didn't require balancer shafts or viscous mounts like the 4.3 shakerbox did.
3.8L parts are no problem to find - GM put about 200,000 of those motors in Malibus, ElCaminos, Monte Carlos etc.
all moot though, because you don't want the 800 series drive.

Ask your mechanic about a 1980's Mercruiser MR185 V6 and see what he says... he'll probably give that the thumbs up and it's the same engine.