[domraga]

Unfortunately my restoration project has hit a brick wall! Just as I was about to winterise, a cold spell hit the UK very quickly before I had a chance to drain my block. Result = smashed 5.0L V8. Obviously I won't let this stop me, but finances will mean I will have to slow down for a couple of months whilst I sort this problem out. Can't blame the boat nor the weather, can only blame myself. Was concentrating too much on the rest of the boat, assumed my cast iron block was tough enough to handle this, how wrong was I?

Question to you guys in the states, has anybody used a replacement block/engine from Michiganmotorz.com? the website looks impressive, buts its a big effort for me to ship to the UK, so I wouldn't mind some feedback regarding this company first. By the way, this is a pic of how much my block blew out!

[ShabahZ280]

OUCH..... Sorry to hear about that.

I have heard good things about MichiganMotorz here in the states. Are there no reliable marine engine rebuilders in the UK? I wonder if you contacted Mercruiser if they'd have the name of a recommended facility on your side of the pond?

[mikeyt]

Try touching base with David Allen at Southwater Marine, Hambles, Southampton.
Ph #023-8045-2255 David's email is [email protected]

They used to be an original Mariah dealer in England and still are a Mercruiser (and Volvo) dealer. David is an occasional visitor to our website and says he spent a fair bit of time at the Benton Illinois factory site. We did a little emailing back & forth about his work with Mariah & it was clear he had a love for both the boats and people at Mariah. He just might be able to help you out.

[DGR-Z246-98]

I agree with mikeyt, David know's his stuff and still deals with Mercruiser on his Moterey's, he's helped me out with troubleshooting over the phone a few times since I've been out here in Dubai, great service!

Chances are that he may have even brought yours into the UK originally!

Good luck!

[Dave]

Ooops....... Sorry.... I am not visiting often enough!.. so my apologies for the delay.

We might have a block here that could do the job for minimal money.... We often get an engine in that is beyond economic repair where the customer's cheapest route is a new long block.... so we end up with a spare but non-working engine..... but if you are doing the work yourself you don't get all those labour charges!

I'm not sure where you are based etc. but if you want to give us a call we can try and work something out.

Kind regards,

David