[lakeozarks]

Was at the Lake of the Ozarks this weekend for my extended family vacation. It was about the 12th time I had my new to me 94 240 Talari out and guess what, one cylinder went down.

The mechanic gave me two options

1) A used 350 Merc w/ fuel injection ---no warranty

2) Rebuild the existing 350 Merc (carb) and get a one year warranty

I spent all the money I had on the boat and coming up with 5K will be an issue.

Any thoughts

[DFZ272]

Did it drop a valve and smash a piston, blow a head gasket, or break a rod?
Dan

[lakeozarks]

It smashed a piston. The engine appeared to be running good as I thought it was the cone clutches that went bad. It started fine and ran good up to 25 mph then it fell flat on its face.

I was hoping that it was only a throttle cable issue. Wishful thinking. I had prepared myself for a $1600 repair but the grim reaper showed up.

I am still wondering is the previous owner knew about the problem. I hope not but I have to wonder.

Rick

[DFZ272]

I hate to hear that. Did the previous owner know? Probably not. This is a problem that seldom gives advance notice. But..if an engine is not run on a regular basis valves springs can get weak from being compressed in one position for long periods. As for rebuild or used motor with fuel injection. My humble opinion is to stick with a carb regardless of a rebuild or replacement engine. I like to keep systems as simple as possible.
Good Luck
Dan

[GregT]

How mechanically inclined are you? If it blew one piston, it may not have scratched the cylinder walls and a re-build would be pretty easy (if you know engines). How about mechanic friends? The hardest part of this process would be pulling the engine out and putting it back in. If you have a friend who knows engines, you can easily rebuild that engine for less than $1000, and maybe even soup it up a bit. Could be a good learning experience for you because $5K is way overpriced in my opinion unless you are getting a brand new engine.

Good luck with it! I hope soimething good works out for you.

[DCB_MINDED]

Originally Posted by GregT

How mechanically inclined are you? If it blew one piston, it may not have scratched the cylinder walls and a re-build would be pretty easy (if you know engines). How about mechanic friends? The hardest part of this process would be pulling the engine out and putting it back in. If you have a friend who knows engines, you can easily rebuild that engine for less than $1000, and maybe even soup it up a bit. Could be a good learning experience for you because $5K is way overpriced in my opinion unless you are getting a brand new engine.

Good luck with it! I hope soimething good works out for you.

Agreed. Even pulling the engine is not a big job. Had my 5.7 out in about an hour by myself. The biggest issue is finding a lift tall enough to pick the engine up over the sides of the boat. I used a BIG tree limb, and a come-along.

[mark43]

Sorry to hear about your engine....Check out this link...This may be a viable option for you...

Mercruiser Engines

[Brewfixer]

Originally Posted by GregT

Could be a good learning experience for you because $5K is way overpriced in my opinion unless you are getting a brand new engine.

Good luck with it! I hope soimething good works out for you.

I agree with GregT, $5K is overpriced but I assume labor is included. I know this is way disconnected but I just put a brand new crated GM engine in my Surburban for $4k installed by a shop including all new sensors, wiring harness and radiator.

If the Craigslist listing Mark43 supplied is legit, that is a sweet deal.

[jarwiebe]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune. I feel with you as I blow a head gasket and scored a cylinder a few weeks ago. Boat is in the shop right now getting a long block out in. My quote was for 4,200 installed. I asked them to be sure to check ujoints, gimble bearing, bellows etc while they were at it. If any of these need attention it will be extra. Pricing here in Manitoba is ridiculous but what can you do? I am very quickly learning what B-O-A-T stands for.

[DougR]

Sorry to hear that!!!!
I agree 5K does seem to be a little high.
I managed to put in a new crate motor for 2,400. However, I did all of the labor myself and the marina put in my motor for free (long story)....

-Doug