Season Over....
 

Well went to prep the boat earlier today for tomorrows trip and well, the engine was struggling to turn over. Then just before it stopped turning over a very loud clunk was heard. Tried turning over again and the same thing happened. So I got on the phone with a friend, he came over and I showed him what it was doing. He immediately said it might be hydrolocked. So we began to pulling spark plugs. Turned it over and what do you know water started spewing out of every cylinder. What the luck I have. Earlier in the year I was having problems with the engine and look at me now. Since the engine has to come out now, I might as well rebuild or repower depending on how bad it is. Well I will keep everyone informed on what I plan to do and take pics of the whole process. Good thing the said friend has all necessary tools for what ever I decide to do.

Re: Season Over....
 

I know how you feel Jeremy. I spun a rod bearing in the 4.3 that I have , Thursday evening. I just installed it in April. It suks big time!!
I too am trying to decide whether to stay with this engine or go with a MPI setup now.
I guess we both have all winter to think about it and save more money:(
Keep us posted.

Larry

Re: Season Over....
 

It does suck Larry, my only question now is what is the "MAX" horsepower rating for my boat. Since the motor has to be pulled might as well "go big or go home".... And since I run salt and fresh water going to be installing closed circuit cooling among other goodies. This is the ideal time to have everything done like I want. The engine compartment and engine are both going to be as custom as custom can be. Can't wait.

Re: Season Over....
 

The Alpha 1 will take 300 ponies with no problem. That is what Mercruiser rates the Alpha 1 at anyway. You'd be safe at around 330-340 for sure , in my opinion.
As long as you ain't letting the kids drive her.......shoot for 370 HP. Most of the abuse is going to be in the coupler and the U-Joints.
It'll run like it ain't in the water.(cause most of the time it won't be with them ponies) :)

Larry

Re: Season Over....
 

Biggest issue I think you will have is the motor mounts....

Re: Season Over....
 

Are all chevy 350 motor mounts the same? Was just thinking about beefing up old block if there isn't anything wrong with it. I'm in the Army, so this project is gonna have to wait till I return from my next deployment which is just around the corner.... :(

Re: Season Over....
 

Long as you use your mounts and stay with a SB Chevy engine it's all bolt in. No issues whatsoever Jeremy.
BTW........... Thank You For Your Service!!

Re: Season Over....
 

Thanks. I love being in the military, well most of the time... How hard is it to switch over to a MPI engine? Been looking at some pretty nice motors at Michigan Motors, they are pretty expensive but all the work to the motor is already done. Dunno what i'm gonna do as of yet. Good thing I have about a year to think about it and save the money. My only concern now is how do I get all the water out of the block since I am unable to start the motor?

Re: Season Over....
 

Use compressed air on one of your small hoses. Make sure all drains are open. It doesn't take alot - only use about 15-20 lbs of preasure at most. Probably pull the thermostat before you blow it out.

Larry

Re: Season Over....
 

MPI is sweet but hold onto your a**!!! I'm looking at almost 7500 for the complete 4.3 with wiring , computer , all the little necessities.
You could build one hell of a carbed 350 for that!

Larry

Re: Season Over....
 

Wow, totally missed that you had a small block already!!
I had to do an engine swap last year... Yes it costs money but you can have a lot of fun doing it....

Re: Season Over....
 

I've already been looking at all the options out there. Been also doing more research on the "Hydrolock", it seems that replacing the riser gasket will fix the problem. The problem with that is where my manifold and risers meet there is rust at the seam. Does that mean they are bad and I should replace? Do you think after replacing those I will be fine as long as I don't have a bent rod or something. I need to get a leak down/ compression tester and see what the cylinders are doing.

Re: Season Over....
 

Rods are really strong!! Either way you'll be better replacing if you think they're shot... You may be able to use the engine after an oil change etc...Or you woudn't want to risk a new motor???

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The problem Jeremy is the bearings. It ain't whether they will go.......it's when. I got fresh water risers that will work on your manifolds if you want em. You pay the shipping and they're yours.
However , I'd be really leary of that motor.
I'd keep what ya got , bore it over .030 , cleanup the ports , maybe step up the cam a notch or two at the most , and put her back together with all new internals.

Larry

Re: Season Over....
 

That's what I have been thinking about doing. I think I will also be getting new mainfols and risers (if they look bad when I take them off) just because they have been on there since 1993. Larry, if I need the risers I will let you know. Thanks

Re: Season Over....
 

No prob Jeremy.

Be safe on your deployment and we'll talk to later!

Larry

Re: Season Over....
 

Well removed both risers and exhaust manifolds today. Definitely looking at a complete rebuild before I go back on the water. I found out that not having the exhaust flappers installed will cause a lot of water to enter the manifold and head, from the looks of it the flappers have not been there for some time. The port flapper was completely missing and the starboard flapper was half there. The inside of both heads from what I can see is covered in "rust":(. Not sure if I will be able to salvage them yet. The port manifold so far looks like I might be able to salvage, but the starboard one well no. While I was removing the bolts to remove the riser, 2 of the bolts were rusted so bad that they snapped off inside the manifold. Now to try and find a deal on some manifolds. Will post some pics later today or tomorrow.

Re: Season Over....
 

Well here are the pictures of both Port and Starboard Heads. Pics go from left to right Port - Starboard. My only ? is, does anybody think these heads are salvageable?

Re: Season Over....
 

Here are pics of both Port and Starboard Manifolds and Risers. Pics go left to right Port - Starboard. As you can see on the Starboard manifold, the bolts were rusted so bad that 2 of the bolts broke off inside the manifold. Hopefully I can just get those drilled out.

If the heads aren't cracked, always salvageable. That looks like not much more than surface rust.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Blue Tapatalk 2

Re: Season Over....
 

Salvageable??? Most likely but at what price?...and what will you have after all that? Factor in the headaches and aggravation too when dealing with old seized rusted out parts.

Me personally, I would be looking at other options, including another motor.

Take everything apart, including the motor and look over the damage. Price everything out, parts and labor.

Motors that have ingested water and sat around for a while are usually beyond hope and then some.
Everything is usually re-buildable, but again, at what cost and what do you really have when finished?

Often times, a much better later model replacement is actually just a small amount more money than it would be to rebuild, especially when it comes to dealing with a water ingested motor that has sat around for a while..

Used exhaust parts can usually be gathered up on Ebay for a reasonable amount. Take a look at those prices and then look around for aftermarket exhaust parts and price those out.

Take a look at used engines, rebuilt & exchange motor prices, along with new engine prices.

Take a long hard look at all your options before deciding which route to go.