Mercruiser 140 4cyl Head

[adoak00]

I just picked up a 18' 1985 SeaRay Seville w/ Mercruiser 140... Boat, Motor, and Trailer for $400!

Only thing missing is the head... apparently the head had issues - previous owner took it to the machine shop - they said it was cracked and junk.

So he sold the boat...

I think i'll be happy with the 140 - but is this head going to be a nightmare to find?

Is the price going to be worth it ? Or should I look for a new motor?

Thanks!

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Mercruiser 140 4cyl Head

first: pull the drain plug on the oil pan and see if 3 quarts of water run out.

Head is easy to find, but where is the intake/exh manifold, carb, alternator, riser, exh hoses, shift linkage brackets, etc. etc.?

whether you get a new head or a new engine, you could be missing a lot of parts... some of the little brackets and clamps would be tough to source if they aren't all bagged and tagged with the boat

Is the price going to be worth it ?

price of what?

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Mercruiser 140 4cyl Head

Good time to upgrade to the late 8 port head and manifold. Call KEM Equipment in Tualatin, OR

 

[adoak00]

Re: Mercruiser 140 4cyl Head

first: pull the drain plug on the oil pan and see if 3 quarts of water run out.

Head is easy to find, but where is the intake/exh manifold, carb, alternator, riser, exh hoses, shift linkage brackets, etc. etc.?

Thankfully - I have EVERYTHING. intake, exaust maniford, carb, alt... basically the head was taken out - taken to a machine shop - and everything else is still in the boat / in boxes in the boat. My only concern was how hard it would be to get my hands on a head.

price of what?

The head - im not looking to spend a lot of money on a head for a motor that I don't know anything about ( how hard its been abused / anything else that may be wrong )

So for that matter - if its cheaper and easy to get a hold of - I'll give it a shot.

 

[IES99]

Re: Mercruiser 140 4cyl Head

These heads are common and all over the place. The 140 and 3.0 are the same block: 181 cu. in. You should have no problem getting a head. Other problems from that headed being off: water in cylinders, etc, etc.

But there is plenty of help here at iboats.

 

[adoak00]

Re: Mercruiser 140 4cyl Head

Well thats good news...

Seems it was well taken care of - even when they removed the head - the cylinder's were covered and also had the engine cover ( wood / covering still in good shape ) over the whole block since it's been out - im going to be pulling the motor anyway - since the head's off - I may as well check the whole thing over - replace whatever I need until I get the head...


Anything common to look for??

 

[IES99]

Re: Mercruiser 140 4cyl Head

These engines, if properly maintained and winterized are pretty darn tough.

If you are going to pull the engine are you going to take it completely apart?

At any rate, look at the oil pan for rust around the edge where it might leak. Examine the timing cover.

You should look carefully at the manifold, riser, etc. If the engine was used in salt water and you don't know when those were replaced: it would be worth your while to replace them while you have it out of the boat.

And, as a generality, search this forum for Mercruiser 140/3.0 and you will learn a whole bunch during your leisure reading.