Engine Block Cracked

[vols80]

2000 Mercruiser 5.0L, 305, 220hp, Alpha 1 Gen II. I just found out that my engine block is cracked. What's the difference between a chevy mercruiser 305 block and and a car 305 block? I'm trying to figure out what is the cheapest way to get my problem fixed.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

vols,<br /> Welcome to iboats, you'll get all the help you need here. The short answer is there is no major difference. The core/freeze plugs in a marinezed (sp) block are brass, automotive use steel. The steel will not last in a marine environment. If you do a search on your subject you will get a wealth of info. Or just sit back and wait the answers will come. Good luck!

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

Is the crack external or did it do interior damage?

 

[vols80]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

The mechanic said it was internal.

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

If it is internal your oil will be filled with water. Did the mechanic pull the head and show you the crack?

 

[Wellcraft 89]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

I could be wrong,but i thought the 305 marine block is 4 bolt mains also.<br />I'll chk my manuals.<br />Rich

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

I don't think they all are.<br /><br />Of course since we are talking about an alledgedly junk 305, why not replace it with a good 350?

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

I like how Tilliam thinks! Same weight, same work, minimal cost differance, more horsepepper.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

GM Good Wrench,.... 5.7l for a Truck,.... That's the Way to Go.............<br /><br />Go with the Vortec motor for some Great Power,...

 

[vols80]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

Jeff13601,<br /> I haven't got to go look at it yet, I've heard that some internal cracks are repairable if you can get to them. The marine shop is wanting $6000 to replace it. I'm going to pick it up and take it to some mechanic friends, and tear it down to make sure of the problems, that is if we can find a tall enough tree to hoist the damn thing out.

 

[cc lancer]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

Chevy has been distributing marine engines for 40 years, starting at app.1400. for a long block.<br /><br />Take Bondo's advice find a Vortec truck engine, put in brass plugs and go boating.<br />Bill E. from Danville, Va has been running a junk yard engine in his boat for 4 years now...no problem.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

vols,<br />Forget the tree. Rent a cherry picker/engine hoist. Just did a 5.7 that way, worked well. I used the picker from over the back of the boat; with no out drive I had plenty of reach.

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

Vols, I have never heard of an interior crack that can be fixed. Do you trust the mechanic? Did he tell you how he diagnosed the crack? The first thing is to make sure it is cracked and not a riser or gasket problem.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Engine Block Cracked

jack, thanks for the compliment. All thing equal, I would buy a 350 before I would accept a 305 for free.