1988 OMC Cobra 4.3 Litre with a cracked block

[cowboyfunnies]

I just found out today that my 1988 17' Seaswirl Tempo runabout has a cracked block in the engine. Three cracks to be exact...one on each side and one internally. Not sure about the manifold. We got a quote to replace the motor, labor, taxes, etc. for $3,800. I don't want to put that kind of money into a boat built in '88 and paid $3200 for it. For it's age, the interior and exterior are in real good shape. My question is, what would a boat like this be worth, as is? Knowing what kind of engine goes in it and the cost to replace it, I have know idea what I can sell it for. I didn't winterize the boat last year like I should have, and I'm paying for it. Live and learn, I won't do that ever again. Any input you have would be much appreciated.

 

[Uraijit]

Re: 1988 OMC Cobra 4.3 Litre with a cracked block

I just found out today that my 1988 17' Seaswirl Tempo runabout has a cracked block in the engine. Three cracks to be exact...one on each side and one internally. Not sure about the manifold. We got a quote to replace the motor, labor, taxes, etc. for $3,800. I don't want to put that kind of money into a boat built in '88 and paid $3200 for it. For it's age, the interior and exterior are in real good shape. My question is, what would a boat like this be worth, as is? Knowing what kind of engine goes in it and the cost to replace it, I have know idea what I can sell it for. I didn't winterize the boat last year like I should have, and I'm paying for it. Live and learn, I won't do that ever again. Any input you have would be much appreciated.

In this market, for a 17 footer with a trailer, I'd give maybe $1000 for it if the hull and interior's in good shape.

'course, you can go find a salvage-yard block, and marinize it for next to nothing.

I pulled a like-new GM Goodwrench Crate motor out of an old blazer for $94 (including core). Paid $84 for a complete gasket set, and some fresh rings, as well as some brass freeze plugs, from Summit.

Spent a few hours doing a rebuild on it, swapped all the engine accessories over, and dropped her in there.

As an added bonus, my wife got to learn how to build an engine, and now knows exactly how an engine works.

Ended up having to buy a new head bolt set after one busted (and I didn't have the sense to use one off the old block) -- $20, and another $16 for a replacement head gasket.

I'm $215 into this engine, and it's basically a brand-new engine! If your manifolds are cracked, you're looking at maybe another $400-$600 to replace 'em.

For well under a Grand, you can be good as new.

I saw more 4.3s than 5.7s when I pulled my engine.

 

[metro3pilot]

Re: 1988 OMC Cobra 4.3 Litre with a cracked block

B.O.A.T break out another thou$and

sorry to hear about your engine, not sure what the hull is worth without the engine, I would be guessing not so much, you can get a Rapido Marine 4.3 long block for $ 1450.00 shipping included, then you will have a nice hull with a new engine.

 

[byronhurd]

Re: 1988 OMC Cobra 4.3 Litre with a cracked block

We just "lost" our OMC 4.3 outdrive to some hidden rocks in a fast-moving river - so if you decide to part out your boat, we might be looking for a replacement outdrive, both upper and lower units

 

[miles917]

Re: 1988 OMC Cobra 4.3 Litre with a cracked block

Exhaust manifolds on an '88 OMC 4.3 are probably the one-piece. You can find a 20year old pair on ebay for around $400-$500 but thats a crap shoot. You going to need a conversion kit (manifolds and risers) for $850-$1000.

If your outdrive is solid, and your handy with a wrench, get a manual, a used or rebuilt longblock and lots of beers.

 

[danond]

Re: 1988 OMC Cobra 4.3 Litre with a cracked block

Uraijit - no offense meant but your process and costs don't reflect most people's reality.

Cowboy: $3800 is high, in my opinion, but then again, if you didn't drain anything at all, you probably cracked everything. I would very carefully inspect your drive as well. It can hold water and crack, too. Not as common, but you seem to be in Murphy's gun sights right now.

If your drive's in OK shape you can sell it for over a grand on eBay (or here, but I'd go eBay). The hull isn't worth squat without an engine.

I'd advise shopping around for more repair quotes and decide whether you want to do the work yourself for $1500 plus misc. stuff. It's not terribly hard, but it will require the purchase of a manual and lots of patience.

 

[Uraijit]

Re: 1988 OMC Cobra 4.3 Litre with a cracked block

Uraijit - no offense meant but your process and costs don't reflect most people's reality.

No offense taken. Please elaborate. There's not a reason one, why a person can't find a suitable block to rebuild for a reasonable price. Is it likely that they'll have an awesome diamond-in-the-rough crate motor? No. But there are PLENTY of suitable engines out there, just begging for a second chance at life...

4.3L blocks are a dime-a-dozen.

If he does indeed need a new manifold set, I did literally about 10 seconds of searching on Ebay, and found this. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OMC-...318QQhashZitem320279145678QQitemZ320279145678

Probably pretty easy to find a better deal, for a determined fellow.

If he's got the 1-piece, it'll take a bit more money, or some creativity, but "this", as my dad would say, "ain't rocket science"...

 

[glasstream86]

Re: 1988 OMC Cobra 4.3 Litre with a cracked block

i bought a boat with a cracked block did not know it at the time was told it was in good running condition come to find out two internal cracks in the valley and one on the head i got creative and went out and bought some high temp jb weld liquid form and squirted it into the cracks let that dry and then placed a putty called magnum steel over the cracks let it dry for bout a day and it was hard as a rock changed oil and gotr all the water downed oil out. ran it in the water today and it ran like a champ checked the oil clean as can be so before spending all that money give that a try never know unless u try fixed all my cracks

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1988 OMC Cobra 4.3 Litre with a cracked block

Highly doubt the OP is around to read the reply since this is a two year old post and he only had the one post.

 

[glasstream86]

Re: 1988 OMC Cobra 4.3 Litre with a cracked block

i guess you are very correct about that lol def should have looked at the date