1994 Penta (Ford block) 5.7l general questions

[fishinnnc]

I am looking at a boat that is in immaculate condition with a I/O 5.7 penta and duo-prop out-drive with low hours. The motor looks mechanically very sound, risers have just been replaced and all other regular maintenance is up to date. However the main engine wiring harness is basically shot and needs replacing. I seem to be having a hard time figuring out what this will cost in repairs and labor. I can turn a wrench, but would rather not take on a job like this myself. As I am told by a reputable dealer, this engine has seen little use and has very low hours. BUT, since the harness is screwed, I can't start the engine and take the boat for a water test. Boat itself is immaculate, but I really don't even see a feasible or economical way to convert to an outboard, but don't want to pass on the boat just yet. I have never owned an I/O, but have heard they are reliable and long lasting when kept up. It does appear this engine has been kept up, but I gather the electrical system has run it's course and needs replacing. Ideas, comments, suggestions? Is it hard to obtain parts on an engine this old?

 

[500dollar744ti]

Re: 1994 Penta (Ford block) 5.7l general questions

If it's a Ford, then it's a 5.8, not a 5.7, that would be 351 cubic inches.

You don't have to see the motor run to know it's good. You can do a compression test and the results will tell you if the motor will run after you fix the wiring.

 

[fishinnnc]

Re: 1994 Penta (Ford block) 5.7l general questions

Thanks for the response. I was assuming the 5.7 was ford, I thought that is what the salesman said, but I could be wrong. he may have said a chvy block? I am almost certain the tag on the engine stated it was a 5.7L engine. Can parts still be obtained for a 1994 Volvo such as the wiring harness? The repair shop where this boat has seen most of it's repairs says they will build a new one but it will be ~$2000 for the harness alone, then installation costs. Does that sound reasonable? I can do much of the mechanical work myself I am sure, but I don't want to take on any electrical work. I wouldn't know where to begin. Compression tests fine from what I understand, but of course I would run my own if I become committed. Where can I find specifications on this motor such as what the compression test should read on each cylinder, RPM range, idle RPM, WOT RPM, etc.? Can this engine be started without a main wiring harness? I am assuming it is fuel injected, is there some kind of ECM on this engine? What can I reasonably check on the engine to reassure me it is OK without being able to actually start it? And what suggestions might you have regarding the outdrive to check it for operation? Any ideas greatly appreciated....I am not even sure where to go to get parts, Volvo? What is your general opinion of the reliability of this engine, and is a 1994 going to be difficult to find parts for and to get work done on? The eninge on the outside looks very clean, and I have service records showing that it has had regular maintenance. In 2011 it was running fine, they did some injector work in 13 and it was running fine but then they ran into wiring harness issues. Replaced a volvo relay but found more wiring issues. Not sure why a harness would go bad, maybe exposure to gas or something caused the insulation to deteriorate and now the wires are shorting together? is it typical that a wiring harness just get old and compromised in the roughly 20 years it has been installed?

 

[duckman4548]

Re: 1994 Penta (Ford block) 5.7l general questions

Look at the distributer...if its in the back of the motor its GM...front its Ford

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 1994 Penta (Ford block) 5.7l general questions

only reason I have seen a 20 year old boat need a new wiring harness is if there was an engine fire. Sunk in salt water would probably be hard on it too. Rodent infestation might affect a harness. Fuel and other operating fluids do not affect wiring harnesses. 20 years is young. Either they're hiding something, or they haven't a clue which end of wrench to hold.
"Needs a harness" is mechanic speak for "there's a wiring problem and I have no idea how to use a multimeter"
If you are looking at the boat to part out, offer what it is worth in parts minus hull landfill fees.
If you are lured by the low cost and think you'll get on the water cheaper with a boat with a seemingly minor issue, think again. If it was minor, it'd be fixed by now.
I would run from that nonsense, and move on to a boat that can be water tested, and hire a surveyor to look at any serious candidate.
The first three rules of boat buying:
Water Test
Water Test
Water Test

A boat with a mystery issue preventing water test is a red flag.