3.0 Engine Swap?

[Knot Waiting]

A friend of mine recently bought a 1984 Welcraft 19' open bow with a Mercury pre-alpha drive. The original 3.0 l4 is ruined from never being winterized. We are planning on installing a replacement engine this weekend but we cant find the original 3.0 l4. We did however find a solid running 3.0 l6 (165?).

My question is: Is it possible (or even advisable) to swap out the 3.0 l4 for a 3.0 l6? Will it damage the drive to upgrade the engine this way? Any input is welcomed. Thank you.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: 3.0 Engine Swap?

Dont waste your time. Besides taking up more room in the boat than the tape measure suggests, that is an obsolete setup and parts are getting scarce. If your gonna do ANY swap, do a 4.3 V6, and with any swap, a gear ratio change in the drive will be needed.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: 3.0 Engine Swap?

Thank you. I kind of felt that it wasnt worth the effort but wanted some confirmation. I think we will keep looking for a proper replacement engine.

 

[180shabah]

Re: 3.0 Engine Swap?

Shouldn't have any trouble finding a 3.0, it's not like they were rare.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: 3.0 Engine Swap?

Shouldn't have any trouble finding a 3.0, it's not like they were rare.

Well, the interesting part of this story is that while browsing (during business hours)through the marina to find a replacement engine one of the pit bulls the owner kept as a pet attacked my friend. The dog left some pretty nasty bite marks and bruises before the owner was able to pull the dog off. The apologetic old man has hence offered a free used engine to my friend (in lieu of a lawsuit I'd imagine). So we just gotta find a good replacement in his yard somewhere.

 

[indy440]

Re: 3.0 Engine Swap?

WTF, thats crazy man. And it seems like some nasty bites and bruises would be worth A LOT more than a 200 dollar used engine.

 

[shotgundexter]

Re: 3.0 Engine Swap?

if that other block is cracked, you could try JB weld on it. If its not a closed system and you do not have water in your oil. I know, I know --its not the "right" way to fix it. I have a 99 caravelle with that 3.0, fixed a crack 4 years ago with it- has a very slow drip when engine is cold. Just a thought.