4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

[mjc83930]

Hello, my woes continue. It looks like my problems continue to get worse. Water in the block that rusted teh cylinder walls/pistons. Is there any other sensible fixes ($$) besides a whole new block/engine, or possibly a rebore with larger pistons (not sure of the cost here). If not, are there any other marine engines (larger) that will match up. I figure if I am going to be paying a ton of money to get a new engine, it might as well have more power. It is a 1996 4.3L Mercruiser. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. <br /><br />Marty

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: 4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

i would consider a reman.block.The 5.0 is not too different from the v6 you have.charlie

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

Unfortunately, You've already figured out your options..... <br />There Really are No Other...<br />In order to change from the 4.3 to Anything Else Requires the Replacement of Everything Forward of the Rear Motor Mounts..........

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: 4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

Salt water is wonderful but its suppose to stay outside the engine. Don't know if it would do you any good, but I've got a 99 4.3 left over after a repower we did in the spring. Nothing wrong with the engine, the customer just went for more HP. A few pieces and parts have been robbed off for other engines, but 98% is still there. I need it out of my way.

 

[merc 140 pontoon]

Re: 4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

Marty -<br /><br />Not to doubt things, but did you see the insides of the cylinders? The reason I ask is that I've read (on this or another forum) of people with the same problem using penetrating oils to free up the pistons (can take days or weeks), and eventually get the thing running again. But it's not clear from your post how bad your situation is.<br /><br />Steve

 

[lenny2113]

Re: 4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

Marty,<br />I agree with Steve 100%. Before you decide what you need to do, you need to find out the extand of damage. <br />Pull all plugs out, squirt oil and let it sit overnight. If the engine will not turn with a key, try to turn it by turning a crank pulley with a ranch. Your goal is to get water out ASAP. <br />Check compression in each cylinder. If low compression you might need either a valve job or change rings/pistons. If low compression, I would begin by taking off a cylinder head on the side of low compression. You may have a blown head gasket and if that's the case consider yourself lucky. <br />I just went through the same problem. I was not so lucky and got a new long block. <br /><br />Good luck.<br />Lenny

 

[loadnet]

Re: 4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

While you're thinking things over I'd hop in your pick up truck and go get that man's free 4.3 engine he wants outa the yard just in case.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: 4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

Free??? Don't remember saying that. But highly reasonable for a running 4.3.

 

[mjc83930]

Re: 4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

Thanks to everyone for their responses. I will try to free things up first with some oil. <br /><br />As for the 4.3 Capt. Ken, can you contact me at mjc934@hotmail.com - I tried to go to your homepage but the link did not work. Thanks again!!<br /><br />Marty

 

[merc 140 pontoon]

Re: 4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

Any luck?

 

[mjc83930]

Re: 4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

Just in finding a new engine. It never would free up. I sprayed the cylinders with penetrating oil for a week and nothing. I should have been checking the risers periodically - the boat is a 96 and they never been replaced. Lesson learned. I will have a ton of parts for sale off my old engine. The engine I am replacing it with has just about everything already on it. All the ancillary parts off my old engine are in great shape - except for the risers of course.

 

[DJ]

Re: 4.3L Hydrolock Saltwater - Rusted

mjc83930,<br /><br />I wouldn't trust the manifolds either. Replace them.