Car engine in a boat!?

[ponyyboyy]

Hey guys,
I'm a pretty inexperienced boater and a few years ago I purchased a boat from a family member. After taking the boat out a few times and fixing minor problems over the few years there's a few things that I have come across that caught my attention and lead me to do further research on this boat. This is what I have learned....

The boat is a 1985 conroy x-19 made by glastron. It originally came with a 3.0 4cyl that the previous owner replaced with what I now know to be a auto 350 chevy v8. My question is I know this isn't the safest set up. What do I need to make this engine safe for the water? Is it as easy as replacing the carb, distributor, fuel pump and filter with marine grade items. Is the carb okay if it has the marine fuel filter?

I know this engine wouldnt be ideal even if I replaced those things. The engine has been built well, is strong and seemed to run great the few times I have had it out, but thats secondary to the safety issue. Are my concerns legit or am I worrying over this a bit too much. Thank you for any help anyone can provide.

Please remember, I am only reporting what has been done to this boat. I realize maybe I should have known better before buying, but I was trying to help out a family member who was scrapped for cash, and I know they were naive to this as was I. I only have a $1000 tied up in this boat. Is it salvageble or should the engine go in a car and the boat scrap?

 

[alldodge]

Re: Car engine in a boat!?

Hey guys,
I'm a pretty inexperienced boater and a few years ago I purchased a boat from a family member. After taking the boat out a few times and fixing minor problems over the few years there's a few things that I have come across that caught my attention and lead me to do further research on this boat. This is what I have learned....

The boat is a 1985 conroy x-19 made by glastron. It originally came with a 3.0 4cyl that the previous owner replaced with what I now know to be a auto 350 chevy v8. My question is I know this isn't the safest set up. What do I need to make this engine safe for the water? Is it as easy as replacing the carb, distributor, fuel pump and filter with marine grade items. Is the carb okay if it has the marine fuel filter?

I know this engine wouldnt be ideal even if I replaced those things. The engine has been built well, is strong and seemed to run great the few times I have had it out, but thats secondary to the safety issue. Are my concerns legit or am I worrying over this a bit too much. Thank you for any help anyone can provide.

Please remember, I am only reporting what has been done to this boat. I realize maybe I should have known better before buying, but I was trying to help out a family member who was scrapped for cash, and I know they were naive to this as was I. I only have a $1000 tied up in this boat. Is it salvageble or should the engine go in a car and the boat scrap?

Pis,,, hey come here... Guedo want's to have a chat.... OK I'm not a comedian and there are many already out of work

This is not a big issue, just need to replace some stuff with marine so it will be safe(er) to run. Tell me if I'm wrong:
It has a auto mechanical fuel pump
Has a water separating fuel filter
Has an auto carb which does not have the over flow tube to accept the tube from the fuel pump

Does it have a window opening distributer cap or a vented cap?

 

[ponyyboyy]

Re: Car engine in a boat!?

It does have an auto mechanical fuel pump.

The fuel filter is those universal glass types with the removable screen inside them. It does not have a water seperating filter, I dont believe it came with my boat stock, but I am going to add one since I have expierenced fuel issues in the past.

I'm not sure what a window opening distributer cap is but I believe I do have a Auto distributer cap but I will take another look at it.

The carb is a Holley 650 double pumper for autos. It does not have the j-tubes or return lines.

Thanks for the help.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Car engine in a boat!?

It does have an auto mechanical fuel pump.

The fuel filter is those universal glass types with the removable screen inside them. It does not have a water seperating filter, I dont believe it came with my boat stock, but I am going to add one since I have expierenced fuel issues in the past.

I'm not sure what a window opening distributer cap is but I believe I do have a Auto distributer cap but I will take another look at it.

The carb is a Holley 650 double pumper for autos. It does not have the j-tubes or return lines.

Thanks for the help.

Not knowing what model were working with I would suggest looking here
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...=2344&bnbr=60&bdesc=FUEL+PUMP+AND+FUEL+FILTER

Fuel pump 8M0058164
Remote fuel filter Water Separating Fuel Filter Kit
The fuel pump overflow tube can be inserted under the side of the flame arrestor and in the carb

Need a distributer cap as such Mallory Cap, Distributor 9-29403

 

[Wave thumper]

Re: Car engine in a boat!?

I would recommend buying a clapped out, and complete mercruiser 5.7 and parting that out for the marine gear needed.

There is a lot involved to marinise an automotive engine, eg. Water cooled manifolds to prevent ignition of leaking fuel, approved spark arrestor air cleaner to prevent fire from back fires through the carb, fully sealed electric motors such as starter motors. Old automotive starter motors have been the cause of many explosions in the past.

Keep your bilge extremely clean, don't let it build up with oil leaks, etc that may become a fire hazard.

Fit 2 hose clamps on every fuel hose connection, its cheap insurance against hose leaks.

 

[nola mike]

Re: Car engine in a boat!?

You got a picture? Maybe we can tell what exactly you've got. I have the same boat, and can hit 50 with a 4 banger. That thing must fly.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Car engine in a boat!?

As nola mike said - provide some pictures and you'll get some accurate advice.
In any case, it's probably not a big deal.

 

[ponyyboyy]

Re: Car engine in a boat!?

Thanks for the replies guys. I believe the exhaust, and air cleaner are marine. I will try to take some pics tomorrow, the boat is under a little construction so don't judge please

 

[achris]

Re: Car engine in a boat!?

Main differences between automotive and marine.

ENGINE BLOCK
Brass core plugs in the engine block.
Marine cam (usually a truck or RV cam is close enough)
Non-steel head gaskets (S/S or composite)
Engine water pump (has S/S back plate and cast impeller)
Anti-pump up cam followers/lifters
Thermostat (usually S/S or brass)

ELECTRICAL
Distributor
Starter-motor
Alternator

FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel pump (If mechanical, MUST have dual diaphragms and a 'burst tube' that runs to a port on the carb. If electric, MUST have oil pressure switch)
Carburettor
Carb intake flame arrestor

As already suggested, find a dead 350 or 305 and strip the marine bits off it. Plenty to be found at this time of year , look for someone who didn't winterise properly and are selling an engine with a cracked block...

Chris....

 

[Walt T]

Re: Car engine in a boat!?

You can take the alternator and starter to a rebuilder and they can install the shields to make it marine or may just swap out marine units for cheaper than buying new. They can also verify whether or not the units you have are already marine or not.