good engine?

[luv2fishN.M.]

thinking about buying a 1988 regal sebring 195 xl. the engine is a 4.3 Mercruiser. the engine is really clean and compression is good. I was just looking for a few thoughts on this set up. does anyone have experience with this motor ? thanks...

 

[chiefalen]

Re: good engine?

Welcome aboard !

Fresh water used huh? Big plus, been to your part of the country just wonderful there, loved Alberqueque probably mis-spelled it hah.

I would love to live there nice people. Wife likes it there also. Maybe when i retire for good.

To your question good setup.

Well maintained? Good price? Have it checked out by your mechanic?

Go for it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: good engine?

Ayuh,...

With proper Maintanance,..
The 4.3l,+ the Alpha 1 drive should last a Long, Long time...

I'm pushing 1,000hrs on mine....

 

[luv2fishN.M.]

Re: good engine?

yes only fresh water. maintained very well, other than a few cracks in the seats. price 2,400. talked him down from 3,500. the motor runs very well and has good compression. other than a small leak in one of the boots on the outdrive. (rubber boot that seals a small cable from the boat to the outdrive?). please forgive my ignorance, only been boating for 1 year. Thank you for all your help. im sure i will have tons of questions in the future! :redface:

 

[Bondo]

Re: good engine?

other than a small leak in one of the boots on the outdrive. (rubber boot that seals a small cable from the boat to the outdrive?). please forgive my ignorance, only been boating for 1 year.

Ayuh,... Are you a Mechanic, or DIYer,..?? or are you hiring out the transom Reseal,..??

 

[luv2fishN.M.]

Re: good engine?

No. not a mechanic by trade but grew up working on all kinds of motors. also re built my 68 johnson 100 hp last year. not very familiar w/ inboard/outboards though. are the parts for a 1988 mercruiser outdrive hard to find?

 

[chiefalen]

Re: good engine?

You have the manual here at the top of the forum " Adults " And d/l the one you need. Parts are very available and yes you can do the boot yourself.

Here at this site you can order the part, or many other sites.

Crowley marine has OEM.

Good luck !

 

[mthieme]

Re: good engine?

The 4.3 is a very common and reliable marine power plant.
It's basically a SBC minus 2 cylinders, so the design is well proven too.
Mine is 20 years young with thousands of hours on her and never been apart.
(hope I just didn't jinx myself:redface

 

[180shabah]

Re: good engine?

Since we are talking about pre-vortec engines, I would reather have that 4.3 than the 5.0v8 - better power to weight ratio. Doesn't sound as cool though.

 

[luv2fishN.M.]

Re: good engine?

thank you "everyone" for all your help and advise. this site is a boat lovers dream! to the bank i go!!!

 

[mthieme]

Re: good engine?

Good man...doing your part to boost the economy!
How does the rest of the boat check out?
Being 20 years old, you want to go over everything unless it's been kept in garage the better part of it's life.

 

[luv2fishN.M.]

Re: good engine?

the rest of the boat checks out good. hull, only some small scratches. seats, some minor cracking. original interior. electrical very sound. the boat belonged to my previous employer, who kept it at the lake indoors. i spent a lot of time on the lake last year with him on this boat. never had any major problems. he also had the water pump or impeller replaced before winterizing it. has receipt. plus its a whole lot cleaner than my 75 check mate tri-mate!

 

[luv2fishN.M.]

Re: good engine?

Thank you iboat fans! Went to the bank today and bought a 1988 regal sebring w/ the 4.3 mercruiser, 4 bbl carb, alpha one outdrive. The one I've been talking about in this thread. Hooked her up to the hose, and she runs like a champ. Hope to get many years outa her. Thanks for all the advise. Believe it or not the temp here in south western N.M. has been around 84 the last couple of weeks. I'll be at the lake this weekend Talk to yall soon Thanks Again!