Ice Damaged 5.7L Mercruiser

[23742]

The unthinkable happened. I went overseas in October and put my boat in storage on November 2nd. By that time here in Minnesota it froze enough to crack the block on my 2000 Mariah Jubilee 5.7L EFI. I am getting the details and trying to get an eyeball on it, but I have a couple of questions.<br /><br />What are my rebuild options the engine has less than 75 hours on it? I have access to an engine rebuild and have rebuilt several car engines over the years and can handle this one. I am looking for a bare block and will have the heads magnafluxed to verify condition.<br /><br />I am only seeing long blocks that are built up and have many parts on them I don't neccesarily need. Not to mention the price makes my eyes water.<br /><br />I know I can't use a car block on this unit, but am wondering about salvage blocks and Ford manufactured units that the shops build out to long blocks.<br /><br />Any thoughts here? It's flippin -10 today so I may have a couple of months to knock this out!!<br /><br /> PJAviation@csi.com <br /><br />If you want to drop me an emailed note.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Ice Damaged 5.7L Mercruiser

I know I can't use a car block on this unit, but am wondering about salvage blocks and Ford manufactured units that the shops build out to long blocks.

A Car Block, or a Pick-up Truck Block is what you need.............<br />The Bare Block Casting Is the Same...... They start to get Different as they go together....<br /><br />A Junkyard Might be able to Help.... I Know a MachineShop can Help......If you can find a Bare Block, of about the Same Vintage, that is within Spec. that'll clean up nicely, <br />Transfering All the parts from your motor to it, would be the Best way to go.......<br /><br />Oh Ya,..... Don't spend Tooo much time looking for a Ford Block........ Yours is a Chevy 350......

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Ice Damaged 5.7L Mercruiser

hello<br /> I am with bondo. <br /> a complete teardown and careful inspection of reusable parts is in order.<br /> the truck block is what you have. the big problem is finding a block with a usable standard bore. you may have to buy pistons and bore the new block. if your careful marking the lifters and they are not water damaged then you can reuse them. check all oil coolers and replace the manifolds and risers.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Ice Damaged 5.7L Mercruiser

A perfect time to get a new motor out of the deal. Chevy blocks are cheap. Go to the local junkyard get yourself a block and then get a master rebuild kit from http://www.northernautoparts.com/Products.cfm?CategoryId=76&DisplayImages=0 <br />Kit comes with pistons, cam, all bearings, oil pump, all gaskets , freeze plugs (must use brass) and more for around $300.00 Get a machine shop to look over your new block and see if you need any over sizing with the bearings or in the cylinders. After you know what you need order your kit. Put package together and off you go.<br />PS From what I understand a cleaned up seasoned (used) block is better then new.

 

[MGallik]

Re: Ice Damaged 5.7L Mercruiser

I would also try to get a 1987 or newer block with the one piece rear main seal so you can reuse your flywheel.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Ice Damaged 5.7L Mercruiser

As long as you're able to do it yourself, get a new block and a gasket set and stuff your guts in it. If you had to pay for labor, most other options would be cheaper. But since you can do the work yourself, that would be the cheapest route. Blocks aren't necessarily marine specific. I'd look for one with 4-bolt mains.

 

[23742]

Re: Ice Damaged 5.7L Mercruiser

OK....I was told at the Marine shop and my engine shop that I had to use a "marine" block.<br /><br />I am going to yank it out in my hangar in the next two weeks and get it on an engine stand. <br /><br />I'll see how the heads and other internals faired. I truly hope that it was caught early enough to not get to the heads and manifolds. It really didn't get much below freezing while we were overseas.<br /><br />Any tips on pulling it in relation to the Bravo 3 and marine particular issues. I can get the motor out of my 69' Mustang in 3 hours on a good day!!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Ice Damaged 5.7L Mercruiser

1st off,<br />

I was told at the Marine shop and my engine shop that I had to use a "marine" block.

You're being Lied to, or Scammed, or whatever you'd like to call it........<br /><br />There's Absolutely No Difference between a Marine Block,+ an Automotive Block,<br /> as far as the Actual Block Casting .............<br />

I truly hope that it was caught early enough to not get to the heads and manifolds.

I Doubt it.... Manifolds are Thin,+ tend to Crack 1st......... Heads Might be Salvageable.........<br />

Any tips on pulling it in relation to the Bravo 3 and marine particular issues.

Pull the Outdrive 1st ........... It's got to come off sooner or later... Sooner is Easier......<br />After that it's a couple motor mounts, hoseclamps, lines,+ wires....... And it's Out.......<br />

I can get the motor out of my 69' Mustang in 3 hours on a good day!!!

Your boat motor Shouldn't take That Long,.............................. on a Bad Day...........

 

[KaGee]

Re: Ice Damaged 5.7L Mercruiser

Your boat motor Shouldn't take That Long,.............................. on a Bad Day...........

Bondo, you should be proud of me. Pulled my motor in two hours unassisted.<br /> <br /><br />Mariah, read this thread. It will further expound on what Bondo just said. <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=009346#000006

 

[Bondo]

Re: Ice Damaged 5.7L Mercruiser

I'm Always Proud of You, KaGee...!!!!!!......... <br />

Journeyman Backyard Hacker<br />"Got Duct Tape?"<br />

I believe the Dennis Moore version of the differences are Much More Accurate, But Geo isn't all that far off... As Usual.....<br />I wonder how Geo is doing,... Heard he's been ill.....

 

[KaGee]

Re: Ice Damaged 5.7L Mercruiser

I wonder how Geo is doing,... Heard he's been ill.....

I saw an update on his website (yes, I do cheat on Iboats once in a while ) on his status back before Christmas. Nothing specific, but said his recovery was slow. Hate to see anything bad happen to anybody.<br /><br />Sorry for hijacking the topic Mariah.