Mercruiser engine replacement

[tjd2004]

I recently purchased a 1996 bayliner 1950 capri which may have a cracked block (disclosed to me prior to my puchase)The engine is a 3.0 mercruiser 4 cly with an alpha 1 stern drive. The problem with the engine occurred when the prev. owner did not winterize the boat, and a freeze plug blew out. To make matters worse they did not know this, and took the boat out last july and the engine overheated and actually caught fire, (only burned the exhaust manifold area) I intend to pull the engine and check the block, etc.. but my question in this forum is what can I replace it with, and hook up to the existing alpha 1 stern drive? I can obiviously replace the engine with a drop-in 4 cly mercruiser, or replace the block and overhaul, but would a 6 cly merc, and or even a 8 cly merc work with the existing stern drive? If yes what specifically would I have to obtain to mount the engine and hook up to the stern drive. <br /><br />I would appreciate any ideas. Thanks

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Mercruiser engine replacement

tjd2004 I would evaluate the 3.0 before pulling it out.That block is M/C's strongest,and generally only leaks externally when cracked.If you are getting water in the oil,that is a different story.<br /> The over heating may have melted the exhaust bellows and a lot of other components,including the shift cable.But this has to be addresses no mater what engine you use.Also if you change to a larger engine,the outdrive gears will need to change ratio.<br /> If you get the motor running,and only have a little external water leakage,you can try sealers,welding or "stitching".<br />DHP

 

[tjd2004]

Re: Mercruiser engine replacement

Thanks DHP, for your response. Would you recomend pulling the engine to replace the freeze plugs? <br /><br />My plan is to replace the freeze plugs, replace the exhaust manifold connection (is burned through) and put water in it and try to determine how bad it really is. Any other suggestions?

 

[johnkc]

Re: Mercruiser engine replacement

tjd2004 ,the 1950 bayliner is designed to have the 4 cyl. only in it .and actually runs real well for a 4 cyl almost 19 foot boat.i would recomend fixing what you got ,and if it isn't what you want then trade to some thing else with a bigger engine in the future.

 

[imported_Mike_M2]

Re: Mercruiser engine replacement

A compression check would be a good idea. If you find an external crack, it can be repaired. I agree with Tjd, fix what you have. Try replacing the plugs while it's in the boat, you may have to remove the manifolds(but you have to already, right?).

 

[rkikenda]

Re: Mercruiser engine replacement

I had a similar problem with my 3.0L 4Cyl Mercruiser. Make sure when you replace the exhaust components you replace the water shutter also. This is the first part to disinigrate during overheating. Also check the o-ring that seals the exhaust pipe and the gimbal housing. Check out the following website for a list of diagrams and parts/prices.<br /> <br /> Mercruiser Parts Website

 

[tjd2004]

Re: Mercruiser engine replacement

Thanks to all for what sounds like to me experianced very good advice.

 

[Bhamil]

Re: Mercruiser engine replacement

I've been there with my marine engine, and listen to me; all that advise is darn good but there's a problem! If that engine really overheated, you've got a potentially serious situation waiting to happen, and it will happen when you're off-shore, under load. You can find all kinds of good, dependable 3.0L drop-in engines for your boat for a reasonable price, and if you're going to start pulling this guy down, take it out and replace it. I'm telling you, don't take the chance. If you want me to go through the litany of things that are potentially fatal to your engine, I will. E-mail me at bhamil2345@cox.net and I'll give you a list of the problems that will most likely occur when tests have given your engine an apparently clean bill of health.