Replace 1999 Mercruiser 4.3l with 2005 volvo 4.3l

[xadiohead]

To make a long story short I have a boat with what appears to be a cracked block. The cracked engine is a 1999 Mercruiser 4.3l carb. Can I replace with a 2005 volvo 4.3 carb engine? I know they are both GM blocks and I would have to keep most the mercruiser "accessories" (manifolds, water pump, etc). But would this work in a relatively easy way, or are there some major changes I would have to make this work?

 

[alldodge]

Don't see anything major standing out at me but suggest posting this it the Volvo section and see what they say about the electrical

 

[Maclin]

I would only worry about a generational type change in the crankshaft flywheel mount hole pattern. Also may have to look at Vortec vs. Non-Vortec heads between them for exhaust flange compatibility. If they are both the same type of engine then you should be able to lift up all the Merc stuff, including the distributor, slide in the new block (and heads if all compatible) and re-install all the Merc stuff (use the Merc distributor & ignition). That way would not have any wiring adaptations to make.

I would want to know why the Volvo one is available, hopefully not the same type of issues with cracks in important stuff.

 

[Maclin]

May be good to freshen up the heads on the Volvo if you are certain the block is ok. I think I would use the Merc intake and carb as well to keep linkages the same.

 

[xadiohead]

Thanks for the responses..... The volvo is available on another boat I own(ed). I wrecked the boat (see the towing forum) but the engine wasn't affected. Just weighing my options to see if it is worth buying engine back from insurance. I'm not mechanical once it comes to getting inside the engine (heads) etc. I can do all the manifolds, distributor, etc (easy) stuff. I would have the entire volvo engine to work with, i just know you can't hook a COMPLETE volvo engine up to a mercruiser outdrive.

Its between doing this or just scrapping the boat with the cracked block. I'm not willing to put $4k (with labor) into it for a reman block.

 

[achris]

If you pull the 'volvo' engine down to the point where it is no longer 'volvo' you will have no problems. You will of course have to also change the engine coupler and flywheel housing, possibly the flywheel too. Other that the usual stuff, including the wiring harness, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. There haven't been any 'generational' changes between 99 and 05... If there have been any changes at all, they will have been minor and shouldn't affect this sort of swap...

Chris....

 

[xadiohead]

If you pull the 'volvo' engine down to the point where it is no longer 'volvo' you will have no problems. You will of course have to also change the engine coupler and flywheel housing, possibly the flywheel too. Other that the usual stuff, including the wiring harness, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. There haven't been any 'generational' changes between 99 and 05... If there have been any changes at all, they will have been minor and shouldn't affect this sort of swap...

Chris....

When you say I would have to change the engine coupler, flywheel housing and possibly the flywheel are just saying I would have to swap those parts off my existing cracked block mercruiser or I would have to buy new ones due to the year difference?

 

[achris]

Swap them off the original 'Merc' block.

 

[Bondo]

When you say I would have to change the engine coupler, flywheel housing and possibly the flywheel are just saying I would have to swap those parts off my existing cracked block mercruiser or I would have to buy new ones due to the year difference?

Ayuh,.... By the time all the swappin' is done, I'd think it's be cheaper to just start with a fresh long block,....
Especially since Yer not doin' the work,...

The Volvo motor's Value, is in Full Dress, turn-key,....
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