replacing a 4.3 chevy OMC motor, HELP

[joemagjr]

Well it does not pay to not winterize I quess. I bought an 88 sunbird 18' with a bad 4.3 chevy OMC motor. I am on the hunt for a new/rebuilt 4.3 marine motor. I have a guy that will sell me a rebuilt for the tune of $1500. I did not think this was a bad deal. In conversations, a guy mentioned to me when pulling out the motor make sure the controls are all the way forward, or the motor will not come out (not really sure what he meant buy this). <br />Is there anything that I should be looking at/for while the motor is out...? Anyone recommend the best solution for my situation, what to look for and what else to service or replace while I'm into it...? I am prety good around motors/cars and such, so i'm not really to afraid to tackle this engine swap.<br /><br />All feedback is greatly appreciated,<br />thanks in advance...

 

[echozulu]

Re: replacing a 4.3 chevy OMC motor, HELP

joe id be careful of a 1500 buck marine motor does that include installation ? its easier to get that omc out of boat than a car alot less dirty also didnt say what was freeze cracked or if there is water in oil have checked drive for damage,oil/power steering coolers dealers cost on those manifolds alone is @500 no way for 1500 are you not going to have greif the boats already puked take your time and find out all thats wrong

 

[Monte Cryts]

Re: replacing a 4.3 chevy OMC motor, HELP

I agree with echozulu. How did you determine the motor is bad?

 

[joemagjr]

Re: replacing a 4.3 chevy OMC motor, HELP

First a cracked exhaust manifold, then after pulling the intake off the lifter valley was cracked. The block is no good. I got a lead on exhaust manafolds, that 1500. for the a long block rebuilt. My original one can not be rebuilt due to the bogus block. Any idea what that guy meant by the controls must be all the way forward...?<br /><br />thanks

 

[Lark40]

Re: replacing a 4.3 chevy OMC motor, HELP

Even if you weren't going to do this yourself, you need a good repair manual that shows you all the steps involved in engine replacement. You can easily kink the shift cable (a big deal) or make other mistakes unless you have expert guidance.<br /><br />That 4.3 block is available from many sources in every boating magazine printed. Any dealer can also quickly get you either a new or a rebuilt one.<br /><br />$1500 is way too low. Stop, ask, and think.

 

[kdmiller8251]

Re: replacing a 4.3 chevy OMC motor, HELP

Just out of curiosity, who winterized your motor???<br /><br />1500 for a long block is about right.. Thats without labor.... I just bought one from these folks and put it in.. Its still running.. HA HA<br /><br /> http://www.capitolcityengines.com/index.html <br /><br />They have a 24month warranty on the Marine engines.. <br /><br />You can get them cheaper or more expensive.. I went middle of the road....<br /><br />Tallman

 

[bernieb]

Re: replacing a 4.3 chevy OMC motor, HELP

On the forward gear question to remove outdrive is a yes for mercruser, for omc check the manual which is a must have in your case.You may consider swapping out starters if yours is hard to get out ,and I've heard you can buy a auto starter but keep your marine casing.The engine your considering ,find out and get paper work on just what was done to engine as you may need it if you sell boat.The cylinder head ,ask him what he done to it or if he had it checked out .And of course in writing how long will he guarantee the engine.Give your oil pan a close check out and prime and coat with only the best as salt water will pit through.

 

[joemagjr]

Re: replacing a 4.3 chevy OMC motor, HELP

Well the motor is out, and too be totally honest it wasn less complicated than I thoought. To answer tallman, The owner before I failed to winterize the motor in 01 Ibought this boat anticipating a motor change. The engine builder is very experience, and stands bythe work (12-months) It will deffinetly be in writting. What do you guys recommend for a good shop manual..? I know some are better than others. Any other recommendations ?

 

[kdmiller8251]

Re: replacing a 4.3 chevy OMC motor, HELP

If your looking for a manual get the mercruiser manual.... I havent really found anything better.<br /><br />Good luck<br /><br />Tallman