scrap it or fix it

[ambush68]

I have a 1985 wellcraft 20 ft with a 3.7 merc engine that is frozen. been trying to free it up but no luck so far.

my question is: should i scrap it or fix it.? I'm pretty good with tools but would need help to change the eng. I just don't know if its worth it, alot of work to put in a used engine that may not work...used eng could be someones problem.. 4.3 swap again money and new gearing in the out drive and stringer work...help!

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... If the hull is worth the effort, I'd drop in a 4.3l,.....

It'll run just fine, 'n is easily propped with the 470 gearin',....

Alittle fiberglass, 'n plywood, 'n you can be Boatin' again,...

 

[frobotz]

I would remove the plugs and soak the cylinders with diesel and aft mix. Rock the crankshaft back and fourth if you can get it moving then your on to something. last one I did took about 5 days. but I saved the motor and the family is still running it today.

 

[stonyloam]

The 470 and 4.3 use the same outdrive gear ratio. 1.84 I think. Yeah give it a little time. There are a couple of threaded holes in the rotor where you could put in a couple of bolts to put a bar in to try to turn it. Do not try it with the crank bolt.

 

[achris]

I'm for the 4.3 upgrade. I was in a similar position about 22 years ago. I had a very old and tired inline 6 and it was new 4.3 or sell and buy something else. For me, putting that first 4.3 in was the best thing I ever did. Still have the same boat but with yet another 4.3. These engines were built with the 20ft boat class in mind. They are quick, quiet, and fuel efficient. Maintaining is a breeze and in the U.S you have so many trucks or SUVs with them that if you break it, finding another is easy.

Just my 2c.

Chris.

 

[Scott06]

X2 on rest of boat. If hull looks good, interior is ok and floor and stringers are solid up grading to a 4.3 will be a good option and miles ahead in reliability. If you have to go through those other major areas you'd be better off finding a different boat and not be upside down on value.

 

[ambush68]

thanks guys i'll think on it and look around for a 4.3. how much wood work would need to be done...

 

[Rick Stephens]

Not a lot of wood work unless your boat is all wood. Mostly a teeny bit of wood work and a bit of fiberglassing. I went through that process last winter from a 3.0L 4 cyl engine to a 4.3L V6. Enjoying life and glad I did it.
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...827-3-0l-to-4-3l-mtr-mounts-and-25-yo-transom

Rick