sweet spots?

[graphicjunkie]

Hello, I'm a complete newbie to owning a boat. Have wanted one for years though. I came across a 1986 18' Galaxy with the 4.3L (not HO) engine in it. It has issues, but the price was right so I couldn't pass it up. The engine has some serious problems and I might have to replace the block. But I've been trying to find out what exact engine it comes with so that I can start surfing the junk yards and craigslist and similar for a cross reference engine. I did find the downloadable PDF manual, and it's awesome! But trying to find out much tech or spec info on this engine has been a night mare.

So any good information that can be had (links) would be great. Links to reputable online part shacks would be great too.

I do plan on using the search button, but honestly, right now I don't know what I'm searching for. Chevy and Ford both have a 4.3L engine. I pulled the numbers off the block and tried to google them and seriously came back empty.
So once I start figuring out what I have, I can utilize the search functionality better.

Thanks in advance. Even though it's not 'sea worthy' just yet, I'm REALLY excited to give this little gem a new lease on live.

Thanks,
Willy

 

[jtmarten]

Re: sweet spots?

If it's a 4.3L V6 it'll be the Chev. Dizzy on the back of engine = Chev.

 

[achris]

Re: sweet spots?

Hi Willy,

Glad you could join us...

Post up some photos and we'll give it a shot at identifying it... Include the engine, carb, exhaust manifolds, and a few of the leg (drive). You should also be able to find some number that start with '0', have a letter, and then 6 digits. There should be one on the engine, one on the transom assembly (right at the top on the outside of the boat) and one one on the drive (starboard side, top)

Cheers,

Chris........

 

[graphicjunkie]

Re: sweet spots?

Ok, I found some more information out. Buried under a ton of grime, found out that it IS the GM 4.3L.
I couldn't find a number as described. So I took pictures of every stamp on the block that was numeric.

My son's favorite picture right now...

all the pictures of the tear down.

http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f142/killer11kustoms/1986Galaxie18/

At this point, It might be better to just find a replacement engine. There is JB weld all over this thing. I have found some V6's (newer) that are complete for about $3-400. Might cost more than that to just get this block fixed. We will see.

The other engine that came with the deal is one year newer. Immediately noticed differences.
1) One piece rear main.
2) Different valley pan structure
3) Complete roller valve train vs tappet hydrolic

Thoughts/suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[achris]

Re: sweet spots?

Regret to inform, You bought an OMC....

Although the engine is a GM, the add-ons and drive were built by a company that went under over 10 years ago. Parts are difficult to find, and expensive when you find them....

Chris.........

 

[graphicjunkie]

Re: sweet spots?

Ok...fair enough. Is there a popular cross swap for engines? Suggestions?


As far as this engine goes, everything is functional on it except the engine knocks... I've been surfing like crazy to find out more about this engine. Starting to find out a little. Astro's have it. That's huge. I can't imagine I can't find an Astro in the junk yard. If I can find a 1985-6 engine with a good block, I'm in good shape.
Otherwise I just need to put a different V6 or maybe a Turbo 4 in it....

Thanks.

 

[achris]

Re: sweet spots?

As I said, the engine is a basic GM 262, with the mariniser's add-ons, so any 262(4.3l) of the same era will do the job.... I believe you guys can buy them for a song.... (not so in Australia )

Putting a turbo in a boat isn't such a good idea. Too much heat to have to deal with... You'll notice that the exhaust manifolds are water (seawater at that) cooled.... That don't work so well with a turbocharger.

Chris.............

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: sweet spots?

Yea you have a boat that is gonna be hard to get worked on if you need the drive serviced.Parts are harder and harder to find.Then finding someone qualified is getting harder too.Too bad as it's a nice looking boat.
Putting a lot of Horse Power to the drive you have isin't a good idea.They were not that good even on their good days.Some will say that ain't so.I think they were over engineered and had too many problems.
You should be able to find a block at any junk yard.You can still get lots of hours of fun just make sure you maintain the drive.J