Vendor suggestions for rebuilt powerhead

[winfieldh]

Hello,
Seems there are multitudes of vendors who sell rebuilt powerheads. I was wondering if folks may have some feedback on some of them?

I am looking to replace ph on 1988 Johnson 150 v6 crossflow. The unit I have runs, but according to local mechanic sounds "loose" when running. I tend to agree, although "loose" is a subjective term.

One of the heads has been replaced for reasons unknown to me.

There is an exhaust leak between ph and mid section, so the ph has to come off to deal with that. I don't have the time nor tools to properly tear the block down/ship for machining (no local marine machine shops)/put back together and reassemble. However, I have dropped the lower unit, and undone all necessary items so that I am about to pull the ph off the midsection this weekend so will be looking for a replacement next week and would like to be able to narrow down choices.

I am in central North Carolina so mid-atlantic area works best for shipping. They all seem to come with 1yr warranty. Any caveats to how these folks operate (breakin periods, returns, ?)?

Thanks.
Winfield

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Vendor suggestions for rebuilt powerhead

Mar Fab in TN has a very good reputation.

 

[JB]

Re: Vendor suggestions for rebuilt powerhead

Have you considered the people who are providing you this forum, free??

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Vendor suggestions for rebuilt powerhead

Im curious why you are going ahead with a powerhead replacement simply because someone said it sounded "loose"? What does he mean by that? What are the compression readings? Any power issues?

 

[winfieldh]

Re: Vendor suggestions for rebuilt powerhead

JB....yes, I have considered many, but trying to navigate the options is a little overwhelming so I was looking for folks with prior experience with companies.

HighTrim.....left bank was all in 90's, right bank top=90, bottom=115. No issues while engine running, other than exhaust gasket leaking betweeen head and midsection. The right head was replaced at some point for reasons unknown to me and at some point on this forum, with the head number, I was told this head is actually from a different year than the block.

"Loose"? Good question. When running and standing next to engine, you can hear a slapping noise, which I assume is what mech was referring to. Don't know if good or bad. It does not look like the block has ever been opened up so I'm assuming internal parts are 88ish vintage.

I am not committed to replacing ph, but would like to get options lined up for when I have ph removed. Whether I do exhaust gasket and put back together or ph replacement.

Thanks,
W