Mercruiser 4.3L Locked Up??

Looking to buy a 1996 Bayliner 4.3 L, the current owner bought the boat new, it only has 200 hours on the boat, it's in really good shape, however the last time he went to crank the boat he says the motor will only turn over like 3/4 of the way, he doen't know a lot about motors and neither do I, I'm going to look at the boat tomorrow and was wandering if any one had something for me to check or if anyone had any ideals on what this could be? Tks

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L Locked Up??

Howdy,


If the engine is "locked" up you might pull the plugs and see if it is still frozen. (how long has it been sitting like this?) squirt a little oil in there too.....


If it's been sitting for a long time it could be water that was left in the engine from either rain or leaking risers/manifolds. If it's been there long, the engine is junk. Complete long-block replacement.
http://www.usengine.us/mercruiser.html About $2000 will get a replacement (+ shipping)

If the drive is frozen, It too is junk. and about $1400 will get you a new replacement SEI drive.


No telling what shape the starter, alternator, carb, power steering, trim pump and other stuff is in.

I wouldn't pay much for a boat like that unless I could determine that all the other accessories are good too....


Quite frankly, a 96 Bayliner even with a good engine won't be worth all that much.

Even if you get it free and plunk $2500-3000 into it you might find that it's not worth much more than about $3000 anyway......

Good luck!


Rick

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L Locked Up??

Hey,

Tks for the info I ending up buying the boat, got it home and after pulling the head off found there was a broke valve, good for me it had broke when the previous owner was trying to crank so there wasn't any piston or wall damage, also he had put oil in all cyc's when this happend thinking he might free it up so I think thats what saved it, I just had a valve job done and replaced the manifolds with the new 2 piece, I have a coulple post about that also. Tks again