Normspeed
Cadet
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2011
- Messages
- 9
First an intro. I've been browsing this forum for a while and I see a lot of great knowledge here. I'm looking for some specifics regarding how to spot the best and most compatible used motor for rebuilding and installing in my 86 Galaxie Starion. I've owned this rig for 16 years and it's been a great reliable boat. Only 405 total hours since new.
Living in the southern U.S., in 16 years I had never drained my block and manifolds for winter but this year mother nature got me. This winter we had a record breaking cold snap and I fell victim to the freeze. Starboard head has a visible external crack and port manifold cracked. Even worse, plenty of water in the crankcase which I suspect means the block cracked as well. I'm heartbroken. The stringer outdrive is in great shape and the rest of the boat, although old, is still real serviceable. I would hate to part it out or donate it to charity. I'm mechanically savvy and have an engine hoist and plenty of tools, as well as OMC manuals. From reading other posts here, I see there were changes to the Chevy 4.3 liter motors over the years that could affect compatability with my drive, mainly the bolt pattern on the crank. Is there a source for me to find which years or block numbers would most likely be compatible with my setup? Is the crank flange different if the motor is attached to a standard versus automatic trans? It's an 86boat but has the stringer outdrive so I'm thinking it's an 85 powertrain.
Right now I'm on the fence about repairing the old gal. If I can do it without going completely upside down on cost versus boat value, I'd like to keep her. Many years of great times and much sentimental value here.
Any info, reference sources, shared experiences, would be greatly appreciated. My next step will be to check for cracked block. I read the sticky on milky oil and pressurizing the block. I assume that means pressurizing the water jacket, but with a cracked head spilling water, I don't think that will reveal much. If I pull the intake and do a visual, is it likely that block cracks will be in the valley area, or are there more hidden areas that are likely to crack?
Sorry for the long post. I look forward to hearing from other folks who have gone through this.
Here are some identifying numbers from the motor: From the thermostat housing, MOD432STMRCOM. Ser J842753. MOD984210. J403231. The number on the engine block is J842753. On the front of the port head is 1537.
Norm
Living in the southern U.S., in 16 years I had never drained my block and manifolds for winter but this year mother nature got me. This winter we had a record breaking cold snap and I fell victim to the freeze. Starboard head has a visible external crack and port manifold cracked. Even worse, plenty of water in the crankcase which I suspect means the block cracked as well. I'm heartbroken. The stringer outdrive is in great shape and the rest of the boat, although old, is still real serviceable. I would hate to part it out or donate it to charity. I'm mechanically savvy and have an engine hoist and plenty of tools, as well as OMC manuals. From reading other posts here, I see there were changes to the Chevy 4.3 liter motors over the years that could affect compatability with my drive, mainly the bolt pattern on the crank. Is there a source for me to find which years or block numbers would most likely be compatible with my setup? Is the crank flange different if the motor is attached to a standard versus automatic trans? It's an 86boat but has the stringer outdrive so I'm thinking it's an 85 powertrain.
Right now I'm on the fence about repairing the old gal. If I can do it without going completely upside down on cost versus boat value, I'd like to keep her. Many years of great times and much sentimental value here.
Any info, reference sources, shared experiences, would be greatly appreciated. My next step will be to check for cracked block. I read the sticky on milky oil and pressurizing the block. I assume that means pressurizing the water jacket, but with a cracked head spilling water, I don't think that will reveal much. If I pull the intake and do a visual, is it likely that block cracks will be in the valley area, or are there more hidden areas that are likely to crack?
Sorry for the long post. I look forward to hearing from other folks who have gone through this.
Here are some identifying numbers from the motor: From the thermostat housing, MOD432STMRCOM. Ser J842753. MOD984210. J403231. The number on the engine block is J842753. On the front of the port head is 1537.
Norm