Leviathan
Seaman Apprentice
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2009
- Messages
- 38
Heyl there. I recently bought a 1990 Four Winns Freedom 190 with a 4.3 that has been
ambiguously diagnosed with a cracked block by the previous owner. Externally the engine
appears to be very clean. The motor was started to be disassembled when I got it. The
distributor was out. The right (starboard) exhaust manifold was loosened, coolant hoses
pulled, alternator loosened. Upon closer visual inspection I fount the left freeze plug had
popped out and was in the motor mount pedestal. Likely a sign that it froze. I pounded
it back in and started filling the motor with water by pulling the hose off the left exhaust
manifold, holding it above the engine and filling it with water. I noticed water running from
in between the head and intake manifold on the left rear of the top of the engine.
The manifold appears to be bolted down tight. I'm assuming there's a crack in the head or
intake manifold.
As I've looked at the costs of rebuilding a 4.3 and a 5.7 Vortec they are virtually the same.
Also I'd have to get a short block either way. I realize there's more work involved in swapping
a 5.7, but the benefits (power and resale value) are far greater as far as I can tell.
Say I have a '97 Vortec 5.7. Could I use the flywheel from the 4.3 or is it balanced for the v6?
I know the boats engine mounts need to be moved. It will need new manifolds. Will the 4.3L
Accessories bolt right up? I'll also have to buy an intake manifold and carb. I've heard people
say not to use aluminum with fresh water. Is that true? Also I need swap in brass freeze plugs.
What else am I missing?
My outdrive is the factory OMC Cobra for the 4.3. With the power of the v8 I'd probably want
to stay away from giving it full throttle out of the hole. Also I need to change the gears to take
advantage of the V8 power. Could I get away with stock
5.7 gears or would I want to go with something a little longer as it would likely produce more
power than a factory equipped 350? What else should I be thinking about?
Thanks!!!
ambiguously diagnosed with a cracked block by the previous owner. Externally the engine
appears to be very clean. The motor was started to be disassembled when I got it. The
distributor was out. The right (starboard) exhaust manifold was loosened, coolant hoses
pulled, alternator loosened. Upon closer visual inspection I fount the left freeze plug had
popped out and was in the motor mount pedestal. Likely a sign that it froze. I pounded
it back in and started filling the motor with water by pulling the hose off the left exhaust
manifold, holding it above the engine and filling it with water. I noticed water running from
in between the head and intake manifold on the left rear of the top of the engine.
The manifold appears to be bolted down tight. I'm assuming there's a crack in the head or
intake manifold.
As I've looked at the costs of rebuilding a 4.3 and a 5.7 Vortec they are virtually the same.
Also I'd have to get a short block either way. I realize there's more work involved in swapping
a 5.7, but the benefits (power and resale value) are far greater as far as I can tell.
Say I have a '97 Vortec 5.7. Could I use the flywheel from the 4.3 or is it balanced for the v6?
I know the boats engine mounts need to be moved. It will need new manifolds. Will the 4.3L
Accessories bolt right up? I'll also have to buy an intake manifold and carb. I've heard people
say not to use aluminum with fresh water. Is that true? Also I need swap in brass freeze plugs.
What else am I missing?
My outdrive is the factory OMC Cobra for the 4.3. With the power of the v8 I'd probably want
to stay away from giving it full throttle out of the hole. Also I need to change the gears to take
advantage of the V8 power. Could I get away with stock
5.7 gears or would I want to go with something a little longer as it would likely produce more
power than a factory equipped 350? What else should I be thinking about?
Thanks!!!