New boat owner, OMC 2.3L question

Hey guys, I just purchased a 1989 Sunbird with the OMC 2.3L for $400. The motor does not run (it does turn by hand so its not froze). I know it needs a carb, distributor, wires, plugs, etc etc etc.... I can fix the problems but it needs quite a bit of work to get running. I was wondering what options there are for replacing the engine with something else, if any? I can rebuild the engine if I need to (assuming I can find parts), I was just wondering if there were other engines that will work.

-Jared

Re: New boat owner, OMC 2.3L question

Howdy,

Welcome aboard!

Well, you have bought yourself the proverbial "Free" boat! (only you paid $400 for it!)

Depending on what it needs, you may be spending a LOT on it. ( For example, if it needs an exhaust manifold, you'll pay almost DOUBLE what you paid for the boat! If you can find one and if you need the companion riser, it'll be another $600 or so if you can find one of those)

By the way, manifolds and risers are considered "Wear" parts. They wear out and must be replaced periodically (depending on using in fresh water or salt)

You can replace the engine with a different one. If you do, you most likely will need to replace the drive too since the ratio will be wrong depending on what you replace it with. Off the top of my head, you may be able to use a 3.0L engine with that drive. If you get a V-6 or V-8, the drive will have to be either replaced or rebuilt with the correct gearing.

Your best bet if you want to keep that boat (and it doesn't have a rotten floor, stringers, and transom) Will be to find another boat that DOES have a rotten floor, stringers and transom, but has a good engine and drive and use it to replace what you have.

If you do go looking for another boat with a good engine and drive, find one with a Mercruiser installed. That way you take care of your 2 biggest problems!

IF.......you can get it running by rebuilding the carb and fixing the ignition etc, I would do that and sell it next Spring (quickly) then take what you get and the money you would spend replacing the engine drive etc and find a boat that doesn't have OMC any place in the description

Good luck,


Rick

Re: New boat owner, OMC 2.3L question

The basic 2.3 can be found in 80's ford rangers, pinto's, some aerostar vans, mustangs. so if the motor is toast, you can replace the engine with one of those. BUT, the carb, starter, ignition are all marine specific, and you would have to use the marine exhaust manifold.

I would test the transom for rot first, then look at the oil in the outdrive and try some basic functions like shifting (turning the prop when trying to shift), decide where to go with the drive train.

I really like the style of the boat!