4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

[sdoomaha]

New to the forum, thanks in advance for any input. Currently runing a 84 Cheetah with a 470 in it. Looking at possibly purchasing a '94 Caravelle with a 4.3. I and no friends have experience with this motor. I know it has been out a long time, so it must be pretty good, but would still like to know others experience. Boat I am lookng at has 343 hours.

Any issues with a particular model year of the 4.3? Any historic problems that arise at a certain age/# of hours? Is the 343 hours a red flag that historically the engine has had a particular problem? Bottom line, should teh 343 hours scare me?

Has supposedly been well maintained, fluids changed at proper intervals, and winterized every year. Fresh water use only.

Thanks again in advance for any input, warnings, thoughts, or recommendations.

Steve O!

 

[thumpar]

Re: 4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

The 4.3 is a pretty solid motor. While I have never owned a boat with one and know that the motor is a bit different in a car and a boat, I have owned 3 vehicles with the 4.3 and currently have 2 of them. The first one died at 199,000 miles after the head gasket went at 149,000 and they kept driving it that way. I fixed it and then at the end the bottom end got rough. My guess is all the water run through the bearings killed it after too long. The other 2 are a 149,000 and 98,000 and still run like new.

The motor is pretty must a small block with 2 cylinders missing, 2 and 5 IIRC, So parts are pretty easy to come by and it has been around in the same basic design since the 80's. I Love this motor. Easy to work on, solid, good power and better economy than a V8.

I would not be afraid of the hours. My 120 merc has a little more than that and runs fantastic. Should be good for 1500 or man more pretty easily if maintained correctly.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

Bottom line, should teh 343 hours scare me?

Ayuh,...

If it was 3430hrs,.... I'd be concerned....

343 is only a couple of oil changes......

 

[mthieme]

Re: 4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

I have a 4.3 in my boat that was installed in 1989. Still going strong and never been apart. I've had two in Chevy S10 p/u's...both neared 300K miles before the trucks died (not the motor).
I would not hesitate.
343 hours is nothing...I put that on in one season. (I use my toys!).

 

[Lou C]

Re: 4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

They are a good engine, no worse than any other Chevy small block. My 88 Four Winns has the original '88 motor in it, and it's been used in salt water at least 8 seasons worth. Like any other I/O you have to keep up the maintenance, 343 hrs is nothing if it was maintained.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: 4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

What make a merc?

It mpi, if yes BUY IT.

Good power, dependable, good on gas.

If i had the money a 4.3 mpi in a boat between 18-20 foot would be the ticket.

 

[sdoomaha]

Re: 4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

Many thanks all for the input. Sounds like I'll be swicthing from my kinda Ford Merc 470 to a Chevy in my next boat. Hope it doesn't mind having a Ford tow it.

Chiefalen, I'm assuming it is carbed since the owner told me 190 horse, and from my reseach I believe mpi is 220 or so, so I probably won't get that lucky.

Once again, thanks for all of the information for a newbie, I'm feeling much more comfortable about the purchase.

Steve O!

 

[chiefalen]

Re: 4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

You didn't take it for a ride on the water before you lay down the money?

 

[Just for fun]

Re: 4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

On my '99 4.3, the 190 hp is a 2 barrel carb. The 4 barrel carb is 205. Carb motors are fine. A little simpler for the average guy to troubleshoot.

 

[sdoomaha]

Re: 4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

You didn't take it for a ride on the water before you lay down the money?

Boat is 2 1/2 hours away. Heading down this Saturday with $$ in hand. Going down on a Saturday instead of earlier so we can take it out on the water for a test spin. Would rather take to my mechanic to have him look over it, but I don't think the seller would be too keen on me taking his boat for a 5 hour road trip before buying.

Thanks all!

Steve O!

 

[180shabah]

Re: 4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

Many thanks all for the input. Sounds like I'll be swicthing from my kinda Ford Merc 470 to a Chevy in my next boat. Hope it doesn't mind having a Ford tow it.

It won't mind one bit. My 4.3 has been sucking burnt rice fumes on the highway for the last 3 1/2 years. It has never acted jealous or spiteful.

 

[Lou C]

Re: 4.3 dependability? - Thinking of buying

Neither does mine mind being towed by an AMC/Chrysler inline six! In fact the nice Jeep 4 wheel drive system makes it feel nice and secure!