18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

[codes]

Hello all!

I have been creeping this forum for a few weeks now as I went about aquiring something I have been looking at for a long time!

I have just got my first starcraft, a 18.5 chieftain! The only problem is that the last owner threw a rod through the block! I got a really good deal on this boat, the hull and leg seem to be in great shape. The only real problem is this engine.

I need advise! I am not new to having boats, have had them all my life, but this is a first for having an I/O. I am trying to find a used 120 or even 140, however this is not very easy! Any out there? I am in British Columbia.

My options right now seem to be one of the following:
- keep looking for a 120 mercruiser to swap in
- buy a used 165 mercruiser which the mechanic says is a fairly easy swap, just have to move the engine mount and find a different exhaust manifold.. does anyone know if this is correct?
- Aquire two non-working 120 mercruisers that another gentleman in the area has, and attempt a rebuild (have never rebuilt anything bigger than a 2 stroke, so this one is a hit or miss haha)
- fork out a couple grand for a rebuild or new motor.

Any other options out there? I'd really like to get this boat going for under a thousand... maybe I am not being realistic? Any help is very appreciated, even if it's bad news...

 

[codes]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

I thought I would grease the works with some pictures to get things going . I have a feeling I will be a life-long die-hard starcraft fan... possibly spending the rest of my days posting on here!

 

[North Beach]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

Jasper Crate Engine?

 

[Gnarly]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

Where in BC are you at? there's a couple of us hanging out here.
Youre gonna need a shortblock at least as the cylinder the rod went in will be cracked (you might not see it but its cracked) and chances are the crank is hooped as well.

 

[GLG fishing]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

If you live on the Island there are a couple of places you can check for a short block.
I had my 4 cyl Volvo completely rebuilt for 2K. I used and would recommend Thompson Automotive Machine in Nanaimo.
Check the auto trader / buy sell in the boat motor section.
My limited knowledge of I/O is that the gear ratio in the leg would be different depending if it were a 4, 6, or 8 cylinder motor.
GLG

 

[codes]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

Thanks for the replies...

I will definitely look into a jasper crate engine but the cost may be prohibitive..

Vancouver normally, will be working north end of van island for at least the summer... Hoping to find something to throw in there to get it in by summer.

Where are you guys located? Is the 120 going to be impossible to find?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

Nice rig! Congrats! You may want to post over in the IO section - those guys live a breath this stuff. You'll get good advice over there. Cheers and welcome!

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

I've seen at least ten here in Detroit ( within 80 miles) since January Most say running condition. They are everywhere. Either the 120 or the 140 which is a stroked 120.

Easy to find and nearly bullet proof. I would grab a used one for 200-300 (or a little more) and go through it. Rebuild the short block and you're set. A crate engine sounds so nice though $$$$. If you have the money.........

I would try to stay with the 120/140 so I didn't have to do any extra work. It will bolt right in. Good luck with whatever you do.

Post in the I/O section, those guys a good.

here;
http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/1647628442.html
I could probably find five more this morning. I know, I'm right near "Nautical Mile" boating capital of the world.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

Nice rig! Congrats! You may want to post over in the IO section - those guys live a breath this stuff. You'll get good advice over there. Cheers and welcome!

Yes, we're glad you checked in here. Welcome to the SC club! But you'll get unbelievable expertise in the I/O repair section. For a motor, many of those guys swear by http://www.rapidomarine.com/

 

[GLG fishing]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

Thanks for the replies...

I will definitely look into a jasper crate engine but the cost may be prohibitive..

Vancouver normally, will be working north end of van island for at least the summer... Hoping to find something to throw in there to get it in by summer.

Where are you guys located? Is the 120 going to be impossible to find?

Comox - 120/140 should be easy to source.

 

[GLG fishing]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

Since you are on the mainland why not look down in Seattle.
With the money at par it would be a great deal.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

cant beat a brand new 3.0 with oilpan/ valve cover. for $1999 plus shipping.
You will also need a 12.5" flywheel and new coupler, new dist. cost $100.
I droped one of these in my boat a couple years ago.
You can reuse your manifold with a special gasket, and I had the grind about 30 thousands off the heads of the coupler bolts because they hit the belt housing cover. Found this out the hard way, started the boat up and after about 2 min there was a thump thump thump. Had to pull the engine out to see what was hitting and it was the head of the bolts.
Michiganmotorz.
I would not touch a rebuilt boat engine if the cost is anywhere close to a new engine. You have no clue what you are getting.

 

[North Beach]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

Guys I don't think those jasper short blocks are that expensive are they?

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

What you need to remember is your core is junk, so you will be buying a core charge. I bet with that cost you can get a brand new one for not much more money.

 

[codes]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

Thanks for the replies and thoughts everyone!

I got lucky and found a complete 120 mercruiser, running in a shop, in exc condition, for $300. Will get it in there and get some pics on the water. Very happy with how it is working out... so far!

Can't wait for summer!

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

Good for you! Back in the saddle for $300, you can't beat that.

 

[Starcraft Enterprise]

Re: 18.5 Chieftain with 120 mercruiser, threw a rod!

Nice find on your new engine and nice Starcraft!! But I believe your Starcraft is a Starchief, not a Chieftain. Starchief is a 18' version of the Chieftain. I have a Starchief too. With a Starchief you can enjoy better fuel economy, easier towing and faster speeds with similar engines!