2.3L omc swap to 4.3L merc project.

[Speak]

Close up of the above manifold.

 

[Speak]

So this project is slowly moving along. I am picking away at it. Right now I have spent most of my time cleaning corrosion of the drive and transom assembly. Primed some parts with self etching primer. Will be painting soon with a can of rustoleom gloss black. At the moment working on cleaning all the corrosion of the drive in preparation for paint. I have goal to have the swap ready for the fall of this year.

 

[Bondo]

Would you guys res use these manifolds?

Ayuh,.... I would,.... The failure point is the thinnin' of the webs, 'tween wet, 'n dry, At the Gasket Surfaces,.....

Yer's are still plenty fat,.....

I'd clean 'em up one more time with a nice flat file,.....
Get the Gasket Surfaces nice, 'n flat,.....

Then use Merc gaskets on dry,....

 

[Speak]

Ayuh,.... I would,.... The failure point is the thinnin' of the webs, 'tween wet, 'n dry, At the Gasket Surfaces,.....

Yer's are still plenty fat,.....

I'd clean 'em up one more time with a nice flat file,.....
Get the Gasket Surfaces nice, 'n flat,.....

Then use Merc gaskets on dry,....

Bondo - once again you come thru - Thanks for the input.

 

[Scottyitsk]

Please keep updates coming with pics!!! I'm going to be starting the same project soon!

 

[Speak]

Please keep updates coming with pics!!! I'm going to be starting the same project soon!

Hey Scotty / will do! The boat is prepped to do its last summer with the 2.3l - I have a large parts list to fill in preparation for the swap. I promise to document it all in fall !!

 

[Speak]

Hi guys, can you take a look at this coupler and tell me if its done? Specifically the splines and also where the spline meets the rubber. Is that glue or a coupler that is ready to let go? the splines do show some wear but dont look scary.

 

[Speak]

prepped primed and painted lower
Painted bell housing.gimble ring looks good i thinkupper is not as nice as it was badly corrodedProducts i used......i had good luck with them. Baked all the paint in shed ----hot box LOL due to the suns heat.

 

[Speak]

https://youtu.be/a6czq-JJ1SI

https://youtu.be/4L8JSb_wZiw



Still working on this project. Its slow with work and life, but Im still determined to complete the swap in september.
Can you guys take a look at these videos and tell me your thoughts on the play between the coupler and drive shaft. Is this normal. Should it be a tight fit?

 

[Rick Stephens]

That couplers splines look ok. Best way to check is slide the drive shaft in and wriggle it around.

The rubber I cannot tell. If it looks cracked then adios.

 

[Speak]

Thanks Rick. Did you watch the videos? It shows the driveshaft wiggle test. I can't determine if this is normal.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... That coupler is worn out, the tips of the splines look pointy, rather than flat-topped,....

 

[Rick Stephens]

Thanks Rick. Did you watch the videos? It shows the driveshaft wiggle test. I can't determine if this is normal.

I didn't see a video.... I'd trust Bondo's diagnosis everytime.

 

[BillysBoat1986]

I just bought a brand new coupler for my 2.5 liter 4 banger. Different motor but the coupler looks very similar. It has almost no play in it. It spent $275 for it. I saw used ones on E-bay from 60- 100 bucks but I figured I'd spend the $ on a new coupler and not a tow back to the dock if a crappy used ebay one gave out.

 

[Speak]

Thanks Rick. Did you watch the videos? It shows the driveshaft wiggle test. I can't determine if this is normal.

 

[Speak]

Ayuh,.... That coupler is worn out, the tips of the splines look pointy, rather than flat-topped,....

Thanks Bondo - I appreciate your input. I will get a new coupler.

 

[Speak]

I didn't see a video.... I'd trust Bondo's diagnosis everytime.

Thanks Rick. Bondo is the king!

 

[Speak]

Thought I would show you the beast that this 4.3L came out of originally. It was complete, with everything from gauges to wiring.

 

[Speak]

Here it is coming over the stern, barely.

 

[Speak]

Here is the beast running after laying dormant for who knows how long. It runs strong from what I can tell. Has good compression. Inside the valve covers from what I can see look clean and shiny with no rust. Engine oil is clear like honey. No water in the oil, looked like it was winterized. The block looks newer in comparison to the rest of the boat/drive, so not sure it the engine is original. I bought the boat from a guy who bought it from some old dude who had given up on this project for $600. Seemed like a good deal. Anyway I have pile of parts building up in my bedroom in preparation for the swap when the Bayliner boat comes out of the water at the end of the summer let the fun begin. As promised I will document the swap for anyone who may be interested.