Re: 3.0L siezed
1800SL,<br />Back in January I bought a 1988 Starcraft 22' Cuddy for fishing on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Boat was in immaculate condition, tandem axle EZ loader trailer, electric downriggers and to many other extras to list. I purchased the boat knowing in advance that the engine was siezed. My intention was to rebuild the engine with the help of a friend who is a marine mechanic. The previous owner had a dealer install a new engine in the boat in March 2000. The same marine dealer performed the 20 hr. check after breakin period and everything was fine. At 33 hrs. the engine overheated and siezed up. I figured it could be many things that caused it or it could be something as simple as the water pump. Before we even started I said to myself that we'll rebuild the engine and then find out it needed other accessory items like starter, alternator, water pump, etc. and pretty soon be up to my neck in extra dollars spent. I decided to look for or new or rebuilt engine, get it installed and get fishing. Then I would have time to spend (between fishing trips) to dig into the other engine. If it could be repaired rather easily and inexpensively my reasoning was that I could then post it on the internet and sell it to help offset the cost of the new one. I spent about 3 days searching the internet for engines and found a post from a gentlemen in Massachusetts that had completely rebuilt his engine and his lower unit and coincidently they were both 1988 models that were identical to the ones in my boat. He and his wife were retired and had just purchased a hobby farm up in Maine and they wanted to spend more time up there so he wasn't going to put it back in the boat. Three hard days driving, lots of junk food and $1300.00 later I was back home in Wisconsin with a like new engine and lower unit plus 3 boxes of extra parts (gasket kits, 2 starters, 2 alternators, impeller rebuild kits, etc.). Now I can take my time (between fishing trips) digging into the engine that siezed with 33 hrs. on it. Might have an engine and lower unit available later this spring then again might have to hang onto them as spares. Afterall, we buy boats to enjoy them and the summers are to short to have a boat down too long.<br /><br />If it was me in your shoes I would buy the engine for $200.00 assumining it is in good working condition. You can then enjoy the boat and work on the siezed engine as time permits.<br />BUCK
