4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

[Bigprairie1]

Ok
I've got a buddy (no I'm serious here!) who found out at the beginning of August that his boat (2000 Four winns- 17ft'er) has a motor with a cracked block.
Its a 4.3 litre V-6 with the Volvo outdrive and he was told by his local Merc/Volvo mechanic guy-shop that the full Re&Re was going to be about $6000 bucks....yikes. Now, he doesn't have that kind of dough so I'm trying to help him find out some more economic options to fix this.
So questions for you guys in the know on these 4.3's:
How massively different are the marine 4.3 long blocks from the GM/Truck 4.3 long blocks? A lot of difference? Heads only? Big cam/torque differences? Accessory manifolds? all internal engine parts? extra ports or? etc.
Has anyone substituted a 4.3L out of a vehicle application into a boat with any success? (power loss or? installation issues or??)
Now, bear in mind that his boat/motor is fully intact and generally all in very good and clean condition (apart from that little cracked block issue) so he has the advantage of re-using virtually (pretty much) everything else off the existing motor from manifolds, ignition stuff, etc, etc.
So if you guys can help me out (and him) by enlightening me on this I would very much appreciate it. Again, I am trying to help him find the most economic way through this with a good end result. I don't mind helping him wrench/install, etc...but he's trying to find a way through replacing that 4.3 with a good motor...not even necessarily new (obviously).
Many Thanks in advance guys...I appreciate it.
BP

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

between marine and truck motors, the block and heads, crank, and pistons are the same (they come out of the same GM assembly plant). Marine engines use brass core plugs, composite head gaskets, and marine specific cams. many people have swapped truck motors in lieu of marine motors.

you can also pull the motor yourself, and put in a re-man from michigan motorz for about $3k total

 

[tpenfield]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

+1 ^^^^

Marine engines are pretty much truck engines with different head gaskets, cam shaft, core plugs and external parts. the existing 4.3 can become a doner to the 'new' 4.3 for the external parts, etc., as the fuel, ignition and electrical systems all have to be marine (alt, starter, carb, distributor, fuel pump, etc)

You and your buddy can go for it, if a truck 4.3 can be had for decent $$$

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

You and your buddy can go for it, if a truck 4.3 can be had for decent $$$

And since they were only used in trucks, they are all truck motors.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

And since they were only used in trucks, they are all truck motors.

If he sticks with that era engine, yes he will only find them in trucks. If he wanted to go with just a short block (swapping his Vortec goodies over), the 4.3 was in cars up until the '96 Caprice. Not sure how the cam profile would differ from the car to truck engines, but I imagine the 4.3 cam used in cars are lower torque, higher RPM.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

This is great news guys!! I have seen a lot of the 4.3's around for sale...some still in vehicles and some as complete long blocks with wiring harnesses, etc.
With the info you guys provided we can start checking some of these out and taking our 'mobile compression testing' equipment with us.
If the engine is a 4.3 from that late 90's/2000 period I'm assuming its not fuel injected (I'm pretty sure of that). So (another quick question if we get one of the TBI motors and swap over all the induction stuff....I assume there wouldn't be too many issues? Note: apart from the cracked block and the resulting low oil pressure the engine started and ran very well so I believe most of the original goodies on the motor are in good shape, etc.
He is/was pretty down about the whole event but....live and learn and I look forward to helping a buddy out with this.
Many Thanks Guys!!
BP

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

If he sticks with that era engine, yes he will only find them in trucks. If he wanted to go with just a short block (swapping his Vortec goodies over), the 4.3 was in cars up until the '96 Caprice. Not sure how the cam profile would differ from the car to truck engines, but I imagine the 4.3 cam used in cars are lower torque, higher RPM.

I had forgotten about them being used in those vehicles.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

Since you want the current intake manifold to fit, you need to make sure that the engine is new enought that it is a Vortec motor.

 

[HopinImFloatin]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

im gonna ask the dumb question, there was obvious water in the oil? Otherwise a water jacket crack shouldnt have anything to do with low oil pressure. If so, then you need to ask HOW it cracked. If it was from poor or no winterization then i would think you should check the manifolds also. I found my block cracked right after i put in my new floor:facepalm:, but its an external crack only...for now... and it doesnt leak so i ran it all this season without issue and will continue to do so until it does begin to get water in the oil, if it ever does. my .02

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

Hopin....good questions. I'm not sure but I can try to get some more info from my buddy on this and also try to find out if the manifolds are good or they cracked as well.
Here, check this out...this was a fairly local listing that I forwarded to my buddy. Very initial...but a good opening reference for a possible 'donor'. I'm fairly optimistic we will come up with something and this kind of thing adds hope to it.
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/pts/3298061413.html
Good input and feedback guys!! thanks...more input, tips or watch for the 'gotcha's' are always welcome.
All good
BP

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

I don't like the fact that it has been sitting for 1 1/2 years. Its also is 12 years old. Might need to be rebuilt but maybe that was your plan anyway.

 

[bnicov]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

Fire it up and see how it runs. Do your compression test and if it is good on all 6, then go for it. You WILL NEED marine head gaskets (automotive won't do, they will be gone right quick), brass core plugs and all the external goodies that were on your buddie's old engine incl. intake, carb, alternator, ignition system etc... Whatever is on the donor engine gets scrapped or sold on kijiji. No automotive stuff on the marine engine.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

Yeah, this particular motor is just an initial opening benchmark or possible pricing example. I don't love the idea of this particular motor sitting 1-1/2 years either...but I would lean more towards the results of a compression check and general overal check (maybe with a boroscope in the cylinders) to move a little closer towards a 'go' option.
Question: Why go with different head gaskets on these motors for marine applications? Whats with that and why?All good
BP

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

Question: Why go with different head gaskets on these motors for marine applications? Whats with that and why?All good
BP

Automotive head gaskets have steel in them and will corrode due to a marine engine's raw water cooling.

 

[PS94]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

Since you're in victoria, Call canada engine in surrey. Built and shipped me my long block 4.3L for under $2800 canadian, and that's with a non core return.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: 4.3L V-6 (cracked block) Questions: Options?

Since you're in victoria, Call canada engine in surrey. Built and shipped me my long block 4.3L for under $2800 canadian, and that's with a non core return.

Well thats a good idea....but more of a 10 year plan. I'm pretty sure (financially) he is looking for a good 2-3 year plan then hopes to move into a 'toon', which would suit his family a bit more.
Although its clearly 'his call', personally, I think the investment into the boat should match the boat value. Sort of like the option of rebuilding/replacing a motor with a new one in a 1995 Pontiac for $3000-$4000. It certainly is mechanically valid...but not exactly financially valid for the value of the car. The better choice would be to put a quality used motor in the car for something more consistent with the vehicles value....just my two bits tho'.
BP