4.3L Vortec Engine ID

[ElCameeeno]

What is the best (easiest) way to identify the engine in my 2000 Crownline. I looked at the pad by the cylinder head and cannot see any stampings. Getting to the back of the block looks to be near impossible to find the casting number. I bought the boat new and know its the original one. Any tips?

The block is cracked and I'd like to find a replacement and rebuild it prior to pulling the old one.

Any good sources for a bare block?

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: 4.3L Vortec Engine ID

If you have 8 bolts total holding the intake manifold down you have a true Vortec engine. A 99-02 S-Blazer engine would make a suitable core to rebuild. And GM doesn't sell bare blocks from production engines, as every boater and his mother would be lined up at the parts counter-if the dealer is still in business!

 

[Fun Times]

Re: 4.3L Vortec Engine ID

What is the best (easiest) way to identify the engine in my 2000 Crownline. I looked at the pad by the cylinder head and cannot see any stampings. Getting to the back of the block looks to be near impossible to find the casting number. I bought the boat new and know its the original one. Any tips?

The block is cracked and I'd like to find a replacement and rebuild it prior to pulling the old one.

Any good sources for a bare block?

Do you have your engine serial number to post up? That may help us help you out with your question.

 

[Don S]

Re: 4.3L Vortec Engine ID

Is it a mercruiser or Volvo? What kind of outdrive?

 

[ElCameeeno]

Re: 4.3L Vortec Engine ID

Its a Mercruiser Alpha one. I do not see any numbers on the cylinder head pad and cannot get behind it to check the block casting number. I assume its on the bell housing flange like all other GM motors. The valve covers clearly indicate Vortec and I did not count the intake bolts, but they are vertical, not canted.

I found what I believe is a 1998 4.3 locally with the casting number 14099090M Was there a change between '98 and '99 or '00?

My understanding of the 14099090M is that the M denotes metric bellhousing, motor mount and starter mounts, is that an issue if I just switch to the correct fasteners?

 

[Don S]

Re: 4.3L Vortec Engine ID

Don't really need casting numbers, but a Merc SN would be really handy.
Should be just above and aft of the starter.
If you can't get in there to look, think about using your digital camera.

 

[ElCameeeno]

Re: 4.3L Vortec Engine ID

Great idea with the camera. I'll give that a shot tomorrow!