'78 V8 Mercruiser

[jasonnb]

I'm an Outboard guy, so I need some advice on an I/O. Going tomorrow to look at a possible project boat. This one is an 18-19' runabout with a v8 (Chevy) Mercruiser. Owner says one cam lobe is down. Is this a fatal problem for the engine or easy/expensive to fix? Unbfortunately this is all I know about the engine problem. What is the best way to check te outdrive if I'm interested in this boat (assuming the engine is trash). The asking price is low. Owner says hull is in great shape, prob with engine, believes outdrive to be good, interior needs work, trailer excellent. Keeping in mind I'm looking for another winter project and have an auto mechanic in the family that would help with the engine, would you guys consider it worth a look?

 

[ODDD1]

Re: '78 V8 Mercruiser

hi jason...plan on a fresh motor...if it did wipe off a lobe, that metal went somewhere, and is usually packed in the crank bearings and the sides of the pistons....check the manifolds for freeze cracks, {$$$} and the outdrive is the next big ticket, watch out for this stuff: gear oil at the bottom screw must be clear, no water, no metal. accordion pleated rubber bellows between transom and drive..no rips, cracks or tears.<br />late 70's v-8 I drive, had problems with the shaft in the top of the gimbal ring wearing out and making the drive flop back and forth..have someone hold the steering wheel and you wiggle the drive backand forth..more than an inch and it is not tight anymore...if you have engine running, turn steering from lock to lock, no noise change should be evident, or you have gimbal bearing/Ujoint probs....good luck...