Caps on engine along cooling lines

[alldodge]

Sure, you can even go to a MPI, or even 5.7 motor. Rick Stephens went from 4.3 to SBC, just some small mods and power on

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would make your "mechanic" pay for a new motor from a real mechanic

 

[spoilsofwar]

Sure, you can even go to a MPI, or even 5.7 motor. Rick Stephens went from 4.3 to SBC, just some small mods and power on

Assuming he has the space in front of the motor that is. A "doghouse" style cockpit layout might allow it. On my 4.3 Stingray with the bench seat, the pulleys are about 3" from the seat rear bulkhead. A V8 would be impossible without major reconstruction.

 

[bman440440]

I have a 1997 4.3 in a maxum 1950ME and it has PLENTY of power... I use is as a fishing boat with 3 big guy's (average 250 lbs.) a 32 gal bait tank 47 gallons of fuel, 75 lbs. of ice in a kill bag and 8-10 rods and gear... then as a ski boat with 5 people on board and 3(8 total) on a tube I'm pilling and full fuel tank and still no problems getting on plane at all... IMO if you looking for more "umph" then get a 1996+ spec engine and you will have all the power you will need or want... and with my boat and a light load of me and my dog and 35 gallons of fuel I can get 58 MPH (GPS) trimmed and flat calm conditions... I have an alpha 1 gen 2 with a 1.81 drive and a 22" 4 blade prop... and to top everything else off I have a floscan and my mileage wile in fishing mode at a normal cruse of 25-30 MPG is 5 MPG and even at WOT it is 3.2 MPG

 

[Bt Doctur]

James. sorry to see the milkshake but that does indicate somebody didnt do something right. First call the shop/mechanic to see if he will back up his work.Try to find out exactly how it was winterized each step.
Then contact the owner to see if he will do anything.
Last resort is small claims court

 

[jamesdgreen2016]

I told my mechanic about the feedback you guys gave me regarding the cause of the problem being water left inside the engine after winterizing that froze then expanded and cracked block and popped core caps out. He said "They r correct and it could be lots more things... head gaskets . Or blockage in water core" - can i get some feedback from you guys on this?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Pure bullpucky , the water was not drained from the block .the core plugs pushed out from freezing liquid. Is this a "single point drain system or do you remove the plugs in the block and manifolds to drain everything or a type of fresh water flush kit?

If the motor was working correctly when it was winterized and now its a milkshake the mechanic failed to do something

 

[Bondo]

Pure bullpucky

Sorry to hear that, as there's only 1 reason for popped core plugs,....

 

[Scott Danforth]

a new motor is more than small claims court. you may want to seek legal council.

the "mechanic" (I'm using the term loosely) didn't do his job that you paid for and now your motor needs to be replaced

 

[jamesdgreen2016]

Well he is going to help me out and put another engine in there for me. So all your assistance and information as always are appreciated. Might get out on the water this summer yet.

 

[alldodge]

If he actually said "he is going to help you out" then that is rich. He messed up and he is going to help you out. Sure hope he doesn't go to the junk yard

 

[jamesdgreen2016]

Indeed. Hey if i was to put a v8 small block engine in place of the v6 4.3l thats there now, is that a simple drop in situation or are there other things that will have to change for it? Like the gears or lower unit or anything?

 

[alldodge]

While the gears will be a higher ratio then needed, if your running like a 17 or 19 you have some room to increase pitch.

The biggy will be if you have enough room and the motor mounts will need to move forward a few inches

 

[Grub54891]

Well he is going to help me out and put another engine in there for me. So all your assistance and information as always are appreciated. Might get out on the water this summer yet.

​I hope he is putting in a marine block, and making sure the manifolds are good to. There could be a heat exchanger in line to that would need to be replaced.

 

[jamesdgreen2016]

It looks like its going to be a similar engine in parts bought off another person that will be put together and then installed in my boat. Most of which ill be watching happen in my driveway. Ill let you know how it goes. As someone who wants to know more about boat guts im sort of looking forward to it.