I have 1988 4.3 liter omc cobra was told there were problems when I got it namely cracked block due to lack of winterizing. How do you check to see if block is cracked? Any hepl would be appreciated.
You may be able to get a magnaflux kit to check for the almost invisible cracks. I have an 1989 4.3 that had a cracked block, and exhaust manifolds. The block, I replaced. Wish I would have looked up the company called lock-n-stitch first though, as the block could have easily been repaired using thier materials. I used thier pins to repair the cracked manifolds, and it worked perfectly. If you dont know, a new set of manifolds is about $700. I repaired mine for about $110. <br />Check out their Web site for all cast iron repairs @ http://www.locknstitch.com/
Also....try getting in there with a flashlight, and look for any freeze plugs that may have been pushed out. Mine went out right behind the motor mount.
I've also seen a dye at some auto part stores that will show up under a black light. If you have a open cooling system might be a problem would have to add it to the water source, say a bucket and then rig a hose coming from the bucket to the muffs, just a thought. good luck
