Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

[asm_]

Hello,

I'm about the pull the trigger and buy a pre-own year 2000 boat with 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I?. Since the previous owner had pass away unexpectedly, the family member now is handling the transaction have no information as for as maintenance history of the motor.

So, just wondering if there is any common issue I should be look out for?

Thanks

 

[scipper77]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

I can't help as to common issues but I will say that that is a very common motor and there are very few choices as far as boat motors (I/O's) are concerned. They (mercruiser) have been using the same basic set ups for 30 years or so. it goes something like this...

3.0L (4cyl), 4.3L(6cyl), 5.0L (V8), 5.7L, I think 6.3L and 7.4L are the next two sizes.

I guess what I'm saying is I wouldn't worry if that's a "good" motor, but you are doing the right thing to look into the maintenance of the motor (which I can't help with). Believe me Don or Bondo can tell you everything you ever needed to know about maintaining that package. I think they have worked on one or two in there days.

 

[asm_]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

Thanks for the reply.

Considering it is common motors used by many boats and assuming the worse case scenario, I wonder what are the typical (average) cost of repowering with a re-man motor?

B

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

Thanks for the reply.

Considering it is common motors used by many boats and assuming the worse case scenario, I wonder what are the typical (average) cost of repowering with a re-man motor?

B

Howdy,

If you live in an area that experiences freezing temps, you should verify that the block IS NOT cracked.

If you have to replace the long block, it can be around $2000 + core to buy the replacement ( + tax/labor) http://usengine.us/mercruiser.html

If you want the boat, you should take it to a lake and test run it. Ensure that it shifts into and out of FWD/REV easily and "smoothly"

Look for water running out of the engine in the bilge area, water in the oil after running hard for 30 min or so, and after running drain some drive oil and look for water.

Those a what I would call the big things on buying a boat in Springtime! There's others.....

 

[scipper77]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

Not motor related but..

One of the worst things to look for in a used boat is signs of water intrusion in the floor and transom. If there was say a transducer installed and the holes in the transom were not made water tight, that 10 year old transom might be rotting out. Also if the boat was kept in a slip and the mooring cover let water through the foam under the floor could be wet, rotting the floor from the underside. These are the boat buying 101 things to be aware of. Replacing the floors seems like it's not that big of a deal if you don't know any better but after you tear the floor up you might find a lot more than you bargained for.

See our friend Jay's thread for exactly what I am talking about. He is a knowledgeable boater and still got into this situation.

 

[asm_]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

If you live in an area that experiences freezing temps, you should verify that the block IS NOT cracked.

My area rarely see any below freezing temp. So, it's not likely that the block is cracked. However, will a crack block still run? I'm asking this because during the first visit to the seller, the motor appear to start easily with hear muff. Of course, I'll test run the boat at near by lake before I hand over the money. With that said, how do I check for cracked block? If it does run in lake, could I assume the block is not cracked?

Look for water running out of the engine in the bilge area, water in the oil after running hard for 30 min or so, and after running drain some drive oil and look for water.

I did noticed a very small puddle of water in the bilge area under the engine. Not sure how the water got there. The water looks clean and does appears to be mixed with oil. Should I be concern?

Also, what drive oil should this engine use? I suppose if I'm going to drain some drive oil out, I should be bring some to replenish whatever I drained out.

B

 

[asm_]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

One of the worst things to look for in a used boat is signs of water intrusion in the floor and transom

The boat was kept on the trailer 99% of the time. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think I have to worry about rotten floor as the floor are full fiberglass. Can't say the same about the stringers. But, that would be bit diffcult to check. For the transom, I did tap all over with my finger and did not notice any hollow sound.... Not the best method, but I don't think the seller is going to let me drill a hole to check...

B

 

[Bondo]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

If it does run in lake, could I assume the block is not cracked?

Nope,... Check the oil, after the run, 'n look for an elevated level, or milkyness to it...
Also,...
Look for water in the bilge, 'n/or water spraying/ drippin' from the motor when runnin', especially when run Hard..

Also, what drive oil should this engine use? I suppose if I'm going to drain some drive oil out,

The engine don't use drive oil,... Don't worry 'bout it anyways,...
You just wanta pull the drain screw from the Outdrive to get a few drops of oil...
If there's Water in it, that'll be the 1st thing out, Then oil...
Do it Before the test run, before it's started for the day, Not after...

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think I have to worry about rotten floor as the floor are full fiberglass.

The Deck(No floors in boats) is usually a thin layer of glass over plywood...
Stringers are also usually plywood based...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

My area rarely see any below freezing temp.

It only takes once.

 

[asm_]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

Great advise. I'm learning some of the boat lingo here.... Yes, it's deck, not floor.

I will definitely look for water dripping from the engine while running. But, I suppose a leak could be something as simple as lose seacock.

Will good compression check on the each cylinder means no cracked block?

B

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

Will good compression check on the each cylinder means no cracked block?

No.


A compression check will only check your compression. You can have a cracked block with excellent compression......

 

[asm_]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

Oh, well. Now I wonder if that puddle of water I saw under the engine were rain water, or water came from the engine.... I'll have to bring few rug to dry the bilge and check to see if the water reappear after a few minutes running on hear muff.

Thanks!

You may have just saved me from a very expensive mistake.

B

 

[asm_]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

A second thought, where can I find a good picture or illustration where all the sea **** is located on this engine? or how many sea **** should there be? Since I have already notice a puddle of water under the engine, I should probably make sure all the sea **** is closed completely before jumping to the conclusion of cracked block.

B

 

[scipper77]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

A puddle of water in the bilge is not necessarily a big deal. As a matter of fact having that puddle is exactly the function of the bilge. Any water that gets into the boat will collect there. If the boat is on a trailer and you elevate the tongue to let the water drain out from the plug you will always still have enough left over to form a small puddle.

My boat has a cracked block that was JB welded and it runs just fine. Just run the boat, look for leaks onder the motor, and check for water intrusion in the oil. I have a feeling there is nothing wrong with this motor.

Is the bilge clean? A clean bilge is a good sign that the boat is well cared for.

 

[asm_]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

Thanks for the positive encouragement. I have been doing more reading on the subject of cracked block. It appear that the only reliable and sure method to detect the cracked block is by pressure testing the system to 15 psi for 30 minutes. But, that's going be little difficult to do on a seller's location, and compound by the fact that I'm completely unfamiliar with inboard motor setup.

In any case, the cleanness of the bilge area is about 5. 10 being factory new clean that I would eat of the bottom of the bilge, and 1 being the bilge is covered in thick oily residue, dirt and etc.

B

 

[emilsr]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

Can you get the boat to a competent mechanic? If so, make an offer on the boat contingent upon a successful mechanical inspection.....preferably on the water. Best case is you spend a hundred bucks (or so), the mechanic checks everything out and explains to you the operation, care and feeding of your new boat. Worst case is you spend a few bucks and avoid a money pit.

Not trying to scare you here, but MANY guys have bought a boat that they thought was a good deal, only to have it suck their wallet dry on repairs. There's LOTS of things that can go wrong.....improper winterizing/cracked block is only one. IMO, best to have it checked out by a pro if at all possible. Yea, you'll spend a few bucks in the process, but it'll be money well spent either way.

 

[asm_]

Re: Common 5.0 L MerCruiser? Alpha I Problem?

That's good advise. I'll try to see if I can arrange that.

B