Mercruiser 3.7L 180hp Locked up Now What?

[squidly]

Hello All. Long time reader First time post. Here we go. I have a 1987 19 1/2 foot Regal Empress with a Mercruiser 3.7L 180hp 224cid 4 banger. To my dismay my exhaust manifold went south. I pulled the head, cylinder walls are rusted and scared. I'm looking at all options. I priced long blocks any ware from $3100 to $4000. Wow that's a lot of $$$. I thought of rebuilding the engine myself. I rebuild auto engines in the past. This is my first I/O. I also considered a I/O to O/B conversion. But that might be a wild idea. Or maybe a re-manufactured engine. But that's pricey too. Just the exhaust manifold for this engine is over a grand. Anyone want to bounce some Ideas around to what the best way to go is?

 

[Coors]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7L 180hp Locked up Now What?

Carolina engines, rapido marine

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7L 180hp Locked up Now What?

Welcome to posting on iboats.....
I'd look for a good used one on ebay(they do turn up now & then).....
Once you have it up & running, sell it.....​

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7L 180hp Locked up Now What?

I also considered a I/O to O/B conversion.

Ayuh,..... I've witnessed several of them done,...
And,...
No one was Happy with the completed project....

I'd look for a good used one on ebay(they do turn up now & then).....
Once you have it up & running, sell it.....

Ayuh,...... That's probably the Best Answer......

But,.....
If you're in Love with the hull,.....
A 4.3l transplant Is Possible.....
But,... It's time consuming.+ Expensive......

 

[oops!]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7L 180hp Locked up Now What?

try looking for a 4.3.......used.....

or a whole boat cheep......depending on where you are craigslist can be good place........btw...where are you?


and welcome

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7L 180hp Locked up Now What?

donate it, take the tax break and go find a ready to run boat.
thousands out there and as the price of fuel climbs you will see thousands more.
when running the 3.7 was a wonderful beast.
when its broke its now not really worth fixing.
couple that with most techs cant follow the manual it gets ugly.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7L 180hp Locked up Now What?

If you're located in Florida, there is a 3.7 out of 86 Wellcraft that my dad would sell you for $150. The head has some damage and I am not sure the exhaust manifold is any good, but it does have a good short block and the front of the engine accessories were workind when it was removed.
He replaced it with a 5.7 and it was a lot of work, a lot of parts, some front engine mount fabrication, and not cheap, but the guy who paid for it was happy with the end result. If you think you're interested, send me a note and I'll get you specifics.
If not, do as the others say above.

 

[squidly]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7L 180hp Locked up Now What?

Thanks for your help. I'm in PA. I don't think I want to by a used engine if I keep the boat. I thought about a 4.3. I don't think I got the room and I'm not looking to change a lot of stuff around. I don't need this boat right now. I also have a 17' whaler that I can use. I liked the Regal because of it's high sides It will take some ruff water with out me getting all wet. The Regal's not the best fishing boat but that's what I use it for. I had this Regal for 4 years and got it at a really good price so I can't complain to much. I really like the hull and the fuel mileage of the 3.7. You guys gave me some things to think about Thanks