New Engine or Not New Engine?

[kyles v221 islander]

Ok time has come. Another break down on the river and I think it got the best of me. Broke the Dist gear and timing gear rubbing Cover.
Found a Brand New engine with warranty and can get installed for approx $5K
THe question is--Should I or shouldn't I?
What do you all think?
OR is it time to sell?

 

[barato]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

how's your outdrive? for $5000, you could do a very nice rebuild on your existing motor, or get a good running donor boat with newer outdrive as well plus paying someone to do the swap. i'm continually finding out how many "disposaboats" were made with same drivetrain.

as far as selling, found anything else that will do the job yours does? not a seller's mkt in boats right now, esp for ones >21' and even more esp for project boats. with $2500 in hand, i could have my choice of two dozen ocean-capable boats in Tucson/Phx. altho i'm sure one of the Bretheren would be willing to help you out and take that non running old crock off your hands

 

[kyles v221 islander]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

Well since you put it that way...Old Cork? LOL
Out drive is in good shape...Will be time for new impeller in another year.
This makes the 3rd break down this season.
1- shift cable
2- timing gears
3- Broken dist gear.

I could work on it and get it fixed/ rebuilt. Along with the out drive i'm sure. BUt I am a inpatient person. Season is coming to a close in a few months and I have already spent my vacation money. ( on the boat)
BUT the boat still looks great, I think. It does what we want . But to buy a donor boat- Space is limited and not a negotionable point at this time.
So I guess going to get new....Humm
2nd or third job coming up.

 

[barato]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

if you're not doing your own work, it's not a Q of whehter you have space for a donor boat but whether your mechanic's yard does....

honestly, given the fact that we ARE talking about GM products here (where Mr GoodWrench Himself no doubt oversees the motor assembly ), i'd rather have a well rebuilt motor than a new one. totally aside from issues of block seasoning (there are reasons that race teams prefer used blocks for high-boost turbo engines like Indy stockblocks or the old 1200hp turbo F1 motors), i believe that a good machine shop or enthusiast shop will build engine way more carefully than GM originally did.

not many wrong answers, but remember that your boat will still be worth about what it was before. hole in the water indeed....

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

My main ? would be how is your block. Salt water use or all fresh.
What engine do you have?
I have a 1971 140hp, I too broke the timing gear, filled the engine with salt water and then tried to crank it over. I tore the engine down quickly so the salt water did not rust her up.
What I found was a broken timing gear, cam lob starting to go flat, it had already been bored 30, and it looked like there was a start of a pin hole in cylinder #4. It was not using water yet, just looked like a stain. I run antifreeze in my engine so I know it was not using water, and it did not use oil. I decided to junk the block and not rebuild because the cost to sleeve the engine was just not penciling out.
I bought a brand new crate engine from michigan motorz for $3000, only thing you reuse is your manifold, carb, and alternator. A new engine was no brainer for me.
A chevy v-6 or v-8 I would probably have gotten one out of a car and rebuilt it.

 

[kyles v221 islander]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

87' 3.0 l.
Freshwater lately. Greatlakes a few years ago.
As I can tell all original except alternator.
I was also looking at Michigan motors for the engine. But going for turn key. Reason for extra cost.
Looked at crate engine to. Just trying to decide.

 

[kyles v221 islander]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

Ok I did it!
New engine ..Turn Key Start
Installed and tested and sounds better than before.
Is it worth the price...
1. IT's done
2. I didn't have to do it.
3. It's ready for next week.
4. 3 year warranty..

I have to say......YES!!!!
Let the good times ROLL!

 

[GLG fishing]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

Right on.
Do we still use that phrase?

You are going to have one sweet boat with that new mill.

GLG

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

Personaly I have different Ideas than some I would if I had the boat and really liked it. Here Goes--- Pull the motor-outdrive and sell what I could. Have a stern drive built or mabey find one on E-bay or craigslist. A 200 HP minimum . And be done with it Think of all the extra space you would have for the family ( a regular Deck Party area ) Seriously that is what I would do I see a lot of conversions on the Pacific coast and any one I as said I should have done this sooner. That is a fine looking boat so you might as well make it totaly usable. PugetSound

 

[barato]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

good for you Kyle! i think you made a good call there.

Puget, i can't tell what you're sugggesting....OB conversion or what? honestly, if i were to start over, i might look at an OB mounted on a welded up alum "box", but damn a modern one gets expensive by the time you get to 140hp and either direct inj or 4 stroke, compared to complete fresh I/O drivetrain for <$3000

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

Sorry It must be old age . my suggestion was like you said Convert to a OB and do away with the I/O. The cost would be expensive but You put a new motor on an older outdrive and you know where the next problem will be. It would be a conversion that may be trouble free for years. compared to a boat that size and as nice as it is. the price of a newer or new one is not even close. My pst experiences with repaired and rebuilt I/O s has always been futal and very expensive. Just my preference as a suggestion to think about long term enjoyment and expensis.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

KYLES Good for you. Now you can go out and enjoy your hard labors,Should be a nice day on the water with a new setup. Enjoy

 

[kyles v221 islander]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

Thanks Barato and Pugetsound...Yes A OB would be another way, but this was what worked for me. The boat still looks original and has a new heart..Just needs some cosmetics and ready for the next 20 + years.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: New Engine or Not New Engine?

You will get it all like new and just in time for the children to enjoy, as well as yourself. My son has his eye on both of my boats but they will be with me till im gone . I am a strange one I guess as I will not let the kids borrow them . I will go with and they can do whatever with them,but not alone. To Many broken things and never repaired of just an apearance of repaired. I really love the looks of your boat and the skid tape is very attractive as well as functional. Good Luck and enjoy the rest of summer. My rebuild is COMPLETE as of today I built a set of slideing doors for the 16 SS. Under the sploashwell. They are very functional and look professional. Calm Seas and tight lines.