Nivekt
Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- May 13, 2009
- Messages
- 481
Boat: Cobalt 18TH
My block is cracked and needs to be replaced. I have a local engine builder that will supply me with a remanufactured longblock for around $1500.
I patched the block up with epoxy and while the crack does not appear to extend into the cylinder wall(no water in crankcase oil after several trips) I cant help but feel I am operating on borrowed time. So, the decision has been made to replace the block.
http://www.cmengines.com/se/marine.aspx
I would love to completely rebuild the motor myself, but I simply do not have the tools or expertise to do so.
Now, many of you may be thinking that I am crazy for even considering repowering this boat considering it is running a drive system from a manufacturer that went out of business 14 years ago. I will tell you that my current outdrive is in excellent condition(torn it apart myself) and also have a near complete replacement outdrive/steering system to replace it with should mine ever have a complete failure. With these backup parts in hand, my decision to remain with OMC parts is not lightly taken. In addition to the parts I currently have, a local marine repair shop has several OMC stringer 800 setups that they are desperate to get rid off. I am currently working the numbers to secure myself several generations worth of spare parts to carry me through any unforeseen circumstances.
Now, on to the current dilemma. How the heck do I pull this motor?
I mean, I understand what all needs to be disconnected in order to physically remove it, but my concern is that an engine hoist will not extend up high enough to clear the 56" boat cap height that would be necessary to remove the block. I suppose I could deflate the trailer tires and gain myself an extra 4" of vertical clearance if necessary, but would that then be enough clearance to utilize an engine hoist?
My other thought process was to build a wooden gantry out of 4 x 4 posts and three 2 x 10's as a cross member and get a 1 ton chain hoist from harbor freight so that I could get the necessary clearance. The only problem with that is that there isnt exactly a set course for building a wooden gantry that will support the 575 lbs. of a GM 350 longblock.
Furthermore, I am crazy and I love this boat. It is my first boat and Ive had it for 4 years now. When I got it is was in excellent shape and all work that it has needed has been due to my neglect and steep learning curve. In the future, I intend to do a complete restoration and keep it alive as a beautiful example of a boat from this time period, but for now the engine replacement comes first.
Please help me.
My block is cracked and needs to be replaced. I have a local engine builder that will supply me with a remanufactured longblock for around $1500.
I patched the block up with epoxy and while the crack does not appear to extend into the cylinder wall(no water in crankcase oil after several trips) I cant help but feel I am operating on borrowed time. So, the decision has been made to replace the block.
http://www.cmengines.com/se/marine.aspx
I would love to completely rebuild the motor myself, but I simply do not have the tools or expertise to do so.
Now, many of you may be thinking that I am crazy for even considering repowering this boat considering it is running a drive system from a manufacturer that went out of business 14 years ago. I will tell you that my current outdrive is in excellent condition(torn it apart myself) and also have a near complete replacement outdrive/steering system to replace it with should mine ever have a complete failure. With these backup parts in hand, my decision to remain with OMC parts is not lightly taken. In addition to the parts I currently have, a local marine repair shop has several OMC stringer 800 setups that they are desperate to get rid off. I am currently working the numbers to secure myself several generations worth of spare parts to carry me through any unforeseen circumstances.
Now, on to the current dilemma. How the heck do I pull this motor?
I mean, I understand what all needs to be disconnected in order to physically remove it, but my concern is that an engine hoist will not extend up high enough to clear the 56" boat cap height that would be necessary to remove the block. I suppose I could deflate the trailer tires and gain myself an extra 4" of vertical clearance if necessary, but would that then be enough clearance to utilize an engine hoist?
My other thought process was to build a wooden gantry out of 4 x 4 posts and three 2 x 10's as a cross member and get a 1 ton chain hoist from harbor freight so that I could get the necessary clearance. The only problem with that is that there isnt exactly a set course for building a wooden gantry that will support the 575 lbs. of a GM 350 longblock.
Furthermore, I am crazy and I love this boat. It is my first boat and Ive had it for 4 years now. When I got it is was in excellent shape and all work that it has needed has been due to my neglect and steep learning curve. In the future, I intend to do a complete restoration and keep it alive as a beautiful example of a boat from this time period, but for now the engine replacement comes first.
Please help me.
