SmurfOnAScarab
Cadet
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2008
- Messages
- 20
Ok, so earlier this summer I picked up a 1986 17' Checkmate Sportfire with a 4.3L OMC Cobra and Cobra outdrive. I actually traded a beautiful 1985 Honda ATC250R 3 wheeler for it. But thats another story.
So when I am talking to this guy, considering the trade, he is telling me that the motor was "freshly" rebuilt, but he was having trouble starting it, and it was "poping/backfiring" out of the carb. He said the ignition timing may not be correct. Well it only takes me about 2 seconds to glance at the fuel line that is NOT connected to anything, and a fuel tank that is bone dry.
Anyways, I am a marine hobbiest of sort. So I took the project on, made the trade and got her home. Well that night I got her fired up. The timing was right. Now here is what was wrong just on that day. Half of the lifters were NOT primed, carburetor not bolted down, intake loose and a massive engine knock!!
So luckily I actually had another OMC 4.3L at the house that I just freshly rebuilt. So tonight in the pouring down rain (anyone in SE Michigans knows what I am talking about) me and a couple buddies pulled the engine. Here is what we found!!!!
For starters:
Cylinder walls scored
1 Piston installed wrong direction
All Connecting rods had WRONG connecting cap
The #2 and #3 mains were in the wrong spot
Cam timing off a tooth
Stuck lifters
A piston that WOULD NOT pivot on the wrist pin (barely moved)
To say the least I was very disappointed in the person that built this engine. My buddies 3 year old son could of done a better job. I mean the rods and caps are stamped with the numbers on them???? How much easier does it get?
Anyways, I just had to share this expierence. Enjoy the photos. If you would like to see anything else from the motor or any parts, just ask.
I will post some more pictures as I get parts in... Might add a little performance to the engine, we will see.
So when I am talking to this guy, considering the trade, he is telling me that the motor was "freshly" rebuilt, but he was having trouble starting it, and it was "poping/backfiring" out of the carb. He said the ignition timing may not be correct. Well it only takes me about 2 seconds to glance at the fuel line that is NOT connected to anything, and a fuel tank that is bone dry.
Anyways, I am a marine hobbiest of sort. So I took the project on, made the trade and got her home. Well that night I got her fired up. The timing was right. Now here is what was wrong just on that day. Half of the lifters were NOT primed, carburetor not bolted down, intake loose and a massive engine knock!!
So luckily I actually had another OMC 4.3L at the house that I just freshly rebuilt. So tonight in the pouring down rain (anyone in SE Michigans knows what I am talking about) me and a couple buddies pulled the engine. Here is what we found!!!!
For starters:
Cylinder walls scored
1 Piston installed wrong direction
All Connecting rods had WRONG connecting cap
The #2 and #3 mains were in the wrong spot
Cam timing off a tooth
Stuck lifters
A piston that WOULD NOT pivot on the wrist pin (barely moved)
To say the least I was very disappointed in the person that built this engine. My buddies 3 year old son could of done a better job. I mean the rods and caps are stamped with the numbers on them???? How much easier does it get?
Anyways, I just had to share this expierence. Enjoy the photos. If you would like to see anything else from the motor or any parts, just ask.
I will post some more pictures as I get parts in... Might add a little performance to the engine, we will see.
Talk about a horror show! I hate to see a good rebuild so screwed by stupidity 
