US Engines in Kent, Wa

[HT32BSX115]

Howdy Y'all,

A friend and co-worker of mine came by with his boat today and asked me to have a look at the water spewing out of the side of his engine.


Yes, Boaters it's the dreaded cracked block. It also appears that the intake/exhaust manifold is cracked as well. It's a 94 Merc 3.0L engine

Once we pulled the manifold it was clearly a cracked block.

Now it's engine replacement time (intake/ex manifold too!)

Some time ago someone here got a replacement engine from US engines in Kent, WA.

Whoever that was were you pleased with it? It appears that the price for a 3.0L engine is $1895 + Core. I'm sure that the core price will be severely reduced since the block is possibly unusable/unrepairable. They also quoted him $2000 (20 man-hrs) to install it!!!

I'm amazed at that since I think I could install it in 1 day.

Anyway, I'm just looking for info on satisfaction. I (gently) scolded him for allowing the engine to crack (I don't think he winterized it) But I want to help him get back on the water!


Any satisfied US Engine customers out there?


Cheers,


Rick

 

[Uraijit]

Re: US Engines in Kent, Wa

Long block, or short block? A short block might take a while, but even then, 20 hours seems like a lot. If it's a long block, you should be able to throw on an intake and the accessories in an hour or two, and then drop it in. Not more than 8 hours I'd say. Unless this boat's engine is particularly tough to access, or something...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: US Engines in Kent, Wa

The engine is completely accessible ....... I think I could do the whole job in about a day by myself if I didn't have to chase any parts...
Even though it didn't appear that the head was damaged. I think a long block is the way to go.....

Their price was for a long block swap out. I am sure it was a "generic" estimate. They would probably revise their est once they saw the boat......

The boat is a 94 Bayliner 20' bow rider. Judging from how the engine is in there I think I can have it out in about 1 hour. I already pulled the manifold. everything else is pretty much disconnected. 3 bolts and a couple of hoses and pull the drive and out it comes. There's a LOT of room in front and I think I could even pull it without removing the drive that's how accessible the engine is.......

He's had the boat since 1998 (second owner) and has never replaced the raw pump or changed the drive oil either. It's a classic owner maintenance problem to be sure....(I think he beat himself up about it more than I did though....This has happened to a LOT of people.....

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: US Engines in Kent, Wa

I'm sure it doesn't. They probably will just tell him to let them know how it runs.

I just told him to bring it over here. We're just going to do it in my Hanger.

 

[bsh21wash]

Re: US Engines in Kent, Wa

That was me. I had US Engine do my Long Block Install. Everything was good at first, they left a couple of hoses loose, but other than that, motor has been running strong. It cost me $3500 bucks. With a couple other things added to.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: US Engines in Kent, Wa

I am guessing that the install price they quoted was sort of generic at 20 hours. ($2000)

I presume they knew that they needed to align the engine after install etc?

I think it's going to be a very easy swap. In about 30 min yesterday I had the engine almost ready to lift out. I have the hoist, chain and pallet to put it on.

I don't think it'll take me more than a day to do it if he has all the parts and gaskets. We do need to get a gage card for the shift cable adjustment (I don't think my Bravo gage card will work)

 

[PBKboater]

Re: US Engines in Kent, Wa

I also have an U S ENG and very satisfied with it going on 15 hrs and she's puring like a kitten! OMC Cobra 460.

Paul