volvo overhaul......is it worth it????

[dugcarr1]

I have a 250a/sp on a 18' glasply with a 280 leg
2 rings are bad, is it worth overhauling this engine?

I would be doing it at my house with my mechanic friend (no boat experience)

im guessing this will cost me 500$ in parts if everything goes right.
are sierra aftermarket parts good?

so any tips or advise before i make this decision. should I open her up before i order parts just in case?
what other problems could arise or should i look for.
please help me make this decision.

thanks guys, i may need major support from you later.
DOUG

 

[Don S]

Re: volvo overhaul......is it worth it????

2 rings are bad, is it worth overhauling this engine?

Did you take it apart and check the cylinders, and pistons, crankshaft, cam, valves etc.?
I hope you aren't just thinking it's a couple of rings and all will be like new again.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=305092

Spend some time, disassemble the engine and inspect, and get prices for what you really need, it's always more than what you THINK it will be.

 

[searay3]

Re: volvo overhaul......is it worth it????

Whether it's worth it may well be your decision alone. What's the boat worth to you? Remember that parts are only a portion of a successful rebuild. There is machining, replacing questionable used up parts like manifolds. you wouldn't want to spend big bucks on a rebuild and put old exhaust manifolds back on. Would you consider freshwater cooling on your new engine. There are a lot of options and all will way on your wallet. If you simply put rings and bearings in without machine work, it won't last long and in my opinion is a waste of money and time. Weigh out how much for parts and machining against a reman, see what YOU think..

 

[dugcarr1]

Re: volvo overhaul......is it worth it????

i think I will have to buy

head gasket kit 200$
timing belt 30$
piston rings 55$
canting rod bearing 82$
belows ???
u joints ????
machining 100$???

I have not took it apart yet as I red it would be a good idea to test everything I could while its still running. what else can i test first????

what do you think else could need replacing down there????

I haven't 100% decided on rebuild yet. I wanted to talk to you guys first to help me make a decision.

I could put 700$ in parts in her and as much labor as needed if it meant engine would run up to par for a least 5 more years.
or should I continue looking for a used engine for 1200$ or less?

thanks

 

[searay3]

Re: volvo overhaul......is it worth it????

I would disassemble a reasonable amount. You already know you have ring issues. Pull the heads and pan, look at the cylinders and pull a couple of caps to see the condition of the crank and bearings. If everything looks servicable, call the machine shop and see what a bore/hone, block boil etc. would cost. Let them order the parts/pistons,etc.. Then there's the heads. At least a valve grind and seals. Any broken worn springs? again the machine shop would be your best bet. Bellows kit and ujoints, about 175. Machining a block around here will cost about 600. Heads not needing valves or parts, about 200. The only real advantage to reworking your old engine is you are sure how it is done. A reman can have issues out of the box if the reman is not from a reputable rebuilder. Never bought a new crate motor but it has been discussed here before and some have done it.

 

[dugcarr1]

Re: volvo overhaul......is it worth it????

what are the odds i wouldn't have to machine the block or

""""a bore/hone, block boil etc. would cost. Let them order the parts/pistons,etc"""""

 

[Don S]

Re: volvo overhaul......is it worth it????

what are the odds i wouldn't have to machine the block

With 35 lbs of compression on one cylinder, about 99% chance you need to bore it.

""""a bore/hone, block boil etc. would cost. Let them order the parts/pistons,etc"""""

Ask in the machine shops in your area, prices vary.

 

[dugcarr1]

Re: volvo overhaul......is it worth it????

if you guys had to guess.... what would the cost be for parts ill need and machine shop costs???

 

[captmello]

Re: volvo overhaul......is it worth it????

You and your mechanic buddy can pull the motor out and tear it down in one day and see what it needs. It'll be fun.

 

[dugcarr1]

Re: volvo overhaul......is it worth it????

if you guys had to guess.... what would the cost be for parts ill need and machine shop costs???
its starting to sound very expensive.

i may just run her this summer or till she dies then buy a used engine and switch it out this winter