Where to buy Mercruiser 3.0lx cylinder head

itsa svx

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Jun 27, 2013
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Just finally got around to pulling the boat out of winter storage and hooked it up to the hose for a test run before trying to take it out. Within a minute of running it started shooting oily water out of the breather hose on top of the valve cover then began knocking. I shut it down and thought that I had a blown head gasket. Got it torn down today and the head has blown out in the two center cylinders - big crack under the rockers. I am looking to get a replacement head but all of my looking around so far has only come up with heads that have the larger ports that look to be 3.0l prior to 1996 I guess. Looking for some help with where I might be able to find one. Any help is greatly appreciated. 2004 stingray 190ls is the boat it is in and I am located in Virginia.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
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welcome aboard.

search for a head by the casting number. there is the 2.5 and the 3.0 cylinder heads. you can get them thru GM dealers that deal with industrial motors, or you can pay 3X thru your local Mercruiser dealer

BTW, exactly how did you winterize the motor?
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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71,388
Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,..... I'm afraid you need a complete motor, not just a head,.....

Flip the motor over, pull the oil pan, 'n look for the cracks in there, along the water jacket,.....
 

TurtleTamer

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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May 10, 2018
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Where in VA are you located? I'm in Norfolk and have pretty good experience with the 3.0.

I'd also suspect the bottom end.
 

itsa svx

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Jun 27, 2013
Messages
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Thanks for the replies. I see heads searching by the casting number so thanks for that info Scott. I haven’t fully pulled the motor yet to flip it and check for any cracks in the block but I’ll do that before ordering anything.

TurtleTamer I am up north in Fredericksburg, VA
 

itsa svx

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Jun 27, 2013
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Quick update - the block was good so I ordered and installed a remanufactured head Friday along with all new gaskets for everything from the head up. It is up and running now but I have some valve tapping I need to go back in to adjust. Thanks for the help on this mess everyone.
 
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