4.3L Good or Bad

[VolNavy37922]

I not concerned as much about the power as much as I am about quality. I have heard mixed reviews on the 4.3L. One mechanic told me the engine is very solid and will essentially last forever. Another told me due to the firing order and a few other things - this engine is a piece of crap. So what’s the deal

 

[midway]

The 4.3L is a solid engine, they are almost bullet proof. That engine has been solid for many years as a GM automotive engine, it is just as solid in the marine environment, there is nothing wrong with that engine.

 

[johngus]

The 4.3 is basically a small block chevy with 2 cylinders chopped off.they are very reliable.

 

[First Born]

good

 

[Turtlesboat]

super

 

[Redhook98]

Great engines. It is a 5.7 with 2 cylinders gut off. Uses the same starter, pumps, fuel pump, etc etc as a small block Chev. In other words, dependable and cheep!

 

[tdappleman]

I love mine - I have about 650 hours on my twins and they have performed wonderfully. Nothing wrong with the firing order or any other items on this motor. Smooth, use no oil and are relatively easy on fuel. Hard for me to actually say since I'm a Ford guy - but I'll give credit to Chevy for the small block V8 and the 4.3!

 

[Quint4]

My first boat was a '89 200 BR with a 4.3lx (four barrel carb, 205hp) ......ran the hell out of it. Always started easy and ran perfectly.

 

[jcoll]

I have to agree with all the "goods" on this one. I've had 4.3L's in small trucks and boats. They've always been reliable and cheap to keep. Fuel comsumption in my 20' Regal was exceptional. We ran that thing hard all weekend, skiing and cruising around and couldn't burn a full tank of fuel no matter how hard we tried.

 

[skibum]

Never had one on a boat, but I put 386,500+ miles on one in a GMC Sonoma. I was the only guy to ever touch it with a wrench except for the free oil changes at the dealer for the first 4 years. Went though water pumps like crazy (5 or 6), but you won't have that problem on the marine version.

The mechanic who made the comments about a firing order problem is all wet. Don't let him touch your boat. Ever.

 

[Captain Crispy]

Never heard of firing order causing a problem, on the 4.3 or any other motor. Too easy to change the firing order on subsequent models if a chronic problem arose after introduction of the motor.
I had a 4.3 in a Blazer with no complaints. Never heard anything bad about the marinized version.

 

[MaddyDean]

never heard a bad thing about em.