8.1 Hydo-locked; Repair / Replace Options

[Tacoma290]

It has been a tough year boating wise. While working on the fuel system on my 8.1, I hydro-locked the engine on fuel. Learning the hard way is expensive. Now, I am working through options on repair or replacement of the engine.

• Has anyone used Michigan Motorz, since that seems to be the most straight-forward replacement path?
• There is also a more nearby rebuild engine supplier with experience on marinized engines. Anyone gone more local than Michigan Motorz?
• I am less confident about repair. I did send the head out to a local shop to checkout for damage to the valves (to rule out top end). Cylinder 8's TDC and BDC are noticeablely lower than the others. My best guess is that the connecting rod at cylinder 8 is bent, and the bottom of the piston is contacting the counterweights on the crankshaft (since there is a ton of resistance when 8 is at bdc and easy to manually crank everywhere else). I won't know if there is other damage until the bottom is opened. Less important is that I will be on the hard paying a daily rate. Other thoughts?

 

[bfernald0]

I've heard good things about Michigan Motorz and the ones below. Have not used them personally. I've heard bad things about Jasper.

https://www.tristarengines.com/marine-engines/boating/gm/8-1l
https://www.perfprotech.com/engine-gm-81l-v8-stand-rot-gm4960ct/product/351904

This is going to sound nuts, but I watch this guy's Lakeland Auto & Marine youtube channel religiously. He does beautiful work. Unfortunately, he's in Ohio. https://lakelandautomarine.com/

Maybe he can point you in the right direction in terms of good reman engines or a good shop closer to you. Though, I might be inclined to ship an engine to Ohio to ensure it was done right ;-)

There are a ton of hacks, so be careful. I would also stay far far away from used engines on Ebay and the like.

B.

 

[bfernald0]

You also should check in with Masterfab. He completely rebuilt a searay 340 (with new engines, which are no longer available) and might have some ideas.