Engine Options ????

[Dr D]

I've got an '87 21' Seville, w/ a 165hp 470 engine. Can anyone tell me if they know whether it's possible to swap it out for another engine that would fit (perhaps a newer 6cyl) ??

 

[Lakeway TX Sea Ray]

I'd stick to the 470, Unless you have either really good mechanical skills and all the tools to make the appropriate modifications and fabrications you will need when repowering and going to a different engine. OR... you are willing to stroke the check to a good repower specialist to make it happen.

I love the 470, some folks hate um... it's an aluminum block and as such you have to keep an eye on your temps and check the oil before every use! That little guy produces as much torque as some V8's and in my opinion going to a modern V6 could end up hurting you as you will end up with a heavier engine with less torque! I'd stick to the 470, learn it's quirks (it has a few) and enjoy a great performing engine and lower fuel costs!

 

[Dr D]

Lakeway,
Thanks for the reply. This past season was my first with this boat, & although I had some problems, I agree with you. The 470 engine is a powerhouse, & really pretty good on fuel. I don't "push" it, try not to overload the weight, & usually cruise at around 3500>3800rpm.
I had one overheating incident early in the season. The impeller was replaced, and the exhaust manifold gaskets too.
The engine ran fine for most of the season. (I check all the fluids every time I take the boat out, & It burns no oil). The temperature stayed at a steady 175'.
Towards the end of the summer though, twice, after cruising some, and then stopping for a few minutes to swim or whatever, when I restarted the engine I got a small white "puff" coming off the engine. Upon getting back to the dock, I noticed that I'd lost some coolant, so I topped it off.
The next time I went to use the boat I noticed that the coolant was low again. I topped it off, took it out for a few hours, & the same cycle repeated itself .......
It ran fine......I shut it down, checked coolant etc....topped off if necessary, and parked it for the night.
Next time I used the boat, I noticed while checking fluid levels before going out that I had again lost some coolant.

I began to wonder that perhaps I'd compromised the Head Gasket some when the first "serious" overheating occurred early in the season. (although, the engine seemed fine for the majority of the season..).

Does that sound plausible to you ?? I want to get the problem scoped out & fixed before the engine gets damaged.
From what I've described, does it sound like I need to replace the head gasket ? Should I have the mechanic do a compression test first ? The engine has been winterized already.

I love the boat, & engine, but can't afford to be throwing good money at it if it's not worth it.
Any thoughts ?

Thanks again for your response........

 

[CliffA]

i had a 470 in an 1986 Chris Craft..it had a 4 barrell carb and put out 190 HP....great little motor, but they do have their problems...i got a lot of good info from this web site http://www.breezeworks.net/ .....the 470's are known for bad head gaskets and bad manifold gasket issues as well as issues with the water cooled alternator...some parts are a little difficult to find and can be expensive if/when you do find them...

 

[Dr D]

Thanks Cliff,
Mine's got a 2 barrel, and is 165hp. I am familiar w/ Breezeworks......I'll check that out.....thanks for the reminder...it's much appreciated.