Water circulation

That was it....pulled the plugs and cranked it over. Water came out of a cylinder on the starboard side. Does this more likely indicate a cracked block or cracked head?

Am I better off trying to fix this (block, head, or both) or replacing entire engine? Who is a reliable source for rebuilt marine engines?

[edit:] Are they "marine" heads, or will any 302 heads work?
 
Last edited:
How do I tell if it is exhaust manifolds, risers, or cylinder head?
 
roemere said:
How do I tell if it is exhaust manifolds, risers, or cylinder head?
Click to expand...

Start taking things apart, unless you have a borescope (which won't see everything anyway). What you are doing now is called "destructive testing". You don't know the conditions inside that motor, and every time you crank it you are increasing the possibility of further damage.
 
How many hours on the motor? If high(900-1000 or more) I would just pull it and rebuild or repower at this point. No sense in throwing good money after bad.
 
Less than 100 hours on partial rebuild....had a piston skirt break a while back so that (and some related items) was repaired.

Right now, I am thinking about finding used exhaust manifolds, used cylinder heads and going from there. Does this likely have 302 heads or 351 heads--I know sometimes 351 heads were used on 302's. Can I use automotive heads (is there a difference)?
 
Found a "turn key" replacement (used) 888 for sale online for ~$1300 (including shipping). How much could I expect to pay to have it installed (price range)?

Or am I better off trying to replace the manifolds/heads?
 
You are better off either stripping it down and finding everything that is actually wrong, or replacing them. Too many time diagnostics are done by swapping parts until the bad one is found. That's not diagnostics. You can replace the manifolds and heads, only to learn that the block is cracked. Spend the time before you start spending the money.
 
Unfortunately, I am going to be spending money from the start....perhaps I phrased it poorly, but when I say "we plan to replace the heads/manifold", I really mean "we plan to have someone replace the heads/manifold"....I don't have the know-how or tools to strip it down or do major engine work myself....that is why I am wondering if it will be more cost-effective to just go ahead and replace it (~$1300+install) vs paying someone to tear it down, inspect it, and replace the heads/manifolds....
 
Without any knowledge of this type work yourself, I would be leery of a used engine bought offline. How are you going to be able to tell if it is a good used engine? Even if the seller guarantees it, who pays the labor to take it out if it doesn't prove to be a working engine?

About the only safe guard would be to run it on an engine stand before installation.
 
Yeah, I'm just trying to find the most "economical" way to get her up and running again...I just can't afford a new engine or a monster repair bill so I am looking for my "best bet"...I think I can get my hands on some used 302 cylinder heads pretty reasonable but I need to know if it has 302 heads or 351 heads...and I can get used exhaust manifolds as well.....but, it's beginning to look like I may be forced to scrap her. I just hate to let her go without trying....
 
Is there a way to cycle water through the engine without running it? Or what is the best way to test for further leaks after replacing exhaust manifolds and heads and not seeing any obvious/visible cracks?
 
roemere said:
Found a "turn key" replacement (used) 888 for sale online for ~$1300 (including shipping). How much could I expect to pay to have it installed (price range)?

Or am I better off trying to replace the manifolds/heads?
Click to expand...

I think it's fair to assume it will take roughly twelve hours to R&R a single I/O engine in an older boat. Find out what the shop rate is and you'll have a ball park idea of the cost. However, 888's are from a long time ago and it's my guess that anything from that era will probably not last a long time. When you're working on boats it's always cheaper to do the job right the first time. It costs just as much in labor to install a new engine as it does to install an unknown relic from decades ago. You'll have no guarantee how long a used engine will last before you have to start replacing parts that wear out on every boat. You also have to consider the fact that your older boat may need things like shifter and throttle cables, R/C unit, outdrive u-joints, bearings, impellar, and seals etc. Carbs occasionally need rebuilding, ignition parts need replacing, and the list goes on and on. If you are budget conscious then an older boat may not be the ideal way to go if you don't plan on doing the work yourself. Maybe have a look at what's available in the used boat market and what it would cost to finance one over the projected costs of having someone restore an older boat for you. I don't mean to turn you off of boating here but I've been witness to far too many young couples who find a cheap boat only to discover that it's going to cost them a prohibitive amount of money to make it safe and keep it running. Good luck.

EDIT; John, you may want to read the thread started by GohstRider in the newbie section. There are some noteworthy statements there regarding the resurrection of older, unknown boats. Of course, yours won't be as involved with the single engine and helm, but the general idea is there. Again, good luck. http://clubsearay.com/showthread.ph...-1981-25-V255-yacht-A-great-gift-but-now-what
 
Last edited:
Ok, I am lining up parts to replace those damaged by the freezing (351 heads and port exhaust manifold). One of my sources also has a 302 4bbl intake and carb (marine) and he wants to know if I want those as well (good price if I buy the whole "bundle").....since I have it apart, is it worth swapping the intake for a 4bbl? What will I gain?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,182
Messages
1,428,060
Members
61,088
Latest member
SGT LAT
Back
Top