water intrusion

C

Crave1957

New Member
Oct 30, 2011
231
Portland, or
Boat Info
1984 Sea Ray Sundancer 270
Engines
Volvo Penta 5.7l, Merc Cruiser top half w Alpha 1 Outdrives
Hello,

I am afraid that I may well be looking for new long block for my 5.7 350. I have looked at some remanufactured engines and was wondering from the experts here who are the most reputable suppliers and which companies to stay away from. It's still early in the diagnosis but I am trying to come up with a reasonable plan so I can weight the advantages vs cost of all alternatives.

Mike
 
When we thought that we might have to replace the engine in our 260DA I ended up going to the local Merc dealer and getting prices on new and reman factory engines. I didn't even bother with "Michigan Motors" because, although they are highly recommended, I thought that shipping it to the West Coast might make it cost prohibitive. If I had to do it again I would look for a good rebuildable engine from one of the big Merc dealers in Vancouver and then take it to a reputable machine shop to have it built up. That way you know what you've got right from the oil pan to the valve covers.
 
Mike,
Make damn sure you get a "MARINE" engine if you're dealing with anyone other than "marine" engine suppliers. Years ago we made the mistake of ordering a long block from an auto supplier for a restoration of an old boat. To our surprise, it didn't pass the survey for insurance because of things like; distributor, carb, and fuel pump. The surveyor told us that even the camshafts and initial timing, among other things, are slightly different on marine engines. It ended up costing us a whack of money to fix everything in order to get insurance coverage on the boat. Looks like Jasper does have a "marine" division though.

Maybe Dennis will read this and jump in with some professional advice for you. I do remember that it was difficult to find suppliers of actual "marine" engines on the west coast back in those days. Maybe things have changed though. Good luck.
 
Last edited:
Hello and thank you to everyone for the impute. I am still in the process of sorting this all out. still holding out some hope for the current 350. Only time will tell

Merry Christmas to all
 
I have had bad luck with larger engine rebuild companys. I used one once (not Jasper) for a Cadillac. They messed up some of the most basic engine building steps there is. And to settle it they just said "Well since you know so much, we will sent you the part and YOU put it in." They ruined the crankshaft thrust bearing surface turning the main journals. After that I always just built my own.
Now with that being said, I am no authority on marine engines, yet am no stranger either. If you are not comfortable with doing the work yourself, I would go to a local Marine engine builder. It says you are in Portland OR. There has to be plenty there. But guys like I am describing won't be found on the net. Rather word of mouth at the docks, and shops.
You have most of what you need already for a "Marine" engine already. Fuel pump, alternator, starter ect. Why replace these functional parts? Do you have tons of hours on them?
Other than a few things, a rebuild of a long or short block isn't that tough. It just takes patients, time and the most important attention to detail.
Basically I would go with a smaller guy who the thought of an unhappy customer going around talking is upsetting. Not the larger rebuild,em place that has customer service that just doesnt care. They may send you a crankshaft and bearing kit at say "settled, now go pound sand"
 
Hello,

Here is the follow up. Engine is dead. Sad story and very discouraging at this time. We had worked so hard on this boat and of course the timing is bad per usual. Cause in my mind is still unclear, possible bad riser gasket on manifold allowed some water in then some reversion issues with shutter failure and manuel cranking. So, the big question is the boat worth re-powering and what process. Some depends on what else we find when engine is pulled (top half is off). Is the transom solid, condition of transom assembly and gimble. There has been some leakage I have been watching for some time from what they tell me is steering linkage. When I filled with marine grease it seemed to be fixed (Alpha One outdrives). Quotes for motor and installation range from remained approximately $3700 to rebuilt at around $5000 both cases assume nothing else is wrong. All the top half is new or tested and risers and manifolds will be additional mandatory $1200 for both engines. When we bought the boat engines were surveyed and in good shape. We have lots of unrecoverable $$$ tied up which is fine but this is getting very expensive and I am starting to wonder if I am capable of this much boat. I really, can not afford $5000 @@@@ ups! Waterline to top of riser is right at 14" with no additional clearance which now worries me and I never knew about this before. Are these 270s prone to this issue especially since I have twins? OK been rambling but any comments and thoughts would be helpful. Thanks in advance

Best Mike
 
Mike, I may be able to help you out. Don't get your hopes up yet tho, I need to check the year of an abandoned SeaRay here on site. She had two rebuilt engines put in her years ago. Our marina is working to get ownership and then the boat will be sold. She has twin 350s. I will pm you late tomorrow

P.S. We have two SeaRays being sold....the other has a single 454
 
Where are these abandoned boats at? I am always looking for useable parts. I am the type if you can't just buy it, build it.
 
Mike,
Just let things settle for a little bit in your head. Many gimes in my life, even just recently, things looked horribly bad. I have been working on not one but two boat projects for some time now. Honestly it was more than a money crunch. I lost interest when I couldn't afford what I wanted to do and got involved in other projects in my life. Jr. Dragsters for my sons and a very pricy multiple RV trips with my sons that sad to say live apart from me. But in the end things work out.
In this economy, everything is for sale and some at sacrafice prices. You woild be amazed at what some smooth talk and beer can get you around the right people.
 
Yes, thanks….. i am getting somewhat overwhelmed and must weight trade offs after 3 years of effort to earn a dead engine. I do understand time has a way of calming things. She might just be a dock queen for this season and fix her up slow. Most of the boat is in fantastic shape. People who she it are amazed….
Thank you
 
What exactly happened to the engine itself. I understand water intrusion. How much and what did it damage? What if any work can you do?
 
The valves need to be redone and block is frozen up. So, engine has to be pulled. I can figure stuff out but its in the water and don't have trailer so rules out option of me coordinating whole things. Heads are at home already. So, many options are not available.
 
I have taken a few apart that way. Nothing like taking a sledge hammer to remove pistons. I see the issue. Hopefully the one you lost is the one with standard rotation. That makes finding a good replacement easier.
Not having a traiker certinaly limits you in a DIY situation. Pulling engines out requires a small crane, tall forklift or a overhead gantry. I had one before I moved to Wisconsin. And will need one soon when I get my Small Block built this spring. Have her back from the machine shop with the pistons pressed on the rods and the rods bored. Just need the crank and new rod bolts, then I can get it done.

Worse case you get a short block built and swapped out. Then you can do the rest over time.
 
If i wasn't building my own and already out money doing the machining I would look into it.
 
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