Mercruiser 898

[gerhern]

Hello, folks! I've been getting some great tips on my '82 Hammond. Here's the most recent surprise: I went to start the engine and all I get is a loud click. I grabbed a 5/8 socket and a ratchet to turn the crank. I got it to move a bit, but seems as though the engine's either rusted in the cylinders or worse. I'm considering an engine swap due to the age of the current plant. Does the engine have to be marine grade, or would a freshly rebuilt 350 out of an automobile work? I ask a lot of questions because I, too am new to boating. This one's a project, and I'll surely spend most of the winter working on it.
Thanks!

gerry