Engine/Outdrive swap??

[timbercreek]

I have found that both the block and head on my 1985 mercruiser 140 3.0L (inline 4 with a pre-alpha I) have a crack in them and the outdrive needs some attention. I have a couple of options:
1 - repair engine - weld crack in block & get a new head, fix outdrive.
2 - swap engine with a newer engine and newer out drive.
I have found a shop to fix the old block, but was thinking that I might be smart to swap the engine with a newer one and a newer out drive. Do any of you all have any insight on this, especially keeping the old engine and updating the outdrive to an alpha II or ........

Thanks-
David

[Frosty]

You have a third option

4/ Throw away boat

An option requiring serious consideration , to be frank.

[Than Mg Chin]

Dear David,
Try To Use New One, For My Experiences Cracked Engines Have Lots Of Problems. But You Can Repair The Old Engines And Keep It For Emmergency.
Thanks

[marshmat]

Don't discount Jack's idea..... in an '85 you may well have hull deterioration as well, and you should give the entire boat structure a thorough inspection before making a decision.
If you decide to repower, and are intending to keep the boat, I'd put in a rebuilt 3.0/Alpha. You can fix worn out crap forever, but there comes a point where it's cheaper to just bite the bullet and put in a crate-fresh, warrantied, professionally rebuilt power package. I think a brand-new motor would not be worth it, unless the boat is really nice. When you're twenty miles from the dock and the worn out old drive snaps a driveshaft, you'll understand.

[Frosty]

Im just going of what Gonzo says and what Ive seen on ebay. America seems to be awash with boats. Just go buy another!!

[Titanic]

I had posted earlier, when you asked about water in the oil. I had the same problem with a cracked block between 2 and 3 cylinders. I ended up buying another boat. However I still have the old one. Just as an option I found what I thought was a reasonable price on a brand new complete engine. You can go to their web site at MichiganMotorz.com. and check it out.