How serious is a rod bearing replacement on a 4.3?

[SurfGreenTele]

This Checkmate is only 15 min from me, and I looked it over today. The hull is absolutely beautiful. What would I be getting myself into with a rod bearing issue?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985-Checkmate-Starefire-18-Black-Beauty-Sharp-NR_W0QQitemZ320144706947QQihZ011QQcategoryZ31270QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[ragbagger270]

From my experience fooling around with 4X4's in a previous life, the 4.3 engine is known for that. I have seen brand new 4.3's develop rod knock. The individual rod could be repaired for automotive/truck use. It has been done and worked fine. Marine use is generally too hard on an engine to patch it up. Speedboats used on lakes which are just run intermittently can get away with automotive applications. I suspect the engine was bad when you got it. The problems of buying junkyard engines. Sometimes you get a good one, sometimes you don't. Your best and only sure option is to replace the short block assembly. This job is within the ability of reasonably skilled backyard mechanics. No offense intended, if you are asking this question this job may be too much for you. You need to price out a shortblock installation from local shops and see if this purchase makes sense. You are going to have another 4,000 into it with the new motor

[VetteLT193]

This Checkmate is only 15 min from me, and I looked it over today. The hull is absolutely beautiful. What would I be getting myself into with a rod bearing issue?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985-Checkmate-Starefire-18-Black-Beauty-Sharp-NR_W0QQitemZ320144706947QQihZ011QQcategoryZ31270QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Even if you factor in a whole new rebuilt engine, you are probably looking at $2,000. From the eBay ad, it sounds like $2500 would buy it, so you'd still be a really nice boat for under $5,000.

A better scenario is you can find someone to do the work for less, and you wind up with an even better deal...

Either way, it sure seems like a reasonable price to me.

[SurfGreenTele]

Thanks for the advice ragbagger and Vette. I'm thinking about it. Local marinas are saying about 800-1500 for labor, and about 3000 for a rebuilt engine. If I could get a hold of an engine privately, and a lift, I suppose I could get it mounted myself. I'm no mechanic, but handy at least. But I'll be looking at an OB Checkmate Exciter soon also, so I may end up going for that.

[chappy]

Just as a reference, I had my 350 mag completely rebuilt last summer for 2000. Shoot me a pm if you want the details.

Rich

[VetteLT193]

Thanks for the advice ragbagger and Vette. I'm thinking about it. Local marinas are saying about 800-1500 for labor, and about 3000 for a rebuilt engine. If I could get a hold of an engine privately, and a lift, I suppose I could get it mounted myself. I'm no mechanic, but handy at least. But I'll be looking at an OB Checkmate Exciter soon also, so I may end up going for that.

You can pick up whole motors for less than that. check eBay...

I searched real quick and found these.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/marine-engine-mercruiser-4-3-litre-V6_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50442QQihZ020QQitemZ 300139041386QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

and:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-3L-Remanufactured-Marine-Engine-Mercruiser-4-3_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50442QQihZ015QQitemZ2 50151274139QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[VetteLT193]

Oh, and I looked at a handful of checkmate (and similar) outboard boats... What scares the hell out of me is the motor. Finding someone to work on an outboard seems to be getting harder and harder. Everyone wants to re-power if there is a problem. Price out new outboards, be careful because you might fall off your chair. Your 2,000 boat could turn into a 15,000 boat really quick.

There is something to be said about the more 'modular' setup that an I/O provides.

[MOP]

Not that this is relevant but having worked on this stuff a major portion of my life I do not believe the truck engine BS. I in no way believe that engine has been touched in many a year! It is without doubt a very nice looking boat! For what another 4.3 would cost you could build up a much quicker V6 from scratch, check with Big GreenX

Phil

[gold-n-rod]

WTF? Why is there a passenger airbag switch from a late model pickup installed on the dash and why in the hell does he include a pic of it in the auction?????????????????? :bonk::bonk::bonk:

I'd be very afraid.

[MOP]

My old bulbs don't see an air bag switch:confused:

[BUIZILLA]

I saw it...

[gold-n-rod]

:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

[MOP]

Ok was looking in the wrong place!! It must be for giggle factor!!

[The Hedgehog]

Yes, you can do some good with the V-6. Pending on what you have as a base, (4bbl vs 2bbl, cam, etc) you can do it somewhat cheaply. Drop me a pm if you need some details. I am not the most knowledgeable one around but have spend some time on the subject recently.

[Mercrewser]

If youre going to go with a v6, close up the open exhaust, cause it will sound rediculous! I would call that goofy guy on Rt 9, I think it's anchor outboard. He has all sorts of used marine engines for sale. You could R&R the engine in 2 hours if you have another merc engine to drop in. Try a 350!

[Formula Jr]

Most of the other Checkmates of that kind, for sale, have perfectly good working marine V8s in them. Same price if you pencil it out....

Someone wants to pay $3,050 for this. let 'em have it....

[SurfGreenTele]

Went for $3350, ha! :eek: No way it's worth that.

I looked at and drove a very nice '87 Checkmate Exciter tonight, which I should be able to get for well under 3k...strong Mariner 175. Trailer is junk unfortunately, but the boat is great.