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Can a 4.3 engine be removed and replaced without pulling the omc outdrive?

Hello, I have A 1985 OMC stringer 800 with a 4.3 cracked engine block,
Can the engine be R&R removed and replaced with out removing the out drive?
Seems like it would be impossible to slide the engine on to the gimbal bearing and shaft.
 
Ayuh,..... You've got a unique problem,.....

A replacement block for yer boat is gonna be pretty tough to find,.....
Ya need another 1985 4.3l, they're 1st year,....
In 1986, the rear main seal changed, 'n won't fit yer application,.....

'n if ya pull the motor from the mid-section, the drive is gonna fall outa the hole in the hull,....
'n ya stand a pretty good chance of bendin' the input shaft of the drive, both pullin' it, 'n puttin' it back in,.....
I believe the proper sequence is drop the drive, then pull the motor, 'n mid-section as a unit,.....
 
Ayuh,..... You've got a unique problem,.....

A replacement block for yer boat is gonna be pretty tough to find,.....
Ya need another 1985 4.3l, they're 1st year,....
In 1986, the rear main seal changed, 'n won't fit yer application,.....

'n if ya pull the motor from the mid-section, the drive is gonna fall outa the hole in the hull,....
'n ya stand a pretty good chance of bendin' the input shaft of the drive, both pullin' it, 'n puttin' it back in,.....
I believe the proper sequence is drop the drive, then pull the motor, 'n mid-section as a unit,.....

Thanks.
I just replaced the transome seal, tilt motor.
If there is a problem finding a 1985 4.3 marine engine short block.
I think I'm going to stay with the boats I know the best, Inboards, V-drives and borg warner velvet drives with a muscle engine.
This omc can go out for parts boat.
Thanks for all your help. PJ
 
Ayuh,..... You've got a unique problem,.....

A replacement block for yer boat is gonna be pretty tough to find,.....
Ya need another 1985 4.3l, they're 1st year,....
In 1986, the rear main seal changed, 'n won't fit yer application,.....

'n if ya pull the motor from the mid-section, the drive is gonna fall outa the hole in the hull,....
'n ya stand a pretty good chance of bendin' the input shaft of the drive, both pullin' it, 'n puttin' it back in,.....
I believe the proper sequence is drop the drive, then pull the motor, 'n mid-section as a unit,.....

I found a rebuilt 4.3 1985 , from Tri-Star engines
[FONT=&quot]PART # P4049M 4.3L REMANUFACTURED MARINE ENGINE

•4.3L Marine Engine
•Fits 1985 Applications
[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Online price: [FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]$2,292.00
To much $$$ for this boat.It going for sale for a parts boat.[/FONT][/FONT]
[/FONT]
 
Hey ,I just had had a thought.
What about replacing the 1985 4.3 engine with a Chevy S-10 or Blazer 4.3 ??
All the marine stuff on the omc engine should fit, Starter, altenator, flywheel, distributor, ECT.
Has anybody done this??
i have done it on inboard V-drive or borg warners. Corvette engines, Ford mustang engines, They fit just fine.
 
As for the automotive S-10 engine, the automotive camshaft will very likely be incorrect for true Marine Engine use.

Also, regarding any re-sale value...... the old Stringer Drives are not sought after these days. As a matter of fact, they are commonly avoided by those looking for a used boat.

However, if for some reason you absolutely love this boat, or if you have great sentimental value for it...... then go for it!


.
 
Was that engine gold plated?

Nope, but the 1985 4.3l is a 1 hit wonder, only built that 1 year,....

The rear main seal changed in '86,...
The OP's flywheel, 'n coupler won't fit any 4.3l, But the 1985,...

'course the stringer drive also died in 1985,...
The Cobra came out in '86, 'n has absolutely Nothin' in common with the ole stringer drive,....
 
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