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skipjackmike

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"I have a 1985 Skipjack 20&#39

"I have a 1985 Skipjack 20'
While out at the island last month my engine alarm went off. According to both of my local mechanics, my engine has seized and needs to be replaced. I have only had the boat for two years and it's been on a trailer during that time. Before that, the boat was in the water for about 15 years. I am looking at the various options 1) Rebuild old engine (mechanic says it's not worth it) 2) buy a new or remanufactured long block and use all my old parts 3)Buy a remanufactured engine COMPLETE with all new components. I am leaning towards a complete new engine. I'm not sure it's worth it to use any of my old parts. Any thoughts on this? Also, I was told that I need to replace the bell housing when I replace the motor. Is this true? Does anyone know if a model # AQ260A replacement engine will fit my boat? Will I have any issues connecting it to my current outdrive?"
 
"Hi,

I think that your deci

"Hi,

I think that your decision depends on how much you want to spend on your engine. I went not long ago through a similar exercise, but I decided to rebuild an old engine instead. In my case, and after magnafluxing them, the block was replaced for a core that was rebored at 0.030", the crankshaft (already undersize) was polished, and one of the heads was repaired (had a crack on it). The finals cost was not much different from buying a remanufactured engine, BUT at least I had control over the quality of the parts that were installed during rebuilding. So far I am very pleased the reults, but the engine has barely 30 hours on it since rebuilt.

Regarding you having to replace the bellhousing, I see no reason for that if you intend to keep your current transom shield and outdrive, unless 1) the current bellhousing is NG, or 2) you have a bellhousing for a Chevy 350 with a 12-1/2" flywheel and your mechanic is talking about you getting a newer Chevy engine with a 14" flywheel (in which case you would have to replace the starter as well); or 3) you currently have a Ford engine and are going to install a Chevy, in which case you will end having to replace the transom shield and the Y-pipe as well, and all of this means big bucks (I know, I just went through it!!!)"
 
"Thanks for the info.
I just

"Thanks for the info.
I just came across a 350 engine (complete) that was pulled from a boat that was running in fresh water. It is almost identical to my old engine. 250 hrs on it and the manifolds are in great shape. The seller want $2,500 for it. I think I'm gonna jump on it! He said he's pull my old engine and outdrive and replace with working engine and charge me $800. He is a reputable marine shop so I'm felling pretty lucky......so far. My exhuast collector is shot, so I'm gonna replace that when the engines out as well."
 
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