Engine question

[Roger_70]

First of all: Thank you Rick and others for clarifying what it would take to install a new engine on an old sterndrive.

My adventure however seem to continue...

The new engine I was referring to in an old thread is an 4.3GXI-DF. The engine is brand new and has never been used but today I found out that it is from 2002 or 2003.

So my question is, how smart would it be to buy this engine even if I get a very good deal on it? As said, it has never been used but it is already 12 years old. Besides ordinary maintenance with changing oils and other fluids before firing it up what else would be required to make sure everything works fins? I guess some gaskets need replacing but what about other internal engine parts? How well does the fuel injection system cope with this? How much damage can time do to an engine? Is it asking for trouble to buy this and install it?

What do you think?

 

[RicardoMarine]

If this engine had been properly fogged (special technique for MPI) and stored inside and dry, internal engine components should be ok.
If the fuel was stabilized, the fuel delivery system should also be ok.

Why not make the sale contingent upon a successful start up?
If the seller is listing this as a "new and un-used" engine, I doubt that he'd have a problem with that.



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[Roger_70]

Well... that is the question. It is still in the wrap it came from the factory, so this depends on what Volvo does to them before shipping them.

Are there no concerns with valve springs staying compressed for x years, or gaskets and oil seals drying and causing oil leaks etc. ?

I am more worried that some faults will appear (like leaking oil) after having used the engine for a while.

I guess in the end, you can fix almost everything but that will also add cost...

 

[sandkicker]

If this engine had been properly fogged (special technique for MPI) and stored inside and dry, internal engine components should be ok.
If the fuel was stabilized, the fuel delivery system should also be ok.

Why not make the sale contingent upon a successful start up?
If the seller is listing this as a "new and un-used" engine, I doubt that he'd have a problem with that.



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Ditto what Rick said... I'd like to add.... stored in Los Angeles is one thing stored here on the Jersey shore or Charleston, another.

I had a (used) high performance high quality auto engine stored without running for that long before selling it. New owner sprayed the bores with lube, cleaned the carb, changed oil, filter and plugs ( and points) and it started and ran.

The most critical and expensive to replace seals should have been immersed in oil the whole time. I'd be most concerned with the starter (less so if stored in a low humidity locale), the belts and the impeller on the raw water pump if engine mounted. Also since this is a pre-ethanol engine, I'd replace all non - metallic fuel lines with current production (year of manufacture is marked on marine fuel lines) ethanol proof lines. Pop the cap off the disti and check for condensation damage.

 

[RicardoMarine]

.............

Well... that is the question. It is still in the wrap it came from the factory, so this depends on what Volvo does to them before shipping them.
Contact a Volvo Penta rep and ask what the protocal is.
This is an MPI engine...... so perhaps extra measures were taken at the factory.

Are there no concerns with valve springs staying compressed for x years,
At any given time, many of the valve springs are under compression.... some more than others depending on where the camshaft was was it came to rest.
Nonethe less, these are under compression up to the tune of .450" or .500" on some engines.
Now.... since the engine has been stationary for all of these years, the springs that have been compressed have certainly remained compressed moreso than the other springs have been.

However, consider an engine that has been run for 25 years or so on a daily basis. Start/stop/start/stop... etc.
These springs have no doubt shifted positions regarding being compressed... but they do survive just fine.

or gaskets and oil seals drying and causing oil leaks etc. ?
All you can do is run it and take a look see. Do this on an engine stand prior to installing it in your boat.
You're buying a new engine at a discount.... but that does not necessarily mean that you'll need to forgo a warrantee... yes/no?
However..... let's look at the worst case scenarion.
The late model engine rear 1 pc crankshaft seal is very easy to replace...... likewise with the front seal.

I am more worried that some faults will appear (like leaking oil) after having used the engine for a while.
Be pro-active with the rear main seal, and replace it now.
The front seal can be replaced without removing the engine... but why not do it also?

I guess in the end, you can fix almost everything but that will also add cost...
And this cost would increase if it requires pulling the engine back out later on.