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Remanufactured Engine Companies?

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hamone

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Does anyone have recommendations for companies that sell remanufactured Mercruiser engines? I am refurbishing our 1983 SeaRay, which we bought new, and it’s been determined we need to replace the engine. It has a cracked block and exhaust manifold. The engine is a 185 hp V6 229 3.8. I am replacing the stern drive also, if you know of any companies that sell those too. Thanks!
 
Your location might help folks direct you to a place.-----Or look online for a shop in your area.-----crowley marine----comes to mind.
 
Sorry, I am in SW Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake. FYI, tried Crowley but no luck. So far, S&J out of Washington state is the only one I’ve found with my engine. Would prefer someone closer if possible. Tried our only area shop but they’ve gone out of business (Terry Walters Engines). Thanks for SEI’s name for the drive. Will probably use them but disappointed they couldn’t provide any names for the engine, said to “find one on my own”. Would think they’d have a list to share without recommending anyone particular. Will try Ed’s Marine in the AM. Thank both of you the responses!
 
First, Google can be your friend. Search for Re-manufactured Marine GM V6 engine.

I did a quick search and this is one that came up. I am not recommending this company but it is one of several choices I found.

rebuilt marine engines 1983 GMC

SandJ Engines - 1(800)942-7800-rebuilt-marine-engines-1983-GMC
www.sandjengines.com www.sandjengines.com
 
Thanks for your reply. I am using google and found S&J, as you did, as I noted in my prior post. Would like someone closer, if.possible, to Virginia. S&J is in Washington state.

Just to repost what I am looking for: a crated remanufactured 1983 Mercruiser 185 hp V6 229 3.8 to go in our 1983 SeaRay Monaco 185.

I also have a plan B, if it would work. Are there any other Mercruiser V6 engines, say a 4.3 L, that would bolt up to replace my 185 229 3.8? Need to make sure the SEI stern drive would also bolt up also.

Any/all replies are appreciated. Sorry if any of my comments are confusing. Just trying to our boat back in service.

Thanks!
 
There are a few things needed.

1. A photo or serial number for your outdrive. 1983 it could be a R, MR, or Alpha. (MR and Alpha are basically the same) The R drive is a different design internally. Once the drive is identified then a SEI is easy to choose and will be a direct replacement.
what kind of engine replacement are you looking for?
1. Plug and play meaning a complete engine removed from a repower?
2. A remanufactered Long block?
3. A remanufactured short block (no heads)?

Based on my review of Facebook Market place there are a lot of mercruiser parts, engines and drives available usually at reasonable prices.

Maybe someone here can answer if a newer V6 say, Late 80's to early 90's is a direct swap. Newer may have the balance shaft which makes for a smoother idle and running.

It looks like your model is a Point ignition, Is this true?
A newer version if a complete drop in may have the Thunderbolt electronic ignition which is a great update from points.
 
hamone said:
I also have a plan B, if it would work. Are there any other Mercruiser V6 engines, say a 4.3 L, that would bolt up to replace my 185 229 3.8? Need to make sure the SEI stern drive would also bolt up also.
Click to expand...
Ayuh,.... A take-out motor if you want a 4.3l, you'll need also the flywheel cover, as I believe the Buick is different,.....
I knew OMC used those motors, but didn't know Merc ever did,....
Being so, a dressed take-out motor is probably yer best chance of success,....
 
If it is a chevy 229 not a buick 3.8 replace it with a 4.3 long block.

michigan motorz is a well known place
 
Thanks for all replies!
kghost, a few pictures attached, and, looking for a remanufactured long block. My existing engine has a point/condensor ignition.
 
Finally, here's a document with a few pictures containing our boat engine info.
 

Attachments

  • engine info.pdf
    589.2 KB · Views: 52
Based on the drive serial number as referenced to this image taken from the Mercruiser outdrive manual # 6.

Your drive is a MR That means the Alpha drive will work. (Do not choose R)

There were three drives back in '83/'84. All other parts other than what is mentioned below were the same for all 3 versions.

1. R drive - vertical drive shaft in lower drive had a preload pin and the bearing under water pump base was inverted compared to the MR/Alpha.

2 MR drive- new design for the bearing under the water pump base and the Preload pin was deleted from design and the vertical shaft had an O-
ring groove near splines at top of shaft.

3. Alpha drive- Same as MR with no Oring groove, The groove was a breakage point when hitting a rock or what ever and the shaft would brake at the Oring groove.

All you need is the gear ratio. It is either 1.84:1 or 1.65:1. This can be by he number stamped on the drive, counting of upper case gear set.





Outdrive ID for 6863363.JPG
 
hamone said:
Finally, here's a document with a few pictures containing our boat engine info.
Click to expand...
from the engine number parts breakdown (and Valve cover) it looks like that is the chevy 229 . Chevy took the 305 and 350 V*s took two cylinders out and came up with the 229 V6 and 4.3 respectively. My brother had a 229 in a 1980 chevy malibu when we were in high school.

At any rate what that means is if you get a 4.3 reman it will bolt in place. My advice would be to get a newer Vortec 4.3 with a 4 bbl you woul dhave 220 hp or so.

It would be ideal to get a partial engine package - not sure if Michigan Motorz still does or can make a 4.3 version of this -

michiganmotorz.com

5.7L Vortec Marine SILVER Package - 315 hp - (1967-2015)

5.7L Vortec marine engine-SILVER Package (1967-2013 replacement)
michiganmotorz.com michiganmotorz.com

I got a silver package 5.0 in 2016 when I repowered my boat works great for almost 10 years now...

this is a link to their reman 4.3 long blocks https://michiganmotorz.com/4-3l-vortec-marine-engine-1996-2007/

here is another place - 4.3 reman partial engine

marineengines4less.com

Remanufactured 4.3L Vortec Marine Extended Base Engine With Carburetor (Replaces 1996-2007)

Family owned and operated with over 40 years in the marine engine and parts industry. Our Florida location provides you with affordable marine engines and parts
marineengines4less.com marineengines4less.com

and with exhaust

marineengines4less.com

Remanufactured 4.3L Vortec Marine Extended Base Engine With Exhaust (Replaces 1996-present)

Family owned and operated with over 40 years in the marine engine and parts industry. Our Florida location provides you with affordable marine engines and parts
marineengines4less.com marineengines4less.com
 
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