Threemuch Repair Update

Threemuch · 04-10-2003, 03:07 PM

Just visited my boat at the mechanic. Not good. One piston is frozen in the cylinder, and the rod broke. The broken rod pretty much trashed the block, meaning that I eat that on the core charge. It was really ugly. The other cylinders were completely smooth, no damage at all. Sad day for me. Current estimate is $4500.

Unfortunately the mechanic tells me that the Sea drive power head is a different part number than other 1988-1991 225 Looper power heads, and he can't find one. I was told they were the same by the surveyor when I bought it.

Sad day for threemuch. Next time, I/O for sure. Cheap parts, complete repower (brand spanking new) for $10K.

Birdnest · 04-10-2003, 03:30 PM

:depressed:

Pilar · 04-10-2003, 03:45 PM

Kurt ... ouch.

If it was me .. I'd rather make a monthly payment on a new or used Honda 4 stroke than re-up the offending 2 stroke.

I don't wish you any ill will, Kurt but you are signing up for more of the same with that motor. It burns way too much fuel and it may fail again. How would you feel about it on the second iteration?

Just a thought.

corrirod · 04-10-2003, 04:00 PM

Kurt, I'm with Pilar. With all the folks on this board we ought to be able to scour the internet and find you a good deal on a re-power. Say the word, give us the criteria, and let the searching begin. What do you think?

Beer Waggin · 04-10-2003, 04:04 PM

look here.....

http://www.boatmotors.com/rebuilt_outboard_motors/

Fishplay · 04-10-2003, 09:50 PM

I gotta go with the boy's on this Kurt. You can buy a lot of motor for 5-6 K. The newer direct injected 2 strokes are much more efficient than the old ones. You don't have to spend 10k on a new 4 stroke to solve the fuel use issue.

My Dad is talking about replacing his Ocean Pro with a new 4 stroke. It's the ficht model and would do better than your OMC on fuel. I'll try to get a price for you. What do you feel you need for minimum HP.

edsr · 04-11-2003, 08:28 AM

Kurt - What those guys said - As I remember it this engine is a gas guzzler without equal. It's old and could break down with a new problem on the next trip out. Sounds like a bad investment , hard to get parts, major bucks to fix, and you still have an old motor. The repair will cost more than the motor is worth, your're up-side-down in this situation. Is it worth anything in trade? Get a 4cycle- Honda, Yamaha, and Merc come to mind. Best of luck what ever you decide to do.

edsr

Threemuch · 04-11-2003, 08:28 AM

As I look at 225 HP used motors, for 6K, I am not getting much more than I have, an early 90s vintage two stroker. And add a couple grand for the bracket and installation. No way. I might be interested in a 225 four stroker, but new that is 20K installed. Used? Why is someone getting rid of an engine they just bought? They have only been out a year.

Fishplay, I would be interested in your dad's engine. How much? I might go for a 200hp, but definitely not less than that.
KB

Miss B Haven · 04-11-2003, 09:22 AM

Ouch! Too bad. If it was a volkswagon pancake motor you could just replace the one cylinder. If it was a "good" diesel you could sleeve it. Sounds like all you have is a new anchor now. :depressed:
I'd be down permanent with that kind of expense right now (until the REAL Economic recovery hits anyway). [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]
If you don't get her fixed I got an open seat for ya Kurt on any trip I make this year. :smile:

I Sure hope Miss B Haven behaves a few more years(mechanically anyway)!

Pilar · 04-11-2003, 09:37 AM

Kurt, would a pair of smaller hp outboards work?

You could prolly find motors in the 100hp to 130hp range a bit easier than the 200+ you are currently looking for. Two motors is a little bit of a degrade on total power but you gain some redundancy. I'm not really sure what happens to fuel mileage.

One other thought. My neighbor in the cube prairie dog farm is a Portland water spectacular show ski team member. They have found some creative ways to power boats cheap. His suggestions include ... Check Cascade marine for new old stock motors. One deal he told me about was 2 Mariner 200 hp motors for 8K each. They were several years old but never used or sold. Check out the new prices on Stevens marine merc outboards, reputed to be the lowest on the west coast. Try to pick up a 1 yr old demo motor at either dealer. The ski team gets these to use for 1 yr. The dealer sells them at the end of the year for much less than new but with a new motor warranty.

Just a few thoughts. BTW the new model Optimax mercs are now very fuel efficient ... approaching the same mileage as 4 strokes, lighter, smaller and less expensive than 4 strokes.

[ 04-11-2003, 10:49 AM: Message edited by: Pilar ]

bait boy · 04-11-2003, 04:54 PM

I know you've probably seen this but motor for the boat

Mello-Yello · 04-11-2003, 06:38 PM

For what it's worth, I know a local guy who bought a brand spanking new OB in Canada. I believe it was a Merc. As I remember it, he didn't have to pay any kind of tariffs cuz it's american built. With the value of the american $ , he saved over $4,000.

Just a thought...

WP · 04-12-2003, 03:35 PM

Kurt,
I am saddened by this news. I hope that you find a viable alternative for power. You know you are welcome with me anytime we mesh. I also know the pain of not having your own ride working and available. Good luck my friend!
WP
:depressed: