Trojan Boat Forum

Well, the engine is finally back together. What started as a simple rebuild ended up being pretty much a new engine. New block, new crank, new pistons and rings, new stainless valves and springs, 3 angle valve job, new oil pump....etc......The mechanic wants to replace the oil cooler. It is a combo engine and trans cooler and looks expensive....... Since the original engine spun a bearing, he says there is no good way to flush the cooler and some metal could remain in the cooler.....not good on the new engine.

Sounds logical to me but thought I'd check with the team.............thanks.......John

Good job - better to be safe on the cooler ... would seem like your could tak eit out and back flush it, but who knows if little bits could be stuck in there and vibrate out when you hit a wave?

Haven't had a boat engine done but have had a few trucks done and mech's wouldn't cover engine with old cooler, so take it out of the excuses of a failure.

If there is metal in it replace it

I would certianly hesitate leaving the old cooler in the system. If the new engine should fail that would not only be a good excuse but also a good reason. Good luck with your decision. Larry

Update: Just spent a week in Kentucky visiting daughter and grand kids. I was hoping to come back to find the motor back in the boat but no such luck. The motor is back at the marina and the mechanic has started re-assembly. He is currently waiting on the new oil/trans cooler. Should be back in the water in a week, two at the most..suns shining and I'm getting the itch......gonna see if the bass boat can scratch the itch this week..........John

Update: Well not much new, mechanic is still putting the motor together. The new oil/trans cooler arrive yesterday. I didn't like the way the alt bearings felt and took it in and had new bearings put in. I'm trying to cover all bases on the rebuild. Currently looking for a specific intake hose.

I'm considering using a reinforced flex host but am concerned that the ribbing might affect flow?? Any thoughts on this?

I'm anxious to get her back in the water. I put another coat of polish on yesterday. I used a yachtbrite product called "pro polish"......I was impressed with the shine and recommend this to anyone......anybody use this before. Hoping to splash next week............John

This has been really good info for those of us with similar aged boats thinking about doing the same. Thanks for being so open about what is going on with the boat. It seems that the quote for the rebuild is a "starting point" and that you can count on the hidden things adding to the total amount.

When you are back in the water it would be interesting to know your thoughts on:
* would you still go rebuild vs new?
* from the initial rebuild quote- how much overage should you budget for these unknown items...

thanks.

Mytrojan.........I will gladly provide the answers to your 2 questions when I have them. The original estimate included $500 for incidentals but we blew through that with a new raw water pump, engine water pump and new oil/trans cooler.......on the upside, the marina mechanic is going to standby the original rebuild estimate from the machinist even thought we changed blocks and cranks................John

[quote]now there's a mech that understands repeat and word of mouth biz... Wink.....

So true, it took me 2 years to find a mechanic I trusted, one that would return calls and do what he said he would do when he said he would do it. I have already referred several dock mate to him..........John

[quote="jddens"]
I'm considering using a reinforced flex host but am concerned that the ribbing might affect flow?? Any thoughts on this?

If you're talking about raw water flow, I would use reinforced. If not, any collapse in the hose from the pump suction will surely destroy the impellar and overheat the engine.

+1

Ron

Reinforced for sure, I was just wondering if flex would work. Turns out it won't, this particular hose is different size at each end......merc part only..

The bottom is painted and the engine is back in and undergoing final adjustments, might splash tomorrow!! It's been over 2 months and I'm ready to get her back in the water with the new engine.......not looking forward to writing the final check.... It's going to take some serious cleaning to get her back to her former glory after sitting exposed in the boat yard for over 2 months.....but nothing a little elbow grease and a few beers can't fix...Here's a couple pics for your viewing pleasure.......John