TeamSaris

PQ,
I hope you don't think we're all ganging up on you or coming down on you hard. Just looking out for a fellow boater. But think of it this way. When Merc upgraded your engine to 365hp, it got all forged internals (among other things). They didn't do it because they thought someone might mod it some day. They did it because it needed it. At my shop, we won't upgrade a non-mag engine. It just isn't worth it. IF if its a 4 bolt block we can use it. Its usually beneficial to the client to sell and start fresh. Even the upgraded GM Performance rods (502MAG and some HP 500s) are un happy over 5400. You're already there.

You've got a good group of people here. The one thing we all have in common is the opinion that whoever built your engine isn't in tune with the demands of marine big blocks.

PQ290Enticer

I'm just looking at his sheet and it says piston clearance .002 - .0025 the other engine was all .002. I am however starting to think that some of this paperwork is bogus....

SB

I missed that somewhere.
Ruh roh shaggy.
https://media.giphy.com/media/3otPoF...3R72/giphy.gif

PQ290Enticer

So they are 4-bolt mains. I used the stock cast crank. My limited knowledge is most engines don't break the crank first. I upgraded the connecting rods. They are from Eagle 6135P but they have the 7/16" bolts. The pistons look to be KB 203 STD.

Unlimited jd

Your story just keeps getting worse. It’s like watching a sh!ttt movie and thinking “no he’s not going to….. yep he did”

PQ290Enticer

I can't begin to tell you how I wish I was on the other side of this. This too shall pass. Maybe not till next year, but it will pass.

PQ290Enticer

I'm not sure if I brought this up or not but I really thought I was doing everything right. I didn't try to build these myself in the garage. I thought I was doing a pretty decent build based on the money I had to spend and the guidance I was given by a "professional engine builder of racing engines". Sounded like exactly what I was looking for. You guys that do build know that I have a ton of cash (I suppose that's relative) tied up these and now probably another 5 - 7k to get them corrected. Marine spec's versus hot rod spec's aren't exactly on a billboard somewhere so I didn't know to ask. Maybe he should have known? The guy had a nice shop, plenty of tools, machinery and engines around. Same stuff happens in my profession. Hire the wrong guy to remodel your kitchen and it can take years to finish if you can find him.
Some of your memes and comments are hilarious. However, again, I would find them funnier if I was on the other side of this.
Anyway, I do appreciate the help. This really could have gone bad. 5-7k is way better than what could have been.
Missing one more season isn't the end of the world....I hope.
My wife and I still have the pontoon.......

underpsi68

Sorry for all your troubles. Most of us have probably been in your shoes one way or another. At least the ones that will admit it!!. Prosonally I would start off with disassembling the engines. Check to see what the bearing clearances really are. Check to see what the piston to cylinder clearance really is. Same with valve to guide clearances. Check valve spring installed height and measure actual spring pressure at closed and open height. Maybe some will be better then you were told. 🤞

PQ290Enticer

So I made an offer / request to the original engine builder. He was out of the office so I hope to hear back tomorrow. I offered / asked for the amount of money it would take to tear both engines down complete, hone or bore the cylinders correctly to the piston manufacturers clearance spec's and put them back together again. I would assume as part of the cost he would have to buy new rings because the end gap will probably be too large? I don't know if there are other items that should be included. Maybe some gaskets? To be clear, I'm NOT actually going back to his shop nor will I have this work as described above done. There should be a "Dollar Amount" attached to this amount of work as ridiculous as it sounds and that dollar amount is all I'm after. I am holding him "harmless" for the rest of the things. I don't know if anyone has a number or range in mind for this, maybe just engine builders? I realize we all don't live in the same area so pricing will vary (maybe a lot) but I am wondering what this procedure might cost? Any thoughts? I just want to make an educated decision IF he decides to go with it and makes an offer. My first thought is that he will want to actually do the work and control the cost which I can understand however, that's not happening. There is a trust factor that has been broken. I also feel after all of these comments that most or all of the other numbers might be bogus. Thanks for your comments.

Unlimited jd

The rings will be fine. A couple thousandths ring gap won’t matter.