MILD THUNDER

The merlin heads aint to bad. If you wanna get boating, you can always order up a 454 GM crate SHORTBLOCK, for around 3800 bucks. GEN VI, forged 1053 crank, 4340 rods, swap out a few pieces, throw a decent cam in it, and bolt the merlins back on it.

Probably by the time you rebuild your current shortblock thats already .060 over, with the right parts, machine work, balancing, you'll probably be money ahead buying a new GM shortblock. Just stay away from the ebay specials, and reman junk.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...98778/10002/-1

sutphen 30

I'd also check that the harmonic balancer's timing mark TDC is in the correct spot.look inside the carb bowls and metering plates.almost everthing in the fuel system is suspect.

BajaKevin

They are. Merlin World products "Grumpy" series. 1-043C casting


It is indeed a MLS gasket. I know it doesn't look like it in the pic but it has 3 layers.


Also thanks for everyone for their input and suggestions/help with this and not flaming me for my ignorance. I'm extremely mechanically inclined however this is my first venture with a performance bbc engine.

MILD THUNDER

Is there rivets holding the layers together? MLS gaskets have multiple layers, separated by steel between each layer. You can take them apart like a puzzle. Like this

BajaKevin

Yea. I'd get you a pic but I'm at work right now.

BenPerfected

Before spending any $ on this engine, I would get the input from a pro like Bob Madera. What if there are other significant issues with this engine? IMO, marine engines are not good DYI projects.

dereknkathy

obviously it all depends on where OP is fiscally. a lot of people drop 13k (guess) on a boat and 2 months later are not in a position to throw 3 to 5k at a replacement engine. my cheapo suggestions are if that is his only option for this season. that or look at it in the driveway. and saving that engine would turn it into a cruiser, not a sustained high throttle use boat.

BajaKevin

I have a very reputable machinist/machine shop local to me here in Maryland. My first step before making any decisions is going to have him check over everything and let me know what he thinks.

Unfortunately it is seeming more and more like this boat was suppose to have 4 tires on it instead of an outdrive. Lol.

Guess I'm walking proof of the saying "knowing just enough to get myself in trouble" lol. Lesson learned.

ezstriper

sorry for the issue...couple of things, ck balancer, make sure has not slipped, 0 should line up with keyway, seen that happen and then timing can be miles off, also may have been way lean from carb...hard to be sure without tuning with a wideband 02, just found that out, also I have a brand new 489 short block, 4 bolt main block, eagle 4.25 crank and rods, KB forged pistons, balanced assembled $3500 fresh from engine shop, and I'm not to far from you...Rob

Full Force

Not a MLS gasket.... just is not...