Carver Owners Forum

I recently purchased a 1989 Carver Montego 2755 and was told by my mechanic that it has a crack in the block. I don't know much about boat motors so I'm asking for input on what I should do and guidance on what replacement motor I can buy. I want to make sure the mechanic doesn't rip me off. As far as I know my boat has a Volvo Penta 270hp motor in it currently.

There are 2 ways to go. You can have this current motor rebuilt, and pay for a core charge as the block is cracked. They will use all of your existing components to build a replacement. Other option is to buy an off the shelf replacement. Michagan Motors seems to get a pretty good review online.

The other question you have to consider is - what is your investment in this boat to date and what is your boat worth? You are probably looking at $3500 for a replacement motor, probably $1000-1500 to do the swap, maybe another $500 for misc items.

Buy a 270 hp marine long block, swap the Volvo components and you're done. Cheapest way to go. I would consider upgrading to 5.7L though. Better engine IMO and they're the same block so you should be able to swap/use all your current hardware.

When I had to replace a motor in my Carver I went with a Promar engines long block. It was a remanufactured long block and took them about a week to build. The process was great and they were a great company to work with. After 160hrs on it runs great. I think my 454 was around $3300 or something like that. Since your block is cracked you will need to pay the core charge. Also they required changing all oil lines, cooler, and required using break in oil with zinc (they had a list to choose from) in order to get the 2 year unlimited hour warranty.

If you're going to use your existing distributor and carb, you should have them rebuilt before installing on the new engine, or replace them with new ones if needed. If they're not in good shape, they may cause a major failure.

Do you know why the block is cracked, was it due to freezing? If not, you need to find out what caused it to crack or you may be introducing a new block into a preexisting problem that might cause it to fail prematurely. If this happens, the supplier won't honour the warranty.

Thanks for the input!

My total investment into this so far is only $6,500 and I'm not sure what I could get out of it if I sold it as is. I've already replaced the trim motor and carb. I've looked at the Michigan Motorz website, but am not sure which engine is a suitable replacement.

As far as why it cracked, is there a good way to figure that out?

jipatton wrote:Source of the post......I've looked at the Michigan Motorz website, but am not sure which engine is a suitable replacement.....

Give them a call, they should be able to help with that. At the very least, it'll give you an idea of the cost and how it compares to what you're marina/mechanic charges for the same thing. Something to consider is that if you buy the engine and have someone else install it, if the engine fails under warranty, you'll have to deal with the supplier. Depending on what caused the failure, the supplier may point the finger at the installer and the installer will point the finger at the re-builder, and you're stuck in the middle trying to get a resolution. Even if it's a supplier problem, the mechanic will charge you for follow-ups. The supplier will likely not compensate you for the labour. If you get the mechanic or marina to supply the motor and it fails, it's all on them to make good at their expense. It may cost a little more but worth it in the end if something goes wrong.

jipatton wrote:Source of the post.....As far as why it cracked, is there a good way to figure that out?

Your mechanic should be able to determine that. Depends on where the crack is. Is it raw water cooled or fresh water cooled (coolant)? Is this fresh water or salt water application? Are you in an area that requires winterizing? If so, that's the most likely reason. It may have been neglected or not done properly, and if the crack is a big smile on the side of the block, it froze.

I recommend adding your location to your profile, it'll tell us a lot about the environment you're in and help when answering questions.

There is a place in Mass. that sells new and rebuilt long blocks. They required no core for my Crusader 5.7L's, had them in 2 days two. I have the 02-long blocks I replaced for sale at core value of $ 1K if your interested. The former starboard engine needs rod bearings replaced at the least.

Do you have an update for us?