Repower 1999 350 Mariner

[dlldxb]

Hi,

I am overseas, so access to skilled service is limited. Looking for advice based on forums experience. I have a 1999 350 Mariner with twin Crusader 5.7 MPI V drive. Port engine seized. I had someone take for me to get registration done and assuming after that last run, something leaked and due to my travel schedule wasn't discovered until return and found would not turn over. FWC reservoir dry. I spoke with the shop manager at the marina I usually do my haul outs at about rebuild and repair. His comeback was startling, he didn't have any skilled petrol engine mechanics and he couldn't recommend anyone in the local market he would trust. So I am faced with either a rebuild, getting a base engine and bolting on 24 year old components, or buying 6L crusader complete drop in (I am told 5.7MPI no longer available, so latter means 2 engines). The 6L is certainly an upgrade with added FWC also to the manifolds, but do i want to spend 16K time 2 on 24 year old boat. Ordering a base engine opens up a pandora box of finding other issues with bolt on parts and availability in an area where I have been warned of lack of skill.

Note, the boat was originally on a lake, so the FWC was added after by Florida dealer, so no factory FWC. Otherwise condition of the boat is excellent.

Has anyone re-powered this era of Mariner with the newer 6L? any fit issues? I assume that crusader to crusader will have some common connections, wiring harness etc.

appreciate any feedback Thanks

[Cooler]

You should be able to purchase a 5.7 from an engine rebuilder. It would come as a short block, meaning just engine and no components, or a long block, which means includes components and is ready to just drop in. Will be much less than new engine, and an exact fit. Reach out to Crusader, or a dealer in your area, to get help with locating a rebuilt engine. They normally come with a guarantee of some sort. Good luck! er

[bud37]

First thing, how are you sure the engine is no good ?

The 6.0 is the same basic engine as the 5.7, just internal, these boats came with a few different engine options so fit should be no issue, maybe a few minor things to engineer....you will need the ecu for the engine you choose though. If you decide, the entire package including trans/v drive gear case would be the way to go if you can afford that.

Who will do the repower work for you ?

[dlldxb]

You should be able to purchase a 5.7 from an engine rebuilder. It would come as a short block, meaning just engine and no components, or a long block, which means includes components and is ready to just drop in. Will be much less than new engine, and an exact fit. Reach out to Crusader, or a dealer in your area, to get help with locating a rebuilt engine. They normally come with a guarantee of some sort. Good luck! er

Thanks, but the issue is no local dealers. Anything I get will be shipped from USA. I'll reach out to Crusader, but their website looked like it was not attended.

[dlldxb]

Main issue is I cant find a reputable shop, and the marina I trust would not recommend anyone locally as he said none were reputable. They can handle the repower if it's a drop in, they just don't have the techs to troubleshoot a gas engine. Ideally I would live a local teardown and rebuild of existing engine.

[km1125]

I would think going the short block route would be the most cost-effective. I can't imagine shipping would add too much to the cost, but it would take longer because it would have to go by freighter.

Here is one such source:
https://www.michiganmotorz.com/

They even tout "We ship parts and engines worldwide!" (although with a caveat of " **MERCURY BRAND ITEMS CAN ONLY BE SOLD AND SHIPPED TO ADDRESSES WITHIN THE UNITED STATES.", but I don't think that's an issue in this case)

[dlldxb]

OK, I am going to make a wild tangent here. Last night after going online looking for rebuilds, all of which will require international shipping, I came across some electric conversions. Trade the gas tanks for batteries, batteries in the center between the stringers and engine and trans replaces with electric motor direct connect to V drive? Every boat slip already has a charging station, the power riser. And in my case we only do local coastal cruises to anchorage. Not ideal for everyone but in my scenario, I'll at lest look at cost comparison. Hmmmm

[bud37]

Source of the post I came across some electric conversions.

Now that would be interesting, there are some big boats being made that are a sort of hybrid...Greenline comes to mind. Good luck and let us know what you find.

[km1125]

If you're just going to use it as a trawler, and don't intend on very long distance voyages, then a conversion might make sense. Otherwise it's just a academic exercise.

[Cooler]

Yes, communication with Crusader can be challenging. The one time I needed some info from them, they ran the coomunication through a nearest dealer, which was a few hundred miles from me. That electric conversion sounds interesting, but the cost is going to be surprising. If you continue in that direction, let us know! Good luck. er