230 Limited engine thread
 

http://s378.photobucket.com/albums/o...t%20230%20LTD/
This is the slow beginning of the engine rebuild and bilge update project.
I bought this boat 8 years ago, it doesn't show any signs of being abused or being in salt water. The 260 merc ran fine, hour meter stopped @ 530hrs. Started to be down on power, found tuliped intake valve and burnt piston. So here we go! I enjoy reading all the threds with all the encouragement, restored a few cars, and the outside of a Formula, but never had an engine out or done the bilge area. So far all seems in very good shape floor and stringer wise. Look forward to the feedback, see if I can get the pics going here. Don't want this to be too long, I'll post more info as I go.
Jody

Most of these pics are documentation for me in case I forget how something was.
The new Vortec block also shown was a low milage roller motor, that had factory brass freeze plugs. This was in a truck from up north, original owner, never out of the truck.
I got a set of 6.2 Vortec heads from a forum member low hours, still collecting parts.
Jody

CC, I'm unable to view your Photobucket account. Message "Your attempt to view has failed". Will try again later.

I can't check it here at work. = )

I'm was able to access it from home. Your probably ok. I see your on the St. Johns are you up my way Deland area?

I'm in Kissimmee, that pic was taken a few years ago by South Moon fish camp headed to the springs.

Very nice Chris Craft. I like the color. Nice to see another Florida member here. Planning on putting a Thu-hull exhaust when you put the 260 back in the boat?

Funny you should ask,,,, I just bought the Teague switchable mufflers. "Eddie marine in the swap thread" from JRider.:party-smiley-020:

We'll have to get together and do some cruising when both our boats are in the water. I'm hoping for the first week in July. Waitng on parts to arrive, oil pan, timing cover, flywheel and a couple other pieces.

Sorry Multi post

This is going to take a while, not rushing it,and have been really busy lately, maybe Labor Day.
But,,, I also just aquired a Ski Nautique (long story but it was free!!)
If I can get it up and running until the 230 is done then sell it.:party-smiley-004:


Oh,,, Escobar,,,not a 260 going back in!!:whistle:

I'm thinking of moving the batteries down in front of the engine, behind the bulkhead, on top of the center, motormount stringers and between the outer stringers.
Any thoughts?? I don't like thm up on the floor in the back.
So far that's the only soft spot I've found is under where the batteries were mounted. Had a vent hose with a crack in it and let water in by the batteries.

Mine were located up against the transom....not such a good place, as water could leak in....i would put them under the back seats, or in the engine compartment closest to the cockpit.

Sam, that's what I'm leaning towards. I'm thinking about opening the floor up around the engine, it was pretty tight to work on the alternator etc. So just trying to get thoughts before tearing in to it!

I moved my batteries under the rear seat in a storage compartment that was already there. I laid in some carpet on the walls and floor the mounted the battery trays and mounted the battery selector switch on the wall.

Gator,
I thought of that, but I don't have too much room under the seat. Still have a little time before I start cuttin'! = )

I got the pistons and rods this past week,then dropped the block & heads off @ the machine shop Saturday.
Here we go!! Cha Ching :eekdrop:

Ok to update my thread, I have the engine parts here at the house. All the machine work is done, just need assembly, some sheet metal, rocker arms and measure for pushrods. I got side tracked with a ski boat but sold it this week, so the real boat is back on the front burner. And I haven't touched the boat in over a year it looks like from my last post!

http://s378.photobucket.com/user/che...ft%20230%20LTD

This is the updated photo album for the boat. I scored a set of Stainless Marine exhaust, not sure about the risers (no holes in the transom yet I want them higher than those look), may have to have them modified or sell them for a new set.
The short block pic is pre-assembly for blue printing and found it's a little tight. It's in the back of the truck right now headed to the machine shop tomorrow. Probably will have to use X bearings for a little more clearance. New crank and rods, the crank is micrononite coated so I think it and the "H" bearings took up a little of my clearances. Only thing left is an intake ( gasket match it ) and push rods when I get it together and measure for them.

Engine's on the stand and going together nicely, hope to have pictures soon.

Wow time's flying, things have been busy but I'm not giving up!!! Engine is done, started it on the engine cradle,sounds great! De-rigged the boat and cleaned the bilge to get started on a few upgrades.