Need new block? - 85 SN 2001

[nms1991]

The motor is a right hand not standard rotation. The distributor will not work due to wrong direction of gear cut. also you will have to change the pump rotation on the trans, the circulating pump, the direction of the impellar pump, and the prop. I would recomend going with the rebuilder or a company like jasper with a national warranty for 18 months.

[Tranner]

Honestly, I know that "all" Nautiques are reverse/right hand rotation. However, I don't think my motor is the original one. It has Commander parts all over it like valve covers, exhaust manifolds, even the motor mounts all clearly say Commander on them.

Excuse my ignorance, but I have to explain and get the opinions of people who understand inboards. When I look at the motor, at the front looking at the pulleys, the crank shaft and pulley turn counter clockwise. I was under the impression that this is a left hand/standard rotation motor. If I stand at the back of the boat and look forward towards the bow, the bell housing of the tranny says "rotation" is clockwise and to the right.

That sure made me think it was a standard/left hand rotation motor but now I doubt myself seeing that you say it should be right hand/reverse.

[NorCalBFN]

I have a guy that will rebuild a short block for $1100, long block for about $1400. Price includes all new pistons, rings, magnaflux the block and crank, balance crank, hot tank it all, new gaskets, lifters, valves, etc, etc, etc... this price was for my 454 in my 89 Barefoot. I blew a head gasket after several other issues, got water in the cylinders and threw a rod creating a whole big mess. I just took my short block in today actually and found these guys to be the most reasonable, and they have been around since 1946, so they must be doing something right. let me know if you would like some info, I am in sacramento. I say you get your motor rebuilt instead of putting a new one in, that way you know everything has a place that it already fits into and you won't have to modify anything, plus the original motor keeps the value of your boat up. oh, and if you plan on keeping the boat in fresh water only, you don't need marine gaskets, they are made to withstand the salt, that will save you a few dimes also. good luck.

[Tranner]

Too bad I wouldn't have known about the rebuilder earlier. I ended up buying a reman long block from Jaspers Engines about two weeks ago. It took 3 full days to R&R and I'm not completely finished yet.

I'm still waiting on a new starter and thermostat housing which are expected to arrive this week. I cranked the motor over a couple days ago and it ran for about 20 seconds then I shut her off. I went back to check a few things, then tried to start it again and it wouldn't go. Guess what? The starter died. I knew it was going to die sooner or later so I guess it is better now than later.

All in all, this has been alot more work than I expected but quite a learning experience. I can honestly say that I could probably fix any minor problem (ie: belts, impellers, pumps, wiring) out on the water now.

[nms1991]

if you go with the standard rotation engine you will have to swap out the distributor because it is a reverse rotation engine in the boat and you will have to switch the pump around on the trans and impellar pump on the front of the engine also dont forget to switch the prop for a left hand rotation prop.

[tryan]

if you want that pile-o-cash to last, you need to break her in right. did you take a good peak at the cam? was it new or used? if the cam is new you need to start and run the motor at a couple grand for 20 minutes or so. ( count how many neighbors put up for sale signs on their house the next day.) then change the oil and filter.

you might smack the starter with a mallet while someone works the key. if you have fresh paint under the grounding lug....................

[Tranner]

nms1991, I did put a reverse rotation (rebuilt) so everything was just a swap over of parts.

tryan, the cams are new (per Jaspers Engines). So you are saying to hook the water up to the boat, start it, and put the throttle at 2000 RPM for 20 minutes, then change the oil/filter again? Shouldn't I do the first time I drop it in the water instead of at home in the driveway?

[tryan]

you need to break in the cam at high rpm for 20 minutes with non detergent oil. call jasper and see what they recommend.

i always change the oil and cut the filter open to look at the element.