Santego 380/638

C

cmariner32

Member
exMember
Joined
Jan 20, 2002
RO Number
7269
Messages
802
I'm hoping someone with the Santgeo 380/638 or 89-90 3467 can answer this question. I am looking at having to replace at least one of my engines in the foreseeable future. The mechanic I had down to the boat today said he didn't see how the engine could be removed without having to cut into the fiberglass sole in order to gain access to the top of the engine for removal. Has anyone had to replace an engine and what was necessary to accomplish the task? I'm hoping someone on here has been there and done this.
 
I believe the engines on the '89 3467 are accessed and removed thru the cockpit floor...no need to cut open the fiberglass sole.
 
Thanks Scott. That's my thought too. However, the mechanic that looked at my boat said he didn't think there was enough overhead room over the engine to lift and pull the engine out and back in and get aligned properly. I'm looking for confirmation that it can be done without cutting into the sole-hint..hint...hopin Ramsport can provide some extra input on this subject.
 
We've never had engines out of the 3467 Santego, but I would think with that HUGE hole in the aft deck, that you would not have to cut your boat apart to get them in or out. We would NOT EVER cut someone's boat to get engines out...especially in an open cockpit boat like yours! I would look elsewhere if that's what the mechanic is suggesting. It will be a little difficult because the engines are under the threshold, but it's doable.
 
Yup...have thought about this some more, and glad Kenny agrees. That cockpit floor opening is huge...surely there's a way to get a big block out thru that!
 
If he is concerned that he can't get the clearance he menses I would look into having him take apart the upper intake and possibly even the heads to hoist just the block out. Put the new one in the same way.

In my opinion if he can't figure out how to remove an engine from those big holes in the deck and hasn't already thought of this....he isn't much of a mechanic.
 
Thanks for the additional input. He admitted to me that his experience in pulling engines with my configuation is limited and said he might have to defer to a yard with more experience should I decide to repower. My experience with Carvers (this being my 3rd) is that they actually put some thought into future servicing needs-unlike several other builders I am famiilair with and I just found it hard to believe that such drastic steps would be necessary to R&R an engine. I'm beginning to feel a little less apprehensive about about the impending D day.
 
I agree with you completely that Carver thinks somewhat about future service needs, unlike a lot of other popular brands. Those shall remain nameless right now as I know it will upset people who own those brands (even though this is the Carver section, and why are they reading the Carver section if they love their brand so much?).
 
The plus side is that there are at least two people in the marine industry that posted in this thread that have not had to remove a motor or even hear of removing a motor out of a 380!
 
Before I bought my current Santego, we had looked at a '96 380 Santego that the owner had just replaced the engines with new crate engines. He did not mention, nor did I see any evidence of modifications. If he had replaced with FWC instead of RWC, we might have pulled the trigger. I learned my lesson long ago about RWC engines in salt water and only weekly useage.
 
cmariner, I am in the same situation with my 90' santego 3467. After a quote of 15k to 20k, I have decided to do the swap myself. I was wondering if you had yours done yet and if so how they went about getting the engine out. I have an idea on how to do it, but I would like to know how it is generally done.

Regards,

David
 
David...........I have shelved the idea of replacing the engine at this time and decided to live with the slight oil leak and compression numbers that are at best borderline until the engine gets worse or quits. Did your quote figure on having to cut into the fiberglass? If you are talking about swapping out bobtail Crusaders which cost 8K each....or even crate engines at 4-5K each...a total repower for under 20K does not sound all that out of line. I had the small block Crusaders R&R'd from my '86 Mariner for about $1200 each several years back. The Mariner had a removalble cockpit deck that made the haul out very simple. The Santego does not have a removable cockpit deck (dammit).
 
cmariner.. When I called MarineMax the figure was a ballpark figure. Even at 20k he said that was no guarantee. He made no mention of having to cut anything. Once the engine is out,I want to get in there and clean and service things that I wouldn't otherwise be able to. In my younger years I was a certified Merc mechanic so this isn't to intimidating to me. I spent some time today removing things. I have a plan.... whether or not it works out, that's a different story. I'm confident though... right now anyway. I wish mine was something I could live with and keep using it but I fear I have spun a crank bearing. I will post the progression.
 
David....I will be verrrrry interested in how things work out for you. I'm 95% sure the engines can be R&R'd without major surgery....but nobody seems to be able to confirm. With the low compression numbers on my engine....replacement is a given within the next few years and I'd sure like to have a realistic figure to budget for. Marine Max is not known for being price competitive....but if you are on a lake, your options may be quite limited. If Tony is still based on Lanier, he may be able to steer you to a reputable and less expensive yard.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top