1976 240 with 350

[leonardo]

I just got a 240 today and it has a 350 chevy marine engine.  The total hours are low (470) and I do not plan to rebuild only clean and do general TLC to get it in the water.  What I am interested in doing is finding a diesel engine that will allow a direct swap with the existing gear.  Any suggestions?  I plan to use it to go from the mainland (Crisfield) to Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay, about 12 miles.  I have a home on the island and use it for weekend get-a-ways.

[John Jones]

My in-laws in NJ used to get the old converted GM 350 diesels from the '80s from junkyards for their boats.  They called them throwaways.  Run them until they broke, then make an artificial reef out of them.  I don't know if one could still find them but they bolt right in.  They were notorious for broken crankshafts among other things.

[GoneFission]

Since the engine should go 1000-2000 hours before it croaks, what's the worry?  Parts and maintenance on small-block GM engines are cheap and available.  At 25 miles a day and 25 miles an hour, you will put an hour a day on that engine.  That's 1000 days of use.  I would wait 3-4 years and see how it goes.  

Some may say "but the diesel uses less fuel."  OK, that's true by 30% or so.  But you will pay a few thousand bucks to buy the new engine and get it installed, not to mention coverting the boat to diesel.  Your current engine costs $0.00 to replace, and it is unlikely you would ever recover the cost with fuel alone.

IMHO, keep the current engine until it needs help, then think about replacement.  It could be a long way off...

[gran398]

If switching to diesel, will need a larger drive-shaft....ching/ching.

Inboard boats under 34 feet, diesel can be a disadvantage... so says Walter Pancoe, marine surveyor, Florida Keys.

Certainly worth checking out his blog.

Agree with the rest of the boys here, run what you've got, and convert her to outboards if/when  makes sense.

Single diesel would be great, if you lived on the west coast, and had a long run in good water to the fishing grounds. Atlantic side, especially points north, wouldn't be enough. Couldn't safely navigate the inlets, with regard to timing/conditions.

[RickK]

Welcome aboard leonardo  :!:  :!:

[russ]

Cummins 4BT with the right adapter should bolt right up.

[terntwo 24]

Welcome aboard Leonardo Let's a get a look at this 240 heres a shot of mine


Mine has 318 fresh water-cooled chrysler, not to many around

[leonardo]

http://s977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/leonardojose/

Here is mine.  I added a bimini I picked up last year for $50 because the guy didn't like the color.

[Marcq]

Nice boat Leonardo   

Marc..

[leonardo]

Thanks for posting.  I tried many times but could not do it.  I followed the directions posted above but all I could do is the link.  Thanks again.  NOW if I can only win one of those carbs on ebay I'll be all set.  I'm pulling the floor above the tank for inspection but having a difficult time.  Some one used 5200 sealant to fill the gap and I'm cutting it out with a utility knife a little at a time.  Already 3 hours into it.  I'm hoping to find things in order.

[leonardo]

Well ebay came through again and I got the carb for $25 plus $15 shipping.  The exact model needed.

[RickK]

Looking good  8)

[leonardo]

VARoooooooom!.....Well almost. Started with a little ether. The fuel pump was bad so I replaced with new one $18 and a new fuel line to the carb.  I haven't put fuel in the tank yet but plan to add 2 gallons and see if it goes up the line with the use of the electric fuel pump that is installed.  I think it was used as a primer the way it is in the line just before the mechanical engine driven pump but I'm worried it will restrict the fuel flow more than prime the system.  Plan to do that in a couple days, I need to go to the B&B I'm building on Smith Island, MD (www.watermansovernight.com)  I'll update by the weekend, I hope with great news.  Can't wait to get it in the water....

[GoneFission]

VARoooooooom is good!    

Now we need some splash pics!