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Gray marine fireball 327

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2016 7:21 am
by Hyperjump
After winterizing my 327 gray marine fireball engine, mechanic said needs rebuilt. Another mechanic said just heads and a carb .They both said that motor was designed to run leaded gas not ethanol gas. She spits carbon out exhaust and I had to put 1 to 1-1/2 quarts of oil every few times running her. Shes not leaking oil in bilge . Motor runs strong, just not sure what road to take. Just wondering if its worth the money to rebuild or swap out for a either a 318 or 360 Chrysler , or a 350 Chevy . Parts for either of them are easy to come buy. My boat is a 1966 26 ft express. Either way I go shes getting fixed. Any suggestions ...... Thanks

Re: Gray marine fireball 327

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2016 3:41 pm
by EWRice
I will start off by saying this about the 327: it is an expensive overhaul. The 327 I rebuilt for my Thompson I think I had around $1900 just in parts. Add machine shop bill and we've exceeded $2700. I had good exhaust manifolds which was a plus. If you do need to rebuild, ask yourself how much you like that 327.

That being said, make darn sure that your engine needs overhauled before taking that leap. Its good you got a second opinion, maybe a third is necessary. Don't tell them what the first two told you either. The Rambler engines were known for valve guide issues so I wouldn't be surprised if that was your issue. If that is the case, the Rambler is an easy head job. This would be a good opportunity for a machine shop to install hardened exhaust seats. This is a MUST if your heads are being rebuilt.

A good mechanic will be able to do a leak down test on your engine and verify where the problem lies. Also, without any tools, you can pull the valve covers and check some of the valves for play.

Re: Gray marine fireball 327

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2016 6:08 am
by Fastjeff
The condition of those hard-to-find manifolds should be what decides the issue: If they are bad, look for another engine.

Jeff

Re: Gray marine fireball 327

Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2016 4:30 am
by Hyperjump
Thanks to all. Going to do some more digging into my motor. I hope its just head job.

Re: Gray marine fireball 327

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2018 7:47 pm
by javalin390
Have you figured out the plan of attack on your engine? Found this on craigslist... https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/bpo/ ... 79450.html

Re: Gray marine fireball 327

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 6:31 am
by Fastjeff
The manifolds--impossible parts to find--look fairly good in that photo.

Jeff

Re: Gray marine fireball 327

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 9:25 am
by Leviathon
Nice looking complete engine listed in Detroit Craigslist for $500. If you want to stay with Gray, I would snatch that up for spare parts in a second.

Re: Gray marine fireball 327

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 5:59 pm
by EWRice
That is one of the rare "bobtail" engines for V drive, jet drive or other isolated drive setup. I have never seen one other than in the service book.

Re: Gray marine fireball 327

Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2018 9:28 pm
by honestcharlie56
That won't last long.