This is not necessarily a Chevy or Pontiac engine block, but I was hoping that someone could help me with the block ID and info on the engine thats in my boat. The engine block number is V10186VJ. This appears on a boss at the front end of the block on what would be the passenger side, but on the front surface of the block. The date codes are probably on the back side, but I can not see back there due to the position of the engine.

Its probably a Mercury Marine engine from around 1996. This block is crack from freezing over last Winter. I am researching whether I could use a ZZ4 4 bolt main block as a replacement.

I bought the boat in 2004. I know that someone was into the engine at one point because of the way the intake was sealed; red Permatex (I dont think thats standard issue from GM or Mercury Marine).

 

I don't see a listing for 6VJ as being out of any production vehicle so it's probably a marine block.

 

i looked on http://www.96976000.dk/block.html and cant find it. i also ran a google and cant find it. i even went here http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm and its not there.
but there are others you cant try http://www.aacncclub.com/ or http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/a...p/t-98780.html where they talk about old merc engines. i did not look that those but you might want to see them.
good question - i just could not find the answer easily.

 

The Mortec information is for the casting numbers (numbers only) at the left rear of the block "V" at the bellhousing mount. The numbers from the front pad are the actual vehicle/engine application numbers. For example, in the MOTORS manual for whatever year is appropriate, the letters will tell you something like- 1974 Chevelle 350, 2 barrel carb, automatic transmission. Sometimes part of the car or truck VIN number will also be on the pad. But you have to find the MOTORS manual that is close to whatever year your engine actually is. There are date codes on the right rear of the block.

Usually marine engines or warranty/service replacement engines, or engines that have been decked at the machine shop will not have the front pad numbers and letters.

 

I forgot- you can also take those number/letters to a Chevy dealer parts department (quick, while they are still in business, SAD!). They should be able to look up your engine info for you.

 

I am not 100% sure on this but, If it is a Mercruiser I/O with an alpha or bravo outdrive, you can put in whatever will fit under your hatch. You just need to make sure your motor mounts fit and the peices that bolt to the back of motor are for a chevy if you want that zz4.The outdrive is the same whether a ford, or chevy is bolted in front of it. I am guessing it is a chevy block if it is a mercruiser from the mid 90's. I rebuilt a 78 formula with a 3.7l all aluminum 4 cylinder ford. The transom plate was the same for the ford and chevy. The "bell housing" and slip shaft to flywheel adapter were different.

 

I want to thank all of you guys for your replies. I am going to have a marine mechanic come over to the house tomorrow and remove the outdrive unit, then we are going to pull the motor. He says that he can find out exactly want the block is. I suspect that its a Mercruiser, 4 bolt main, single piece rear main seal. When I clearly see the back of the motor, I should be able to determine if the ZZ4 block is a suitable replacement.

 

Now that the motor has been pulled out of the boat, I can read the numbers on the back of the engine block.

I have 10243880 on the passenger side. On the driver side is; GM 5.7LG 5GI with the 5GI molded below the 5.7LG.

EDIT: I found this on Mortec:

10243880...350...95-00...2 or 4...Vortec truck, Gen.I crate motors and "ZZ4", roller cam, one piece rear seal.

So I am thinking that the ZZ4 block is a proper replacement.