Home | Classifieds | History | Technical | Links | Store | About Us | Email
Topics Topics Edit Profile Profile Help/Instructions Help Member List Register  
Search Last 1|3|7 Days Search Search Tree View Tree View  

Model 188 Gray Marine

Old Marine Engine » Gray Marine Gas Engines - 4, 6, and 8 cylinder » Model 188 Gray Marine « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Robert Benner
Visitor
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 11:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I just took ownership of a 62 Lyman with a Model 188 Gray Marine engine. I don't have enough information about the engine which needs overhaul. I have looked high and low for casting numbers... hard to see with all the plumbing and bolt ons. I lifted "75809" from what appears to be the timing chain cover. The cylinder heads show 3180915-1. I am assuming I don't have the block casting number yet. Where do I look for a vintage 1962 (or thereabouts)block number? I need to understand the fluid systems (water, oil, hydraulics) and what parts to order when I start the rebuild. It's 8 cylinder, dual Carter side drafts, some type of cross over water passage between the heads on top, no oil filter that I recognize. Is there a site to order an engine manual or download blow ups of the engine? What is the oil capacity?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

andrew
Moderator
Username: andrew

Post Number: 1074
Registered: 11-2001


Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2005 - 05:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Robert,

Are you sure it's a model "188"? Could it be a "185" or a "186" instead?

Are you reading that from a Graymarine nameplate? Do you know the bore and stroke or the displacement of the engine?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Robert Benner
Visitor
Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2005 - 08:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

All signs indicate a 188, we traced the hull number to the Lyman records and it was built with the 188 engine. No it's not a gray marine nameplate, in fact I see no such nameplate. I am looking for raised, cast numbers on the block proper; not on a bolt-on item... but am not seeing raised, cast numbers. I have been told to look on the bellhousing, I have been told the numbers could be at either end of the block, I have heard the flywheel (?), I have been told the numbers can be way low on the block and hidded by stuff bolted on (water jackets and hoses). Is there a way to tell 185's from 186's from 188's? I have photos but the block is so hidden by stuff attached to it that I don't think anyone can see much of the engine itself. The heads have stayed on; no info about bore or stroke.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

larry_from_maryland
Senior Member
Username: larry_from_maryland

Post Number: 209
Registered: 07-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 08:41 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My sparkplug book lists a v8 fireball series gray model 188.Its on the same line with numbers 170,175,178.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Robert Benner
Visitor
Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 10:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Larry from Maryland, could you explain your posting for me... I don't understand what you mean. Does "170, 175, 178" realte to block casting numbers? What's a sparkplug book? Is there something different from the fireball series as opposed to a regular 188?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

larry_from_maryland
Senior Member
Username: larry_from_maryland

Post Number: 210
Registered: 07-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 12:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The other numbers are differant engines.When they grouped together in this Champion sparkplug book they are similar engines that use the same sparkplug.The other engines are probably from the same engine maker.The 188 only shows in the fireball series
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

andrew
Moderator
Username: andrew

Post Number: 1075
Registered: 11-2001


Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 12:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh...I didn't realize you were refering to a V8 (I now see that you did mention it in your original post, but I missed it).

There was a V8-188 and a V8C-188

  • 188hp @ 4000 rpm
  • 4" x 3-1/4"
  • 327 cid
  • 9.5:1 compression ratio
  • V8-188 : flywheel aft
  • VC8-188 : flywheel fwd
  • Crankcase capacity (varies w/ installation angle) 6 to 7 qts

It is covered in the 327 manuals at this link
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Robert Benner
Visitor
Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 07:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks, Andrew, I'm getting somewhere. I'm still looking for a casting number. Do you think I need to pull the engine to get at it?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

larry_from_maryland
Senior Member
Username: larry_from_maryland

Post Number: 211
Registered: 07-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 12:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would look for the serial number now that you know its a chevy/Gm engine.The number is on the front right side on a pad.This engine was very popular in the sixtys.The oil filter should be on the left rear of the engine.The old truck engines used a huge oil filter that had a bolt on adapter.sometime around 1967 they changed the block so the oil filter screwed directly into the block,and used smaller filters.My father bought a replacement short block in 75 and we could not use the old filter.The chevy dealer said they no longer furnished the old style blocks.If it looks like you have a replacement block,this maybe what happened to your oil filter.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

bruce
Senior Member
Username: bruce

Post Number: 258
Registered: 07-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 08:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Larry, Sorry to butt in here, I'm looking for an external oil pressure casting for a Unversal Flexi-Four.Either salvage or a loan to repo cast from an original-can be bronze or aluminum material.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Robert Benner
Visitor
Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 12:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Horray, I found the number. I see "8L11682" stamped on a pad on the front of the block (flywheel at the stern), Port side. Someone please:

Is this a Gray Marine Number?
What can you tell me about year of manufacture?
Is the block cast by Gray Marine or was it an automobile block Marinized by Gray Marine?
We were told it is a Nash block. I don't recall Nash being a division of Chrysler or Chevy or GM. If it has to be rebuilt, what is a favored source of parts?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

larry_from_maryland
Senior Member
Username: larry_from_maryland

Post Number: 212
Registered: 07-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 12:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My guess is its an older chevy number.My book only goes to 68.The 68 and 69 engines use a 2 letter code where you have an L.1970 and newer engines use 3 letters where your L is.You may have to ask an engine dealer(cheverolt,target,jasper,Atk)or parts man to look for this code number.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Erica Randall-Hopp
Visitor
Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 11:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Robert,

If you need parts for you Gray V-8 we can help. We rebuild antique and classic marine engines. I think there may even be a picture of a 188 Fireball on our website www.customclassicmarine.com. I can get you all the internal parts you need as well as rebuild your accessories and reverse gear. Take a look at our website and if you have any questions please email me at [email protected].
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

glenl
New member
Username: glenl

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2005
Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2005 - 01:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have a boat that has a Gray v8 188hp. It is an American Motors 327. It was made into a marine engine but started as a automobile motor. Gray put the twin side draft Carters on and the water jacket exhaust manifolds, etc. They also changed the oil filter mounting to a special one. I had to replace a head and got one from an auto wrecking yard and had it redone.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Robert Benner
Visitor
Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 04:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks all of you for the comments. We pulled the boat out of the water last weekend and will soon delve into the engine. Erica, you are a bit far away for shipping heavy parts but will keep you in mind. For now I will put the thread on hold. More later.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

brianmarten
Visitor
Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2005 - 06:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks to all for info on the Graymarine V8-188. I am also researching a dual carb 188. Mine is in a 1959, 18', Buehler Turbocraft, model Jet 35 coupled to a Hamilton Jet Drive. Your chat has given me a place to start. The boat is "barn fresh" and needs a full restoration. Hull is good and we are looking forward to getting into the engine.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

glenl
New member
Username: glenl

Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2005
Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2005 - 12:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

> My father and I built a 19' Glen L design in 1962 and bought our Graymarine Fireball 188/215 in 1961. It has been a great running engine, has lots of torque. Ours is set up as a direct drive through an automatic transmission. I have only had two problems during its life and neither one was the engines responsibility. Number one is the water jackets are cast iron and they rusted out over about 25 years, the other is the side draft carburetors. I had to have them completely gone through about 10 years ago. They corrode inside the bowl area, most of that was from just sitting through. I had to find a boat restoration place who had the rebuild kits for them which was a job in itself. My engine was set up with the sidedraft carburetors so the highest part of the engine is the valve covers which made for a nice low profile on our engine box. I did have to replace one of the heads but that was because when draining the engine for the winter one year some water stayed in a pocket in one, but was able to find one easily from an auto engine and had it rebuilt and I installed it. Runs great. We did from the start put an electric fuel pump on it as the manual one was not sufficient. Good luck and I would like to hear if you run into anything or have any information on parts, etc. as you go through it. Thanks.

Larry
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

mike ruether
Visitor
Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 03:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would like ANY information on the Buehler Turbocraft "Caballero."
Thank You,
Mike / Colorado
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Glenn Huber, Jr.
Visitor
Posted on Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 01:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

To Mike Ruether re Buehler Caballero-- I owned one I bought direct from the factory in Indianapolis in exchange for a 1966 Buehler Sea Sprite that had a bad engine. It was Red over White with a 3 stage Buehler pump powered by a 200hp Chrysler. It would really fly and I had 6 skiers up at the same time at Bass Lake in Indiana. Used it primarily in Indiana but also trailered it to Ft. Sill OK when I was on active duty there in 1971. Had to sell the boat in 1978 to have a down payment for a new house. I would love to have this boat or its clone back now! I have regreted selling it since the day it was pulled away. Glenn / Indiana
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Amanda Edwards
Visitor
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 08:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A mate of mine has an old Buehler V8 jet on a trailer. Apparently it's serial number 1. Any of you guys know anthing about these, i hear they are quite rare, (1 of 7 made?).

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Password:
E-mail:
Options: Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Administration Administration Log Out Log Out   Previous Page Previous Page Next Page Next Page

Home | Classifieds | History | Technical | Links | Store | About Us | Email
&copy 2005 OldMarineEngine.com, P.O. Box 188, Forest Dale, VT 05745-0188 • Phone: 802-247-4864 • All rights reserved.
   Marine Engine Seloc Repair Manual Lookup Tool

marine gas engine repair and restoration