Abstract: A two-cycle, water-cooled marine engine having an engine block composed of a hypereutectic aluminum-silicon alloy. The silicon is distributed as discrete particles throughout the block, including the area bordering the walls of the cylinder bores. An aluminum piston is mounted for movement within each cylinder bore and the outer peripheral surface of each piston is plated with iron. With the iron plated piston in combination with the aluminum silicon alloy engine block, the engine is capable of being restarted after the engine seizes due to overheating caused by a blockage of the water cooling system.