info on my engine (old 470)

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ggk1

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So I just bought my first boat last week and am having to learn everything from the start. It looks like according to other posts on here that the 470 can be a scary beast. the boat is an '81 monark (got it for $750). I'm going to be doing all the work myself, and I know for a fact it needs another starter. It looks like it's going to be a good idea for me to get a new impaler and I'd like to know what else I'm looking at here. I know it's mentioned here it helps to have a serial because you the gods of boating can look up magical info that I have no idea how to find. The serial is 5886467. Can you please let me know what all I need to be looking at doing here and maybe what year that specific motor is? I'm a super newbie on all this so thank you in advance for all of your help. I reeeeeeaaallly want to get on the water soon :).


*edit: it looks like the previous owner cut out ther circuit breaker as well. What do I buy to replace this? In looking at the parts section I don't see any circuit breakers
 
jerryjerry05

jerryjerry05

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May 7, 2008
Messages
18,071
Re: info on my engine (old 470)

Circut breakers are a dealer item.Any Mercruiser dealer has parts for this. If your boat is a 1981 then the motor is probably a 1981.
That motor gets a bad rap.I have a Thompson with the same motor and it runs great.Keep the oil changed,have a Mercruiser mech go over it.
Most definatly change the impeller.Make sure there is a water/fuel seperating filter in the system.That starter can be rebuilt,they can cost as much as 250$ new. Good luck,J
 
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ggk1

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Re: info on my engine (old 470)

thanks jerry, I'm glad to hear that you like your motor, I was getting scared for a little while.

This is a dumb question, but the person I bought it from had the plastic resevoir that you can see coolant levels in just sitting to the side. Where does this mount? Or does it even mount? is there a different way to check coolant levels and this really goes to something else? Also what's the water/fuel seperating filter, this is the first I've seen mention of it.

Sorry for such rookie quesitons...but I'm trying to learn! :p I appreciate your help
 
MikDee

MikDee

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Jun 6, 2007
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4,745
Re: info on my engine (old 470)

Ah, Make do with what you got, it's a good engine when running, just has a bad history, and I hear a bit hard to get parts, but even though you weren't aware of it's history, from what you paid, it's a deal,,, just maintain it as needed ;)
 
M

mrsemi05

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May 26, 2009
Messages
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Re: info on my engine (old 470)

yeah im a newb to this motor too i normally do diesel engines and i wanted to know what are things a should be watchin for???? i know its prone to head gasket failures would be changing it every season be a good idea??? i have a heated shop to work in in the winter and a ton of free time and the price for a gasket kit aint bad so would it be a good idea???? any other ideas???? any help would be much aprecated
 
CAPTKEV85

CAPTKEV85

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Mar 12, 2008
Messages
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Re: info on my engine (old 470)

I had alot of problems last year. Head gasket issues. Now she is fixed and running great. The motor has plenty of power. Just keep on on the motor. The resivour is supposed to be mounted on the front of the cylinder head. If there is an altenator there then thats why its on the side. It really doesnt matter. I love the motor most people hate it. I have a 26' proline and i can put 5 guys on the boat and still go 35 mph.
 
jerryjerry05

jerryjerry05

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Re: info on my engine (old 470)

Don't worry about the head gasket.Mine is original. I figure if you start messing with something when it don't need it then you will ALWAYS have something going wrong.Keep up on the fluids and make sure the drive has GOOD!!! oil and it will last a long time.
Fill out the profile and so's we know more about you.J
 
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ggk1

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Re: info on my engine (old 470)

Thanks for all the awesome replies!

CAPTKEV85 said:
If there is an altenator there then thats why its on the side. It really doesnt matter.
Click to expand...
This is another dumb question, but if I just leave the resevoir off to the side, how do I check the level? Just by opening the cap and looking for coolant?

I'm also a little confused on the naming system in the parts section, how can you tell which specific part is for your motor?
 
CAPTKEV85

CAPTKEV85

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Mar 12, 2008
Messages
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Re: info on my engine (old 470)

ggk1 said:
Thanks for all the awesome replies!


This is another dumb question, but if I just leave the resevoir off to the side, how do I check the level? Just by opening the cap and looking for coolant?

I'm also a little confused on the naming system in the parts section, how can you tell which specific part is for your motor?
Click to expand...

I have an altenator kit on my engine. I had to move my resevoir to the front engine mount bracket. The resevoir should be plastic and see through. Mine is atleast.
 
A

a1nowell

Chief Petty Officer
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May 12, 2009
Messages
437
Re: info on my engine (old 470)

GGK1,
And all other M/C 470 owners. www.breezeworks.com is a M/C 470 only parts house and forum. The guy Kevin who runs the place knows this engine inside and out and a really nice guy to boot.
 
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