Is it only the 4 cylinder, closed cooling 170/470's that need to be avoided?
Im looking at two boats today, one lists a 170 hp engine, in a 1988 wellcraft classic 192 cuddy...... and the other lists 165 hp in a 1979 sea ray SRV190
Personally, I would avoid them, just because of the expensive parts. When working, they are good engines. If you like working on engines and know your way around them and can change head gaskets when needed, you may be very happy with a 470. If you aren't mechanically inclined, forget it.
The 470 had many different model numbers, including 165. The Aluminum blocked engine with Ford 460 head was built from 78 to 89. With HP ratings from 160 through 190.
The 470 had many different model numbers, including 165. The Aluminum blocked engine with Ford 460 head was built from 78 to 89. With HP ratings from 160 through 190.
Yeah i am not looking to change a bunch of head gaskets. Outta curiousity, were the closed cooling systems the problems on these? Or is it because it put out so much power for a 4 cylinder?
The early 470's had a 3" diameter heat exchanger which was too small for the engine. They changed to a 4" exchanger later on (not sure which year) and the problem was cured. The 4" kit is still available from Merc for around a 1000 bucks.
The early 470's had a 3" diameter heat exchanger which was too small for the engine. They changed to a 4" exchanger later on (not sure which year) and the problem was cured. The 4" kit is still available from Merc for around a 1000 bucks.
Yeah the 470 is definitely a pain in the rear. I have a '84 470 that I was going to completely rebuild for one of my boats since I have some good engine knowledge and my friend knows a lot about marine motors. After I started to price the parts for the motor I discovered that it would be cheaper to just buy a new motor all together. The 470 from what I've heard is considered to be extremely powerful in the water, but COSTS A LOT TO FIX!!!
What you do motor wise is up to you, but I have to agree with everyone else on avoiding that motor.
