MCM 165 has died a miserable death

[Fuzemaster]

Greetings, I'm a newbie here. I've searched the forums and can?t find anything pertinent so I?ll ask. I own a 1987 Sunbird with an MCM 165 and an Alpha One outdrive. We bought this as a project boat and have learned a lot during the last year of use. Problem: The engine blew up. Not like "I?m out of oil" blew up; we're talking about catastrophic piston/P-rod/bearing failure. There?s a hole the size of my fist in the side of the engine! It causes a compression problem but the oils easy to check. My question: Is this engine worth rebuilding? Will an automotive block work in the place of the Mercruiser block? How about a different (bigger) engine that will mount up to the stern drive? Cosmetically, the boat looks like hell; we fished off of it. However, we?ve put some money into the trailer, the stern drive as well as the {dead} engine and am wondering if it is worth the money to repair the mess or if it?s time to cut the losses.

 

[Don S]

Re: MCM 165 has died a miserable death

It's the dreaded 470 engine, look that up in this forum.
There is no equvilant automotive engine, it's a Mercruiser designed aluminum block with open deck design, sporting a 460 Ford head. and outboard charging system.
1989 was the last year they were manufacured.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: MCM 165 has died a miserable death

Seems like ya got a few choices: get a short block and rebuild, find a complete used engine, sell it as is or junk the boat and part out the engine. Putting in an engine other than a 470, probably not worth it (looked into it myself, no way!). You are kinda lucky in a way, since all of the 470 boats are at least 20 years old, there are more and more rotten boats with decent 470's in them coming on the market. Check out Craig's list or e-bay. All depends on what the boat is worth to you. Good luck.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: MCM 165 has died a miserable death

Here's one on Ebay now in FL, Advertised good compression and runs good. It even has the alternator conversion done already! Drop it in and go fishing

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merc...5361137QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear


Good luck,
Eric

 

[solar7647]

Re: MCM 165 has died a miserable death

Problem: The engine blew up. Not like "I?m out of oil" blew up; we're talking about catastrophic piston/P-rod/bearing failure. There?s a hole the size of my fist in the side of the engine! It causes a compression problem but the oils easy to check. .

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHa Compression problem .......now thats funny!

My question: Is this engine worth rebuilding?

Yes and no........its a personal preferance and a money issue. If you dont have a lot of cash you can get a new long block for about $1800. I just rebuilt mine, I have the 180hp version check out my signiture there is a link!

There are a few parts that are almost impossible to find.

Will an automotive block work in the place of the Mercruiser block? .

No this engine is not a spin of an auto engine its 100% mercruiser

How about a different (bigger) engine that will mount up to the stern drive? .

The 190HP 4.3L V6 Mercruiser will bolt to that sterndrive, will just have to do some work on the front motor mounts. The V6 will have mounts on the sides so you will need to add them.

Cosmetically, the boat looks like hell; we fished off of it. However, we?ve put some money into the trailer, the stern drive as well as the {dead} engine and am wondering if it is worth the money to repair the mess or if it?s time to cut the losses.

If you just rebuild the engine with a new long block you will be looking at between $1800-$2000, you could probly get a differant, running boat for that. If you look at a hole new engine such as the 4.3L its about $4000-$6000 so it would be better to just get a new boat, for that price it will be much better then what you got anyways.

 

[Fuzemaster]

Re: MCM 165 has died a miserable death

Thanks to everyone; this is great advice. Also for Eric, i bought the engine on ebay. I'll certainly be back. Thanks,