Mercruiser 3.0L interchange 1997 / 2008

[TBarCYa]

I know this has been covered but for whatever reason I'm not searching for the right things to find it.

I bought a used 3.0L to replace the one in my bowrider and the serial number I was given was a 1998 but now that I'm doing the swap (3 months later) I'm finding out that the engine is actually a 1997. The question is, since I have the bellhousing, flywheel, coupler and everything else, can I swap all of those parts over to the 1997 to make it work? If not, I assume I should be able to get the starter for the 1997 and the engine should drop in, right? I'd prefer to swap parts so I can have it done today and return the hoist tomorrow but if I need to rent the hoist another time I'll do it.

Thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

there is not much difference between a 1991 and a 2008 with exception of the ignition system.

the 3.0 hasnt changed much at all since 1991 when they re-designed the block to go to a 1-piece RMS

its a drop-in, align, tighten, install drive and go event

 

[TBarCYa]

Not exactly... The starter from the 08 has different bolt holes and the flywheel is a bit larger and slightly lighter than the 98. That's the problem because the replacement engine didn't come with the starter and when I tried to install the starter the bolts didn't line up.

 

[TBarCYa]

Now... I may be wrong about the flywheel diameter but the starter bolts are definitely different. I already swapped the flywheel, coupler and bellhousing from the 08 to the 97 and it all went fine until the starter. I'm hoping I can get a starter for a 97 and be back in business.

 

[Rick Stephens]

As long as the starter has the marine rating, I think it's J1171, you can use one from an auto parts store.

 

[Bondo]

The starter from the 08 has different bolt holes

Ayuh,..... How so,..?? What's different,..??

 

[TBarCYa]

On the 97, the bolt holes are parallel to the flywheel at the edge of the block. On the 08 one bolt is along the edge of the block and one comes thru the web about an inch from the edge of the block. Right now the 97 engine is in the boat with the 97 flywheel and bellhousing. I'll order the 97 starter this week and should be good to go.

I tried to upload pics but have to resize them...I'll try to do it later.

 

[Bondo]

On the 97, the bolt holes are parallel to the flywheel at the edge of the block. On the 08 one bolt is along the edge of the block and one comes thru the web about an inch from the edge of the block. Right now the 97 engine is in the boat with the 97 flywheel and bellhousing. I'll order the 97 starter this week and should be good to go.

I tried to upload pics but have to resize them...I'll try to do it later.

Ayuh,...... the '97 is a 12" flywheel straight across bolt pattern starter,......

The '08 is the 14" flywheel, staggered bolt pattern starter,.....