4.3 question

[chick92064]

Hi
I'm new to this forum and have not had a lot of experience with this type of thing. I was trying to create my own topic and the site won't let me. I have some questions about a boat I recently purchased, most of which are engine related which is why I'm in this section. My apologies for my ignorance and for being off topic here, but can someone help me start my own post or direct me to an existing topic relative to 4.3l Mercruiser Alpha One units ?

Thank you !

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 question

can someone help me start my own post or direct me to an existing topic relative to 4.3l Mercruiser Alpha One units ?

Ayuh,....

Always, Always start your own thread about Your problems....
Never ask Your questions on somebodyelse's thread....

As far as Starting 1,....
That's exactly what This is.....

Ask Away....

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: 4.3 question

What year?.....

 

[chick92064]

Re: 4.3 question

Ok, I'm learning here. I recently purchased a used 1989 Mach 1 Challenger (MV1900CC) with a 4.3l Mercruiser Alpha I. I noticed in roaming around the site a little that some of you are able to quote quite a bit of info on a boat if you know the serial number. It is FLI56852F989 for this boat. I would like to know the HP rating and fuel tank capacity. Thank you

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 question

Ayuh,....

That's a Boat question,... It has to be asked up in the Boating forum...

We deal in Only the I/Os,+ their Motors down here....

 

[180shabah]

Re: 4.3 question

Hey chick...

Your fuel tank size is a secret only known to the manufacturer and possibly the original owner. 25-30 gallons would be normal(if there is such a thing) for a boat that size with a 4.3 in it. Best thing to do is read the tag on the tank if possible, or drain it and see how much gas it takes to fill it.

Engine details will require the S/N of the engine. Mercruiser S/N are located just above the starter. 4.3's of that era made 175hp with a 2bbl carb or 205hp with a 4bbl. These ratings are at the crank, not the prop, so they are about 30hp higher than the ratings of newer engines.

 

[chick92064]

Re: 4.3 question

Hey chick...

Your fuel tank size is a secret only known to the manufacturer and possibly the original owner. 25-30 gallons would be normal(if there is such a thing) for a boat that size with a 4.3 in it. Best thing to do is read the tag on the tank if possible, or drain it and see how much gas it takes to fill it.

Engine details will require the S/N of the engine. Mercruiser S/N are located just above the starter. 4.3's of that era made 175hp with a 2bbl carb or 205hp with a 4bbl. These ratings are at the crank, not the prop, so they are about 30hp higher than the ratings of newer engines.

Thank you. 25-30 gallons is close enough. The boat is about to go into storage for the winter. There's gas in the tank but I don't know how much and am going to fill it. Was trying to guage how much Sta-Bil to put in the tank. The carb is a 4bbl so we're looking at about 175hp at the prop. Not too bad. The boat gets up quick and cruises fairly well. Not sure if the speedo is accurate. It tops out at about 40 + (maybe 42) Anyway, I'm actually glad it's a 4.3. I had a 5.7 in another boat and it was far too fond of gasoline. This one should be better. Appreciate the help to a newbie posting in questionable areas.

 

[mthieme]

Re: 4.3 question

My 4.3 burns roughly 3 gph which I'm happy with, although mine has a 2 bbl carb.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 4.3 question

Yep,The 4.3 is a great motor.Not too bad on fuel but still gets up and goes..
You can't really put too much Stabil in unless you buy it by the gallon..lol!

Makes sure its drained and winterized so we don't hear about cracked block or manifolds come spring.

Welcome to IBoats!!

 

[JustJason]

Re: 4.3 question

yeah you can never add to much stable..... i usually just throw in a whole bottle of the merc stuff.... depending on the concentration of it.

 

[chick92064]

Re: 4.3 question

My 4.3 burns roughly 3 gph which I'm happy with, although mine has a 2 bbl carb.

Well lucky me, regular gas is below $2/gallon in some states, however I doubt that'll be the case come next spring when I want to buy 30 gallons every weekend. LOL Thanks for all the info guys. Nice forum.

 

[180shabah]

Re: 4.3 question

The carb is a 4bbl so we're looking at about 175hp at the prop. Not too bad. The boat gets up quick and cruises fairly well. Not sure if the speedo is accurate. It tops out at about 40 + (maybe 42)

I have the same engine(pre-vortec/4bbl) in my '96 18'er and with a normal load it pushes it to 48mph. Your boat is a little longer and probably a little heavier so mid 40's is a good guess for top speed - depending on prop choice. Your speedometer will never be accurate - they work on water/air pressure. GPS is the only way to go.