Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

[andy1canada]

Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

Howdy from Canada!

Just read Kellydee's post (Welcome to iboats!) regarding his new engine (s') woes... bummer!

I've been down that road too. Years ago with my first boat, I ended up taking it to a service outfit to have a rebuilt engine installed only to learn (after I signed a work-order) that the joint was in receivership... that's another story.

What caught my attention in the post was Don's reply concerning engine configurations/options when ordering an engine from Merc w/FWC. I too am about to order a new MPI/4.3/Alpha setup for my boat.

My mechanic, who came highly recommended with good referrences, has suggested that he'll save me a $G-note or so by ordering the engine without the OEM heat-exchanger and then get me an after-market one that I can install myself.

Don, or anyone else qualified to help, would you offer any further cautionary advice for me concerning this proposal?

Thanks for your time and trouble!

Cheers,
Terry Anderson

 

[tommays]

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

far from and expert

But i would want a FULL system with dry joint exhaust

Not really sure if you can buy and MPI without dry joint exhaust BUT it is a huge inprovement over the old system


Tommays

 

[Don S]

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

Like I said in kellydee's post, Just order the new engine with factory closed cooling already on it. The ECM has to be changed, with an aftermarket cooling system that ECM is going to cost you 1600 bucks, and the after market kits do not include an ECM.
I don't have Merc engine prices handy, but ordering a bobtail engine (Complete engine and all attaching parts) with the FWC system already installed is only about a 1000 to 1200 bucks more. Not sure why your dealer want to order one without then install the closed cooling system.

 

[docpaulo]

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

cheaper and better to buy it from the factory...

if you're using the carb'd model... it will be around 750-1K aftermarket before installation

 

[andy1canada]

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

Thanks Guy 's!

Now I'm really in a quandry. I mentioned the ECM swap-out issue to my mechanic yesterday; he says it's not a big deal and shouldn't affect the performance of the engine or the new-engine warranty. He said something about (if memory serves me) the difference between the two being that one runs 10-degrees or so hotter than the other.

This is getting confusing, moreso now that I have also (yesterday) spoke with the guy's Son that built my boat. Dad's retired but the Son is still building custom order boats.

I told him what I was quoted by my mechanic
(about $14/K...installed/Canadian dollars) for the 4.3/Merc MPI/Alpha setup, and he claims he can install a new Volvo/4.3/MPI/Duoprop/FWC for about the same coin.

Man-O-man! Now I'm vaccilating between Merc & Volvo...

All I remember back in my brief stint as an apprentice marine-mechanic (81' - 82') was being told - by a couple of journeymen I worked with - that the Volvo leg was stronger and better built than the Merc, but parts & service for the Volvo were considerably more. Also, back in them days I don't think Volvo had power-trim as standard equipment as they do now.

Jeeze... what to do?

Okay, rather than start a new thread, let's open up the door here and let all the Merc/Volvo guy's dive-in for a good Ole' fashioned rumble...

Merc...Volvo? One-prop... two-props?

I watch... I read... I learn.

Thanks
Terry

 

[tommays]

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

other than the money two props is much better



Tommays

 

[kellydee]

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

far from and expert

But i would want a FULL system with dry joint exhaust

Not really sure if you can buy and MPI without dry joint exhaust BUT it is a huge inprovement over the old system
Just got the word from my dealer Tuesday.Merc does not sell the %.7 MPI motor with the FWC already installed for an ALPHA drive.(I don't know about the 4.3.) You must buy the kit and install it.After market kit(at least the one from San Juan) is for BLOCK ONLY.I'm not sure if the ECM is required for this kit as I do not want a 1/2 kit.I'm pretty much a saltwater guy and I insist on the full kit.Unless you go with a "Program Motor"(which can be purchased much cheaper than an 07) it is M U C H more expensive.The Horizon series is the MPI with FWC but,Merc is not putting these out set up for the ALPHA drive.New 07 MPI,around $9K +the cooling kit + an engine-driven seawater pump kit.OK this is out of the ballpark as far as I'm concerned.I'm not willing to spend an extra $3,500 for MPI.SO,for me,,I'm back to the carb.Motor should be in next week.Yea!!!

Tommays

 

[kellydee]

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

Re: Aftermarket FWC on New Merc MPI/Alpha systems

Guess I really screwed that one up w/the REPLY+QUOTE button.Sorry!