Any Thoughts on This I/O?

[SideW@ys]

My Friend is looking to buy a used boat with an I/O. I have an outboard johnson on my boat so I don't know anything about inboard/outboards. The original post from craidslist is below. Any thoughts on this type of engine? It will need a new outboard as the gears are "Nuckled together" as the owner put it on the phone. Is this engine type one of those you want to run away from?

This is a 1986 Sea Ray 21.5" Seville boat for sale with a cuddy cabin. This is a great running and riding boat, it flattens out the rough stuff and has a small wake for skiing. The trailer is powder coated and has near new tires and a brake flushing system. The engine is a four cylinder 170 horsepower Mercruiser, with Alpha One outdrive. It has great power for this boat and good economy as well. There is a live bait tank system included, a radio and a clean cabin. The upholstery is deteriorated and the outdrive needs a new set of gears. The price is right for this great boat.


Thanks for any input,
John

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Any Thoughts on This I/O?

You don't want ANY parts of a 170HP Mercruiser. That's the dreaded 470.

 

[SideW@ys]

Re: Any Thoughts on This I/O?

Thanks for the input. Did a quick search on the 470 and it doesnt' have a good rep. He'll be staying away from that one. Thanks!

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Any Thoughts on This I/O?

I like these threads.....quick, accurate, and summed up.

Carry on, keep looking.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Any Thoughts on This I/O?

I like these threads.....quick, accurate, and summed up.

Carry on, keep looking.

Don't get your hopes up...it isn't closed yet. The 470 lovers will hop on I am sure.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Any Thoughts on This I/O?

I like these threads.....quick, accurate, and summed up.

Carry on, keep looking.

Don't get your hopes up...it isn't closed yet. The 470 lovers will hop on I am sure.

Ayuh,... Or from the archives in a couple of years.....

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Any Thoughts on This I/O?

Hay! as a "470 lover" those comments have cut me to the quick. I think that an outdrive with gears that are just a little "Nuckled together" is the number one deal killer, not the engine.

P.S. I do agree however that staying away from a 470 is a wise choice.

 

[Don S]

Re: Any Thoughts on This I/O?

Hay! as a "470 lover" those comments have cut me to the quick. I think that an outdrive with gears that are just a little "Nuckled together" is the number one deal killer, not the engine.

P.S. I do agree however that staying away from a 470 is a wise choice.

Personally, I would take a 1979 470 over a 1985 stringer any day of the week.
The 470s are a torquie (Torquey, just say Torque E you will know what I mean) engine for a 4 banger, but they have their problems. The charging system is a #@%&*&# joke, requires an aftermarket kit to install an alternator $$$ Ka Ching, but less than repairing that outboard system that you can't get many of the parts for anymore.
Then there is the wonderful open deck design of the aluminum block with a cast iron head. Now, how could that be a problem. Couldn't be because every time you have an overheat you blow a head gasket could it ???????
Then on the early ones, you had the 3" heat exchanger that just about guaranteed you an overheat problem. Nothing a very expensive 4" heat exchanger kit won't cure $$$$ Ka Ching.
Then there is the leaking cam shaft seal that puts antifreeze into your oil pan, oh yeah, Merc recommends a new cam and a new cam seal to fix it ### Ka Ching $$$ Ka Ching. Most people opt for the speedy sleeve to "Cure" (aka bandaid) the leak long enough to sell the thing to some unsuspecting new boat buyer.
Then there is the problem with just a lot of parts being NLA from Mercruiser or anyone else.
Somebody please tell me how an engine like that can be something you would recommend to a first boat buyer that doesn't know anything about a boat.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Any Thoughts on This I/O?

Ka Ching,$$$$ Ka Ching, ### Ka Ching $$$ Ka Ching

Sounds like the name of a chineese food joint.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Any Thoughts on This I/O?

Ka Ching,$$$$ Ka Ching, ### Ka Ching $$$ Ka Ching
Sounds like the name of a chineese food joint.

I was thinking slot machines, They cost about the same.