EFI Conversion for Mercruiser 3.7 litre

[JasonAsheman]

I was wondering if any of you guys have info on where I can find an EFI conversion for a 1990 Mercruiser 3.7 litre 165 hp inboard engine. Also what is the difference between an inboard and a sterndrive.......that one has been bugging me.

 

[Don S]

Re: EFI Conversion for Mercruiser 3.7 litre

The 3.7 was a Mercruiser only engine with a Ford head and it only lasted for a few years and Merc gave it up. Nothing out there for converting one to EFI. Economically, a company could get a return on their money for an obsolete engine.<br /><br />A straight inboard has in inboard engine with a Vdrive or a straight shaft and rudders. An I/O (Eye Oh) has an Inboard engine with Outdrive (aka Sterndrive.

 

[achris]

Re: EFI Conversion for Mercruiser 3.7 litre

Don't knock the 470 Don, I like 'em. They ran from 1976 to 1989 and were only supeceded by the V6's. They were a great light weight engine for their horsepower and filled the hole in the range between the 2.5 and 3 litre 4cyls and the V8s after the in-line six went to the scrap heap, in 1981.<br /><br />I'll agree that they have a couple of quirks that need attention, but don't all engines?<br /><br />Chris................

 

[JasonAsheman]

Re: EFI Conversion for Mercruiser 3.7 litre

Guys I'm gonna be on here alot so get used to me. I went from the bassboats in the North Carolina lakes where I grew up to coastal Charleston SC, where my wife, 4 month old son and I reside now. Next year when I get out of the USAF I will be moving to Nags Head NC where my sister and brother in law live. I have some questions concerning my boat. I bought a 21 foot dixie walkaround cuddy with a nice cabin built onto it, a gps, garmin sounder, and vhf radio with a dual axle trailer for 5500 dollars including tax. Did I get a good deal and we took it out into Albemarle sound in NC last weekend. We launched, it cranked and ran perfectly. We ran for about 45 min and anchored to fish. It would not start back....the engine was turning over very slowly like the batts were dead, but they both held full charge. Its either the starter or the solenoid switch. Are starters an issue on this motor? Also.....how far could I safely take this boat offshore....be advised I have no kicker. just the sterndrive 3.7 thanks for the replies.

 

[akupesky]

Re: EFI Conversion for Mercruiser 3.7 litre

Jason,

I have the same problem with my 470. Runs great for hours, but when I pull back to idle, it quits and won't start with the same sysmtems. Let me know what you find.

Thanks AL

 

[rodbolt]

Re: EFI Conversion for Mercruiser 3.7 litre

welcome to the outer banks.
Tony Woodise at shoreflyte marine in camden may still work on a 470 most shops including where I am simply wont anymore.
you can bring it by but no warrenty that it will get more than an inspection.
be aware that here on the outer banks there are 5-8 backyadigans with vans and tool boxs. none have any training and they usually tear up more than they fix.
just a heads up.
on the start issue, do a voltage drop test, do a careful visual inspection of the starter.
the starter was thoughtfully located just below the exhaust joint which tended to drip water on it.
if yours has a 3" heat exchanger its possible to have hot spots even though temp shows normal. its why they went to a 4".
3.7 motors also had a tendancy to crack manifolds at #4 cyl and allow engine coolent into the exhaust, among other problems.

 

[Don S]

Re: EFI Conversion for Mercruiser 3.7 litre

akupesky
Start a new thread with your question, don't just post at the end of a 4 year old thread.