enging nomenclature question

[chado27]

Hello all!

I like to have a clue about what I own before trying to buy parts. So the question to the forum is, Why is mercruiser attached to many different company?s (Chevy Mercruiser Marine, CHRYSLER Mercruiser marine, Ford Mercruiser Marine)? My boat is a 1991 Almar with a 351-ford marinized by KEM or Kodak and has a Kodak pump.

thank you in advance

 

[QC]

Re: enging nomenclature question

Welcome aboard Chad!!

The answer as to why is because they can and at times different OEMs offered better or worse packages for them to marry to their drives. You can get Chrysler engines today with an Ilmor drive for example. Used to be you could order a heavy-duty truck with either a CAT, Cummins or Detroit Diesel, that's changed too.

Volvo used to have Volvo engines pushing their drives, now all gas are GM, diesel is Volvo. Merc used to offer International diesels, now Cummins. Ford 460s were very popular here in CA and AZ with Berkley and Jacuzzi pumps. Olds 455s too. Just availability, price, support etc. etc.

 

[Bondo]

Re: enging nomenclature question

Ayuh,... Your question is awfully vague,...

Mercruiser still uses Chevy base motors,...
They haven't used a Ford motor since the late 70s,...
And,...
They've Never used a Chrysler motor....

 

[Don S]

Re: enging nomenclature question

Mercruiser does not make engines, they marinize automotive type engines. Mercruiser, Volvo, KEM, Marine Power, Crusader, and a few others. All these marinizers buy engines from the manufacturers, such as Ford and Chevy. When they buy these engines, they are basically nothing more than long blocks. Then, the marinizer comes in and installes, the carbs, fuel pumps, ignition systems, exhaust, althernators, motor mounts, and all the other parts to turn it into a marine engine and attach it to the drive.

KEM is KEM Equipment Inc, and Kodiak is the marine part of KEM Equip.
http://www.kemequipment.com/kodiakmarine.html

 

[chado27]

Re: enging nomenclature question

Thank you guys.