Ford 302 - 188 hp mercrusier

[mccurtis]

I am thinking about buying a Starcraft Chieftain with a Ford 302 V8, 188 hp.

Does anyone know if this is a good reliable motor that parts are readily available for? I would appreciate your comments, pros and cons.

Thanks - MC

 

[Bondo]

Re: Ford 302 - 188 hp mercrusier

Ayuh,... Merc hasn't used a Ford since the late 70s....

I'd look for Merc/ Chevy power

 

[Beefer]

Re: Ford 302 - 188 hp mercrusier

Is there really a 188hp V8? That sounds like a really small V8. I have a 3.7 inline 4 that puts out 188hp. ??

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Ford 302 - 188 hp mercrusier

Its a good motor for sure, and was reliable, but finding parts is going to be a bear. To retrofit to a chevy/merc you will have to gut the compartment and swap all the stuff.

The boat would have to be near mint, and in perfect running order before I would touch it. Volvo used that engine into the 90's but most parts do not swap with mercruiser.

 

[Icyharp]

Re: Ford 302 - 188 hp mercrusier

It is a good motor, I have one that I pulled from my Lund that never gave me a problem. Other than valve cover gaskets all has been good. As for other parts I have never needed anything, but having a pops that is in the marine buisness I was never worried either.

 

[mccurtis]

Re: Ford 302 - 188 hp mercrusier

Thanks for all your imput. I think I will pass on buying the boat. - MC.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Ford 302 - 188 hp mercrusier

Thanks for all your imput. I think I will pass on buying the boat. - MC.

Hi MC,... ezmobee told me the back-story on your dilemma,....

The 188 is a 2bbl. carbed version of the Ford 302 motor which is quite a common motor....
It's easy enough to find parts for(internal hard parts), but they tend to be slightly more expensive than a Chevy motor...
The exhaust manifolds are abit of a problem, but if yer boating in Freshwater, they should last a lifetime, so long as they don't freeze, 'n bust...
They tend to be considerably more expensive than those for a Chevy, but Osco still carries 'em...

For the longer boat, 'n what yer lookin' to do with it,...
It should serve you well...

 

[mccurtis]

Re: Ford 302 - 188 hp mercrusier

Thanks - Bond-o

I am thinking I may wait to find a 24" chieftain that has a chey motor.

 

[mccurtis]

Re: Ford 302 - 188 hp mercrusier

I talked with a marine engine rebuilder today and he told me the 302 is a good motor and that all parts, internal andexternal, are readily available. So, I may go for the boat however, its a total redo

 

[mkast]

Re: Ford 302 - 188 hp mercrusier

How much does this boat weigh?

 

[mccurtis]

Re: Ford 302 - 188 hp mercrusier

Approximatly 2900 lbs.