Looking for information on Mercruiser 165 with MC1 outdrive

[jimmwaller]

Hi,

I recently found out (thanks to iBoats) that I have a mercruiser 165 with a MC1 outdrive. I don't know anything about these motors, and was hoping for general information.

In particular, I'm wondering:

1) are these reliable? I hear that mercruisers are great motors, but I usually hear it qualified, like "mercruisers are bulletproof and have great parts availability... with a few exceptions". Is the 165/MC1 one of these exceptions? Or are these pretty solid and easy to find parts for?

2) Is there anything I should know about these engines? Little tricks or "don't do's" or whatever? Quirks?

3) Are there other good resources? I couldn't find any pages specifically for these engines/outdrives. I assume the community here will have the answers to most of my questions, but I'd like to do some independent reading if possible. I'm about to dig through the archives for maintenance tips, etc. Anything I should know before diving in?

4) anything else I should know before taking it out for the first time?

Thanks!!

 

[yjanray]

Do you have the inline 6 cylinder or the 4 cylinder motor? The 4 cylinder is also known as the 470

 

[stonyloam]

Yeah the 6 is pretty bulletproof, the 4 requires a lot of TLC.

 

[jimmwaller]

hi all,

Thanks for the quick replies! My fault, I didn't know there were two different ones. I have the inline six

thanks again

 

[stonyloam]

You have a good one. That is a chevy 6, a a little old, but about as reliable as they get.

 

[Scott Danforth]

1. they are one of the most bullet-proof motors out there
2. like any marine motor, they need proper maintenance
3. http://www.inliners.org/ is a page dedicated to in-line motors. however for your mercruiser, the mercruiser forums on iBoats is all you need
4. since this is a new to you boat, you should do all your maintenance to reset the maintenance clock so to speak:

• gimble bearing
• bellows
• raw water pump
• gear oil change
• alignment
• engine oil change
• points/cap/rotor/wires/plugs

 

[hogbare35]

I have a1980 Searay with twin 165 mercruisers (inline 6s). Been running it since mid 90s. I an starting a rebuild on a 26' Stamas with twin 165s.These are very good engines and very easy to work on .The biggest problem I have had was with the shifting, kind of touchy to get adjusted correctly.

 

[harleyman1975]

That is a truck motor.It has been around since the mid 50's. They are happiest at about 3200-3500 RPMs. Use full power for planning out then back her down.
Make sure you take care of your impeller and watch the temp gauge. If you overheat it the head will warp but that is not a deal killer...just don't overheat it and don't beat it.

 

[jimmwaller]

thank you all for all of the information so far. Really helpful and appreciated!

Going to embark on the recommended maintenance this week, I hope!

 

[hogbare35]

I would recommend getting a service manual . I use a Clymers & a mercruiser manual, parts book is real handy. Maybe I'm crazy but I find that having a manual to refer to really helps me get the job done. Good luck and enjoy your boat.