mercruiser 4.3 190 good or bad?

[damie]

hi,<br />does anyone have any good or bad points about a 4.3 190hp inboard mercruiser?<br />i am looking at one in a 1999 mariah 18ft bowrider<br />i have just sold my mariah with a 3.0l 135hp <br />is it better to go up a size of engine or should i stick to the 3.0l.<br />will it give me better all round performance as per power to weight ratio?<br />many thanks!<br />damian.

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 190 good or bad?

I have a 19ft bowrider with a Volvo Penta 4.3GL which is 190HP it does 56Mph and goes great. I read lots of posts of people on this board with a 3.0L wanting more power not only one or two from 4.3 litre. I believe a carb & manifold change on the 4.3 will increase power to 210HP.<br /><br />In summary, get as much power as you can afford, you can always throttle back.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Chris

 

[bluewater19]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 190 good or bad?

4.3L is a great motor. Gm has been making this motor for a long time. I have a 2003 190 in our glastron and a older 1991 with close to 800hrs in my cuddy cab. I had to change the circulation pump last spring in the old one and other than oil changes thats it. They are both pretty good on gas if you keep your cruise speed down around 3000-3200rpm.<br />Good luck

 

[achris]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 190 good or bad?

I have the earlier (1994) 4.3LX and it runs a treat. All I do on it is the 50hr oil and filter change and every couple of years change the spark plugs. Cruises for hours at 3300rpm.<br /><br />----------------------------<br />1972 Bertram BahiaMar 20<br />1994 Mercuiser 4.3LX

 

[Rickles]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 190 good or bad?

You'll like how much smoother the 4.3L is compared to the 3.0L.