Mercruiser 888 impressions?? problems??

[Doug Redinger]

I am looking at a 1973 boat with a mercruiser 888. Supposedly has some lower unit issues. I am assuming it is a generation 1 outdrive. I rebuilt one of those 3 years ago, but I don't know much about the marine 302 Ford. Have you guys had good luck with them? Any peculliarities with this version mercruiser motor. Does it respond well to performance modifications etc?

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Mercruiser 888 impressions?? problems??

had one on a 1976 Mark Twain new. 18ft boat and it would run 60 if you trimmed it out. Good strong motors imo

 

[Doug Redinger]

Re: Mercruiser 888 impressions?? problems??

60 mph!! are you kidding me?? What kind of boat was it in??

 

[MikDee]

Re: Mercruiser 888 impressions?? problems??

60 mph!! are you kidding me?? What kind of boat was it in??

Really, I'd like to know also, I had one in an 18' Wellcraft Airslot bowrider yrs ago, something around that vintage, and the best I could get was about 45! These engines are ok, but like to use gas, because they are a short stroke, big bore design. I was not too impressed, even the Chevy back then had 198hp with a 2bbl. I so bad wanted to put a 4bbl on it, but the Cleveland designed block was so rare, you couldn't find a manifold back then, unless you spent big bucks for a new one! Although the previous owner did put thru-hull exhausts on it, at the lowest back corners of the boat, and what with all that rubber exhaust hose, it sounded sweet!

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Mercruiser 888 impressions?? problems??

Doug i dont believe it's a generation one, a generation one is an Alpha. If it's a 73 on an 888 it's mostlikely an MC-1, pre Alpha. Look at the hinge pins on the gimble if there are no trim senders it's an MC-1. If it's a generation one Alpha then someone updated it. Maybe a picture of it or some #s ? I'm not sure what year the Alpha came out. Good luck I had an 888 in a 72 SS-235 slickcraft in the 80s it was a good running engine. That boat was a well built on the heavy side i'm gonna say i got like 40-45 out of it. I'm curious too if anyone knows what year they introduced the Alpha?

 

[MikDee]

Re: Mercruiser 888 impressions?? problems??

"Generation one",,,, SS, I think he meant it's a Type 1 drive, because thats what it normally would be. I hada Type 1 drive in my 79' SeaRay, so the Alpha came later, maybe mid 80's?

 

[JasonB]

Re: Mercruiser 888 impressions?? problems??

I have one in my 19' '76 Glastron V-195. I'm a Ford fan, so I'm a bit jaded. Mine came to me locked up inhaling some water as the previous owner overheated it trying to back it off a sandbar. I rebuilt it very mildly keeping the stock 2bbl, just upping the compression a bit.

With 2x 240lb people and 18 gals of fuel, she GPS'd at 48.8mph in a deep v hull listed at 2400lbs spinning a 14 1/4x 21 MI Wheel aluminum prop at ~4100. It has been perfectly reliable for 6 years. Parts are still no problem to get even though Merc dropped Ford around '77.

I like mine, not real hard on gas, If I cruise around 30-32, its quite frugal. Plenty power for skiing.

For performance, you may be limited by exhaust manifolds if you keep the stock log style. A 4bbl may help a bit, but I've kept my 2bbl for fuel economy sake. I would be way too tempted to keep the back barrels open in a 4bbl.

 

[tysonnathan]

Re: Mercruiser 888 impressions?? problems??

Got a '74 Cobia with an 888 and a 302.... My family has had it since new and run it offshore and in the lakes/rivers. It has proven to be a great setup. No major problems.. I would recommend

 

[Doug Redinger]

Re: Mercruiser 888 impressions?? problems??

Motor sounds very strong! will probably just rebuild the upper init and call it good for this year, although my nephew wants me to rebuild it to a 331 stroker motor!! I think I will keep it stock for the time being. thanks for all the great responses!!

 

[Maclin]

Re: Mercruiser 888 impressions?? problems??

Personally I think Ford engines are entirely capable and have lots of positives, lots of hot-rod fans out there. But I do have an observation on the Merc and OMC Marine versions, this particular problem would not be a reason to keep me from buying one, just something to know about once I did have one in my possession. I have seen 3 separate instances on this board just this season of the distributor shaft roll pin failing on the 302 and 351 versions of that engine. That is a lot so I thought I should mention it since you asked! The distributor shaft is comprised of two pieces, the roll pin goes thru both and the takes all the torque as the bottom gear-driven shaft turns the top part of the shaft with the business end of the distributor. It does not seem to cause major damage and is an easy fix once you know what it is. The engine will run oddly then die, and not want to start until you adjust the distributor timing, then once it does start the timing will go all wonky again. I apologize that I cannot offer any hints at any preventative maintenance to perform ahead of time except for regular oil changes and make sure it all keeps cool.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Mercruiser 888 impressions?? problems??

I get wordy sometimes, so I wanted to highlight this part about my engine distributor observation....This should not be a reason to shy away from the boat. Good luck on your decision