Mercruiser 888 Questions

[1stgenbird]

I have my eye on a 70's Crestliner with a Mercruiser 888/Ford 302. The engine needs a rebuild but the hull and interior is in great shape. Any common problems with that motor that would make be decide to scrap it and replace it with something else?
I have a '73 Silverline with a Mercruiser 165 and that engine is great but I am not familiar with the Ford 302.

 

[Bt Doctur]

very little support for Ford engines as far as parts go.a 45 year old boat is bound to have some transom rot in it

 

[1stgenbird]

From what I see on iboats, there are certainly parts available. My question was more about reliability and common issues which would make this motor a good or bad choice. My current boat is a 1973 with no transom rot at all. It is something to be aware of in any older boat.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Bt doctor told you right. There is very little support for ford mercruiser engine parts because there were so few sold...

Not saying you won't find a part you need but oem stuff is long gone and the aftermarket doesn't back em like they do chevy stuff due to lack of demand.

As for the engine itself... It's a ford 302 like any other... Nothing particularly good or bad about it.

IF you are gonna get a hull w an 888 w a bad engine do yourself a favor and find a chevy mercruiser to replace it... A 260 (or any other v8 chevy) is an easy swap and you can shop around for a good engine n drive in a rotten boat... Then sell the trailer to pay for the whole thing.