Mercruiser engine replacement ?

[Gamblerman]

Ok guys Im new to the inboard motors so I have a ?
Ok a friend just gave me a boat with a 188hp meruiser engine well it did run but that was ten years ago and well you know the story.Any how I would like to replace the engine and I have a nice ford 5.O will this bolt up and if not what ford motor would work.I know I should use a marine engine but the price is to much at this point and I have this motor on hand.Any info would be great


Thanks Shawn

 

[Stamey]

Re: Mercruiser engine replacement ?

You really should have a marinized engine, not only for durability, but for safety. The marinized engine has components designed to eliminate possible sparks that could blow you sky high in the event of a fuel leak. As far as I know, marinized engines are also 4-bolt mains, to withstand the long periods of high RPM running that boat engines must endure.
You won't find anyone here that recommends an auto engine in a boat.
You can get a short or long block of the engine you have and transfer the parts over. You could put a 2-bolt main engine in there, but you are taking the risk of having to do it all over again relatively soon.

Chris

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Mercruiser engine replacement ?

Marine and car engines are exactly the same with a couple exceptions. You should put brass freeze plugs in it, and marine cam, and use the marinized carb, and all your old accessories. Otherwise the engines are pretty much the same. 4 bolt main refers to a GM small block and my last 5.7 Mercruiser had a 2 bolt main. I replaced it with a 4 bolt, but the original was 2 bolt. That was a 01 Vortec. The engine I put in was built for a drag car. I used my old cam and all my accessories and it worked perfect. I even put an automotive waterpump on it, and it was still like new after 4 years of mixed fresh and salt water use.