Mercruiser parts and advice.

Nandy

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Im looking at a boat that the Mercruiser crank but will not start. I have not tried it myself, that is what the current owner told me. He believes the problem is electric. Said that, what are and how much are the most expensive electric parts for this motor?
I could not see much of the motor information as the label is mess up. I read something like 153 displacement, 120 horse power. This is a motor for a 1979 19 ft Baretta boat. Any information will be helpful.
 

wallydc2

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Aug 31, 2007
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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.

Start simple, is it four, six, of eight? More than likely a four cylinder because you stated 120. The serial no should be somewhere around the starter.
 

Nandy

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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.

It is a 4 cylinder. I will get more information later.
 

Don S

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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.

If it doesn't run, and you have to ask questions like "What is the most expensive electircal part", your best bet is to walk (sorry, RUN) away from that boat.
Sellers will tell you anything to unload their boat with a destroyed engine to anyone that will believe their story.
 

DHPMARINE

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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.

I know these boats 'look' great,but if you can't at least take it for a cruise before buying ......... You know nothing about what you are spending your money on. And you may spend $$$$$$$$ before that first cruise.Don't try to save too much money.Chances are the seller thought he had a great deal also.

DHP
 

Nandy

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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.

Thanks guys. I understand your corncern. I have bouth so far 3 of these deals, all outboards that I have fixed with minimal expendature and got a nice ride after all said and done. But then after some time I sell the boat as I want something different. Im not just buying the boat without checking more in deep before. So if anyone can answer the questions about the electric I will appreciate it.

Thanks.
 

Haut Medoc

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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.

Thanks guys. I understand your corncern. I have bouth so far 3 of these deals, all outboards that I have fixed with minimal expendature and got a nice ride after all said and done. But then after some time I sell the boat as I want something different. Im not just buying the boat without checking more in deep before. So if anyone can answer the questions about the electric I will appreciate it.

Thanks.
Well, the most expensive electrical part would be a new distributer....
It's a Merc 2.5 with a points type ignition.....
Pretty simple really, you will just need to diagnose what is missing with regard to spark, if that is the problem....
No one component should be too costly....;)
 

Nandy

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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.

Serial is 5037133, it is a 4 cylinder. Now in the model number it says MCM and the rest is unlegible as the paint is gone. I thought MCM was a diesel model, if I looked at it correctly while I was checking that serial. But I know that motor is gas. If anyone can clarify that. Anyway, looking at that serial I think that is a 470 2bbl model built from 1976-79. The boat is a 79 so that matches.
It is a simple motor, and to tell you the truth, I think this young man went a bit over his head. I have to check but im sure the motor was working until he started his rewiring work. We shall see. Anyone has a wiring diagram for this motor electric system. I will buy the book if I decide to buy this boat, but not spending that money till then. I just want to make sure the ignition parts are getting power were they need.

Thanks
 

Haut Medoc

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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.


Does it have a heat exchanger?.....
IE., if it has a resevoir where you add anti-freeze....
If it does, then it is most likely a 224 ci Mercruiser, which would be a 470 , 488 or one of it's various mutations.........
Which Merc has not made since the late eighties......
Actually, that would make more sense in a 19 ft. boat, because of the little extra HP over the 3.0 GM.....;)
What does it say on the valve covers?........
If it is indeed one of these mutants, look for another boat, IMO......:)
 

Nandy

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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.

I will try to copy all the info from the label next time I check the motor. It looked to me that was cooled by the lake water, I realy could not see anything like a "radiator" is that is what you mean. Im new to sterndrives so forgive my technicality.
Can you give me a bit more info about what you mean by mutant?

Thanks!
 

Haut Medoc

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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.

I will try to copy all the info from the label next time I check the motor. It looked to me that was cooled by the lake water, I realy could not see anything like a "radiator" is that is what you mean. Im new to sterndrives so forgive my technicality.
Can you give me a bit more info about what you mean by mutant?

Thanks!
The 470 & it's various forms was a Merc. experiment that had some unusual & troublesome features.....
Namely the water cooled voltage regulator that when it goes needs a $400 dollar alternator replacement.....
The water pump seal can leak coolant into the oil when it goes....
& they haven't made one in 20 years.....;)
 

Nandy

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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.

Have you known of someone that downloaded that file latelly? I was not able to download it. It was in the downloading proces for around 6 hours. I have a very fast connection at work but it could be that that server is reall slow or me being behind a firewall it was somehow block, but I would expect a blocking message as usual if the firewall is the issue. I will try at home anyway, just checking....
 

Nandy

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Re: Mercruiser parts and advice.

It was the firewall at work, was able to download the file. Thanks!
 
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