Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

[jlhedrick]

Hello
I recently purchased a 1988 Maxum 2000 bowrider the power train is a Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX which has a cracked block under the left manifold facing the engine from the rear It looks to large to repair, I have several questions:

I could not read the serial number on the valve cover sticker is there another place to find it ?

Is there a difference in Engine Blocks, Marine, Car, Truck ?

Will the stern drive hook up to a 5.7 Replacement engine, where would I look for one of these if so ?

Where could I find a replacement engine block for the 5.0 ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance
John

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

I could not read the serial number on the valve cover sticker is there another place to find it ?

Look right by the starter area, There should be a tag mounted to the engine with rivets. You will need a light and may need to clean it off a little to read it.

 

[Apollo75]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

There are many differences in blocks --- too many to list here --- I will give you a link.

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article/2577/performance_small_block_chevy_engines_.aspx

A newer 5.0 is a 305 and a 5.7 is a 350 --- everything should bolt up --- heads will work --- 305 generally have smaller valves and combustion chambers ---- I have a set on my Van 350-for increased torque.

I would check with the local parts houses and try to get a good core from them --- a 4-bolt main 350 may have some good heavy duty pieces in it for a couple hundred dollars. If your town / city is large they will go for a premium.

Check the local junk / bone yards for a running / rebuildable engine --- they will usually guarantee this or get you another engine.


Good Luck

OFM

 

[jtybt]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

stamped on engine block just in front of starboard valve cover. It's a 1"x2" pad.

Or casting # on engine block behind port cylinder bank.

Replace with a 5.7 liter of same year/generation. Everything is a direct bolt on and you get free HP...parts are the same cost to rebuild either.

 

[jlhedrick]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

I could not read the serial number on the valve cover sticker is there another place to find it ?

Look right by the starter area, There should be a tag mounted to the engine with rivets. You will need a light and may need to clean it off a little to read it.

I found the tag the Serial number is C316477 I also found the follwing numbers Right side behind valve cover 14093627 and on the left side GM 5.0 LG and B048.
Is there a way to decode these numbers so I can find the right block ?
Thanks for your help
John

 

[jlhedrick]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

stamped on engine block just in front of starboard valve cover. It's a 1"x2" pad.

Or casting # on engine block behind port cylinder bank.

Replace with a 5.7 liter of same year/generation. Everything is a direct bolt on and you get free HP...parts are the same cost to rebuild either.

I found the tag the Serial number is C316477 I also found the follwing numbers Right side behind valve cover 14093627 and on the left side GM 5.0 LG and B048.
Is there a way to decode these numbers so I can find the right block ?
Thanks for your help
John

 

[Bondo]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

I found the tag the Serial number is C316477

Ayuh,... That's Not a Mercruiser #...

Not that it matters....
You need a 1987 to 1995 SBC motor.... I'd go with a 350...

 

[jlhedrick]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

Ayuh,... That's Not a Mercruiser #...

Not that it matters....
You need a 1987 to 1995 SBC motor.... I'd go with a 350...

Would it be a mercruiser number if the C was a zero.... and what does SBC stand for ? Would I look for the same years for a 350

Thanks in advance
John

 

[Bondo]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

and what does SBC stand for ? Would I look for the same years for a 350

Small
Block
Chevy

Yes,.. the 305,+ the 350 are Exactly the same block, on the OUTSIDE...

 

[jlhedrick]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

Would it be a mercruiser number if the C was a zero.... and what does SBC stand for ? Would I look for the same years for a 350

Thanks in advance
John

Duh.....Small Block Chevy

 

[jlhedrick]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

Small
Block
Chevy

Yes,.. the 305,+ the 350 are Exactly the same block, on the OUTSIDE...

Hello
Thanks for the info
Looking up the Block casting Date and casting number I came up with 305 -2 bolt, GM 5.0 LG Cast on FEB - 04 1988.
On the Valve Cover Sticker ( Left Bank ) It says:
Model MCM 5.0 L/LX
305 CID, Engine Rotation LH
Of course the serail number wasn't readable but that was figured out with everyone's help
Now time to hunt for a SBC 350
Please humor me
Get a block within those years you listed.

will a 2-bolt or 4-bolt Main work Currently have a 2-bolt Main ?

Will My Exhaust Manifolds, Risers, Intake Manifold, Etc Bolt on to 350 Block ?

Do I need to get a Marine Cam ?

Is a LH Rotation Standard for Engines ?

Is there any other items I need to consider I will have a local machine shop that does engines restore the block Port and polish Magaflux heads Etc. and send it out for Balancing.
Thanks for your help
John

 

[Apollo75]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

If you get a block use the previous advice ---- yes, all the above mentioned parts will interchange.

4-bolt main block is just stronger in the lower end --- it will work.

The above advice about the year range of the block is from a marine Mechanic --- I would follow it.

Yes, you need a marine cam --- some use a truck engine as it is --- RV cam --- not a normal car cam --- back pressure design and torque range is way different. Use the old cam and lifters if little wear --- do not use a old lifter on a different lobe --- use some sort of container to hold them and label it so you know where each lifter came from or buy new lifters.

You have a normal Chevy engine ---> left hand rotation looking from rear ---> counter clockwise from the rear --- distributor rotors on both LHR and RHR turn clockwise. Timing marks on harmonic balancer etc., from a car will work on your LHR engine.


Good Luck

OFM

 

[yfzjim]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

I just bought a longblock from rapido marine to replace the exact same engine you have. good prices, cheap shipping, and good warranty. Raul was very helpful and you dont have to find a block or take anything to the machine shop. They build it up and ship it to you and theres no core charge.

 

[jlhedrick]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

Rapido Marine sounds like the way to go.

Thanks
John

 

[Bondo]

Re: Need Help on Mercrusier Alpha One 5.0 Litre/LX

Please humor me
Get a block within those years you listed.

will a 2-bolt or 4-bolt Main work Currently have a 2-bolt Main ?

Will My Exhaust Manifolds, Risers, Intake Manifold, Etc Bolt on to 350 Block ?

Do I need to get a Marine Cam ?

Is a LH Rotation Standard for Engines ?

Is there any other items I need to consider I will have a local machine shop that does engines restore the block Port and polish Magaflux heads Etc. and send it out for Balancing.

Ayuh,....Humor Me for a minute,...
Go to your local Chevy/ GM dealer,+ buy a GM Goodwrench replacement 350 for a pickup truck of the proper Vintage,+ just bolt all the accessories from the motor in the boat onto that 1, drop it in,...
And Go Boating...

The Mexican Goodwrench motors even already have the Brass coreplugs....

You should get it Out the door for Well under 2 Grand....

You could Upgrade to the Vortec heads for the price of an Intake Manifold,...That would be the 96,+ newer 350s...

The above advice about the year range of the block is from a marine Mechanic ---

Naw,.... Just an ole Motorhead who's in Love with Boats....