Newbie Boater with a '93 Merc 5.7

[jrs32086]

Hello all,

Thanks for helping a newbie. I just purchased a 1989 Cruisers Inc. Barnegat 2530, powered by a 1993 Merc 5.7 and the original (I think) Alpha 1 outdrive. It has a 4 barrel carb. I am completely unsure of the hours.

I want to know what parts will most likely go bad first. Before I gt it in the water I am going to put on a new prop (any reccomendations?) my goal is fuel efficiency (isn't everyones these days?).

I am familiar with car engines and wonder if any similar after market mods can be made. More specifically a freer breathing engine via upgraded intake and exhaust.

Also, is it possible/advisable to change the carb to a 2 barrel or more efficient 4 barrel?

I am looking for the most cost effective solutions. I also need to reupholster and add some electronics (GPS + Fish Finder).

Thanks for everyones help. Regards,
Justin

 

[jrs32086]

Re: Newbie Boater with a '93 Merc 5.7

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. To the top!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Newbie Boater with a '93 Merc 5.7

Welcome to the board.

One of the first things you will want to do if you are not familiar with the history of the maintenance is to check / replace the water pump impeller.

If you boat in salt water, I would suspect that the manifolds and risers may be in need of replacing as well. I wouldn't suggest simply replacing them, as they are expensive, but at least consider taking them off and checking out their condition.

Do a general tune up and try it out. There really are not many upgrades, etc that you can do realistically. Certainly not as many as on a car. Be careful with what you begin swapping out till you understand the differences between a car and boat. Many things do not transfer over - either in performance or safety.

Good luck!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Newbie Boater with a '93 Merc 5.7

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,...

I believe This Manual covers your Drive,...
And,...
This 1 should cover your Motor,...

my goal is fuel efficiency (isn't everyones these days?).

The Most Effecient running Boat,...
Needs it's Motor in proper Tune,+ the Prop that will allow this Finely Tuned motor to acheive it's rated RPMs, at WOT.....
It'll be Most Efficent at All RPMs if it's propped,+ tuned for it's Rating....
In your case,... 4600/4800rpms....

 

[jrs32086]

Re: Newbie Boater with a '93 Merc 5.7

Thanks for the input and the links (I didn't find any in my quick google). No aftermarket engine mods is slightly disappointing, but will save money for other toys then. Namely a Raymarine A60, prop, and interior work. I will be doing the cosmetic fiberglass work myself.

The boat has new bellows and water pump since the last time it was in the water. The seller told me it has always been in Buffalo NY, so hopefully no saltwater. I heard today at work (but what do they know) that I should check the U-joint, or atleast mention a concern about it to the mechanic.

I will be taking the boat on a sea trial with the mechanic and will monitor the rpms at WOT. I noticed when inspecting the boat that that prop had been repaired, I plan on replacing it ASAP, but want to make sure I get the right prop. Which is one that allows for 4400-4800 RPM at WOT, right? Any reccomendations on stores, online or in person to buy a new prop?

What are some more things I should look/listen for on the sea trial?

Thanks again for everyones help, I would be lost without it.

 

[jrs32086]

Re: Newbie Boater with a '93 Merc 5.7

A few quick questions:

I noticed a column in the Alpha 1 service manual that states "13:28 Gear Service (replacement?)" Is this something I should consider? What is the purpose?

Also, in the engine manual it states a 2 barrel carb in the '95+ model 5.7 litre, is it possible and to my advantage to swap my 4 barrel for the 2 barrel? Or is this a "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" thing?

 

[Don S]

Re: Newbie Boater with a '93 Merc 5.7

Bondo posted the wrong link for your drive manual, (sorry Bondo, not trying to be picky)
You need this one for the Gen II drives.
http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/SERVICE/CRUISER/Servmanl/14/14cover.pdf

You may also have the wrong manual for your engine. Do you have the Mercruiser SN for your engine? It's common to find 92 engines in 93 boats. The engine years and boat years happen at differnet times.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Newbie Boater with a '93 Merc 5.7

Also, in the engine manual it states a 2 barrel carb in the '95+ model 5.7 litre, is it possible and to my advantage to swap my 4 barrel for the 2 barrel? Or is this a "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" thing?

Ayuh,.... It would be a step Backwards....

You loose the Power,+ probably burn more fuel....

The Primaries are Tiny,+ the Secondaries are Large,...
Stay out of the secondaries,+ you'll get Good Mileage.....

 

[jrs32086]

Re: Newbie Boater with a '93 Merc 5.7

I will get s/n tomorrow for both drive and motor.

At what point do the secondaries open? A certain rpm? Is there a way to test for tach calibration? Or is there an easy/cheap way to add a digital tach to this engine?

 

[jrs32086]

Re: Newbie Boater with a '93 Merc 5.7

To the top.

I will post serial numbers for the drive and engine at about 6:00, or 6:30 pm Eastern time.

 

[jrs32086]

Re: Newbie Boater with a '93 Merc 5.7

I just went to check the serial numbers at the dealer. The boat was out on the lake for a test run, readying itself for tomorrow. The owner told me the boat worked great today, and won't need any more maintainence before the sea trial tomorrow. I will get the serial # for the engine tomorrow, and hopefully for the drive upon delivery next week.