Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

cruiser4

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Apr 6, 2010
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I am trying to match up a car motor to flywheel housing #865657A04, its for a mercruiser 4 cyl. 120 hp, it was used on different motors from around 1970 to 1990, so does anyone have a template or the bolt hole measurments for this housing so I can match it to a motor, thanks.
 
D

DJ

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

You won't find a match. The MerCruiser 4-cyl. was first used as an automotive engine in the early 1960's. After that, it was/is an industrial engine only.
 

JaseBosto

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

So, your trying to put a car engine in a boat, replacing the 4 cylinder? I doubt it would hold up long.
 

Bondo

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

it was used on different motors from around 1970 to 1990,

Ayuh,... The Chevy bellhousing bolt pattern is/ has been the same since 1955 or so...
But,...
That won't be your Problem...
 

180shabah

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

...and just what engine are you trying to jury-rig in there?
 

JaseBosto

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

Ayuh,... The Chevy bellhousing bolt pattern is/ has been the same since 1955 or so...
But,...
That won't be your Problem...

If bondo and myself are thinking along the same lines, as said a car engine won't hold up. There is a good reason why they call marine engines......marine engines.
 

Fishermark

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

If bondo and myself are thinking along the same lines, as said a car engine won't hold up. There is a good reason why they call marine engines......marine engines.

Actually, not to speak for Bond-o, but the bigger issue is simply that the 120 is not found in cars. The 120 and the 140 are interchangeable, but the 140 (3 liter) isn't used in cars either. As mentioned above, it is found in industrial applications (fork lifts, etc).

The problem isn't as simple as "a car engine will not work" - because many engines are in fact used in both cars / trucks and boats. The 350 is a prime example. Nothing special that makes it a "marine" engine except the cam, core plugs and head gasket. (And the externals of course - but I am talking about the long block).

Back to the original poster's question - don't get confused with the engine many call the "Iron Duke" - it is not the same.
 

cruiser4

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

Sorry I am new to this forum and boats and I am in Canada, isn't 120 hp the same as 2.5L engine? I have a cracked block on my 120hp mercruiser and I'm looking for a block to replace it, so couldn't I use a 2.5L engine block and replace the cam, etc...as long as the flywheel housing matched the block.
 

Bondo

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

Nope,.. The 2.5l used in cars is in no way even Close to the marine motors...
Totally different castings... Not even the same engine family...
Those are the Iron Duke Fishermark speaks of.. It's a Pontiac motor...
 

180shabah

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

Did that 2.5 come from something in the 60's? If not, it's not a match.
 

cr2k

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

Start checking Craig's list or see if there are marine recyclers (wrecking yards) in your area.

Don't know where your area is but there are several in CA as well as a few MC 4 bangers on CL.

You could go with a V-6 but then you have motor mount and bellhousing issues as well as the need to change the gear ratio in the outdrive.
 

JaseBosto

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

Actually, not to speak for Bond-o, but the bigger issue is simply that the 120 is not found in cars. The 120 and the 140 are interchangeable, but the 140 (3 liter) isn't used in cars either. As mentioned above, it is found in industrial applications (fork lifts, etc).

The problem isn't as simple as "a car engine will not work" - because many engines are in fact used in both cars / trucks and boats. The 350 is a prime example. Nothing special that makes it a "marine" engine except the cam, core plugs and head gasket. (And the externals of course - but I am talking about the long block).

Back to the original poster's question - don't get confused with the engine many call the "Iron Duke" - it is not the same.

I thought marine engines had beefier internals as well, for running at WOT for long periods of time.
 

2stroke1971

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

Totally non helpful comment, but as far as going the other way, I know of some dirt rack racers who have used marine parts in building their race car engines because of the differences!
 

Overnighter20

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Nov 8, 2009
Messages
33
Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

When you pull the engines (Chevy) apart you'll find that the part numbers are all the same. (Except the cam.) Lots of urban myth out there on this and yes, some buy in to it.

Years ago I had a 21 ft GW Hatteras with a 165 mercruiser, which is nothing but a 250 inline chevy six. I replaced it when it got tired with a short block from carquest, for around $650, and built it up with all the externals from the original. Everything bolted up perfectly. $650 for a brand new 165 hp i/o ain't a bad deal. Damn thing burned about a third less gas than my buddies 150 ocean pro too. I miss that boat.
 

Overnighter20

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

I actually have never seen a boater run at wot for long periods of time. Would annyone do that with their tow vehicle or family car? what's the difference?
 

Friscoboater

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

I thought marine engines had beefier internals as well, for running at WOT for long periods of time.

The 305 and 350 are the same as an automotive engine except for the differences listed above. I had one custom built for my boat and just added the drain plugs and called it a day.
 

180shabah

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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

I actually have never seen a boater run at wot for long periods of time. Would annyone do that with their tow vehicle or family car? what's the difference?

...they believe all the BS about being built better than a truck engine.
 

jasher32

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May 2, 2010
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Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

The 2.5/ 120 is a GM 153 found only two years in the ChevyII as a base model engine.
 

firecapt13

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Mar 13, 2010
Messages
57
Re: Replacing Mercruiser with Car motor

I called Mercruiser and talked with a tech. He said when hey get an engine from GM all they do is replace cam and freeze plugs. He said valves, heads and block assembly are all the same.
 
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