Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

[Pst76]

New to the I/O set up have always run OB. I have a 3.0 Mercruisier 170 that I am going to do a tune up on. The out drive is removed at the moment. I believe motor has an enclosed cooling system?.<br />My guess from what little I can tell is that water needs to come from some where so thinking out drive should be on to run. Can I run this motor without cold water intake? With the outdrive installed I would hook up hose/earmuffs same as OB. Working on trying to get a manual for this model.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

There are adapters to get water into the cooling system w/o the drive on.It bolts on to the drive studs by the water inlet hole on the belhousing.If you elect to put the drive on first then it would be similar to the outboard method.Make sure you turn the water on BEFORE you start the motor and turn it off AFTER you shut the motor.Charlie

 

[Pst76]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

Thanks, I thought it may be somthing like that. Drive was just rebuilt so will probably re install before I start. Would be just as easy as trying to get or make an adaptor.

 

[lenny2113]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

You could make an "adapter" Charlie is talking about by cutting a piece of old hoce about 12" from the side that gets connected to water supply. At the end of the hose, cut 1 inch of the hose at 45 degrees angle. You now have an adapter that you jam into your water inlet hole on the belhousing.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

You Don't even need to Work That Hard At It........<br /><br />It's Easy Enough to just attach a water hose to the In-coming hose, Inside the boat.........<br /><br />BTW, You Don't have a 3.0l...... You have a 3.7l....... The Infamous 470........<br /><br />Good Luck.......

 

[achris]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

Ya beat me to it Bondo.... <br /><br />Just to add that you can't run without water because the hot exhaust will burn up the exhaust bellows, all of them.....<br /><br />Chris.........

 

[Bondo]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

Good to see ya back Chris.........

 

[Pst76]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

Thanks Guys, How can I confirm 3.o 170 vs 3.7 470? <br />The spec I got from Four Winns called it a 170 mercruiser based on the S/n of the boat I gave them.Is there such a thing?<br /><br /> The Motor is a 1984 in a Four Winns 195 cuddy. The tag on the valve cover says 170, Is that the HP rating?

 

[Don S]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

The 170 is a model number of the engine, also the HP. The 170 is a 3.7L engine and were originally (and commonly) known as a 470 engine.<br />The 3.0L engine is a Chevy 4 cylinder engine.<br />The Valve cover on the 170 is about 6" or so wide, while the 3.0L chevy is about 4" wide.<br />I'll see if I can't find some pictures.<br />One easy way to determine the engine if it wasn't upgraded, is the 170 did not have an alternator.<br /><br />This shows a 170 head and valve cover.<br />

<br /><br /><br />This is a 3.0L Chevy valve cover.<br />

 

[Bondo]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

The 3.0l Is 115hp, to 140hp, depending on the year.... It was Never 170hp.....<br />1984 was a 140hp year...<br />The 3.0l also wasn't a Closed Cooling System....<br /><br />There's No Doubt At All that you've got The Infamous 470........<br />Which Also has Many Names,+ Different HP ratings.........<br /><br />I Think your's at 170hp is the 2bbl. Carb model.... The 4bbl. carb model was rated at 190hp.........

 

[Pst76]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

This motor does not have the alternator set up on it. I have the bracket kit that can be installed. Came with the boat. original owner had purchased brackets but not alternator. Was told Stator system has been working to date. Also question on cooling, If water intake is through out drive this would not be a closed cooling system correct? How do I confirm <br />Heat exchange has been upgraded to a 4" style as well.<br /><br />Thanks in advance

 

[Bondo]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

If water intake is through out drive this would not be a closed cooling system correct?

Even in a Closed System,.. You Need Water to Cool the Heatexchanger.......<br />So, You Still Need the water from the outdrive, or from Somewhere Outside of the boat........<br /><br />So,... No,... That means Nothing.......

 

[Pst76]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

Thanks Bondo, For parts, plugs /wires/points etc if I go with the 470 model would that cover correct components?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

For Most Parts,... Ayuh.....<br /><br />Of Course, 4bbl. parts for a 190hp aren't going to help much with your 2bbl. 170hp.......<br /><br />I Personally Avoid those motors like the Plague....<br />There May be other differences... The other guys here will let you Know,...... If I'm Wrong... Again........

 

[Pst76]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

Thanks, I'm up in the air on the motor, I've read as much good as bad. First time with an I/O set up always been outboards.

 

[Don S]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

Well, you have the 170, 3.7L Mercruiser (Not Chevy) engine. These engines always came with a closed cooling system, NEVER raw water cooled.<br /><br />

How do I confirm <br />Heat exchange has been upgraded to a 4" style as well.

Measure the diameter of the heat exchanger, if it's 4", it's an upgrade, if it's 3", it's standard.<br /><br />Regarding the tuneup parts, just ask your dealer for 170 parts, Merc only made 1 model of a 170 so their should be any mixup.<br />You will need to know what distributor you have, they have 2 types, a Prestolite and the Delco. Different points, condenser,cap and rotor. Plug wires should be the same.<br /><br />You can also order Mercruiser OEM manuals from your dealer or online. Definatly get the Merc manuals and not the aftermarket kind for the 470 style engines. If you have the serial number, you can order the manuals from Merc direct.<br /> Order Merc Manuals <br /><br />You can also get parts breakdowns and prices for OEM parts from Merc parts express.<br /> Parts Express

 

[Pst76]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

Thanks Don, I'm ordering the manuals today. Heat exchange is 4" I measured last night to be sure. Paper work showed it was changed 1yr ago. Valve cover plate says 470 so I'm sure of that now. For some reason I thought it said 170. Everything is just thawing out here so am able to get covers off and look things over well.<br />Motor has been very well taken care of over the years very clean and hoses fuel lines, wiring all look like new. Original owner claims that boat has never seen salt water. Out Drive was rebuilt this past fall professionally.

 

[Don S]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

What is the serial number of your engine?

 

[Pst76]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

I was looking for it last night as I just was able to get the covers off from the Ice we've had here. Would it be on the valve cover tag or stamped on the block?

 

[Don S]

Re: Running an I/O with out the outdrive connected

It's both places. The decal on the valve cover normally has the SN, there is also a metal tag attached to the block. Not sure where exactly on the 470, but Im pretty sure it's on the port side next to the bellhousing.