should i change over to fuel injection?

[netting one]

I have a 1998 350 chevy merc, weber carb and all runs good. I just been thinking over changing over but not sure of the job ahead. Thanks for the help dan

 

[Scott Danforth]

its cheaper to sell your boat and buy one with fuel injection than it is to convert

and besides a bit easier to start (no pumping) and a bit easier to use when the motor is just warming up, there are no other benefits to EFI vs a properly tuned carb. so what issue are you attempting to correct?

there is no additional power
there is no additional fuel economy.

 

[AShipShow]

I have a 1998 350 chevy merc, weber carb and all runs good. I just been thinking over changing over but not sure of the job ahead. Thanks for the help dan

Sure, I'll take your intake manifold and carb... :lol:

 

[Bondo]

I just been thinking over changing over but not sure of the job ahead.

Ayuh,..... As Scott says, it's a Very Expensive fools errand,....

Much cheaper to sell yer boat, 'n buy the one you really want,.....

 

[alldodge]

If you really like the boat and have the funds, just buy a full MPI drop in ready

 

[Bt Doctur]

Sure, I'll take your intake manifold and carb... :lol:

messaging is still not quite working but do you need a manifold?

 

[Scott06]

I have a 1998 350 chevy merc, weber carb and all runs good.

if it runs good what's the reason to change? If the boat was worth a repower as mentioned get a complete engine otherwise it will nickel and dime you $$$ to get the pieces, otherwise get an mpi boat.

Personally i prefer carb on my boat so I am not dependent on others for diagnosis during the short summer. I'm not saying I'm a better mechanic than professionals, just that if I have an issue I want to fix it and get back on the water. When iIbought a handy mans special (P.O. Cracked block), I stayed with a carb for this reason plus the partial engine was a bunch less$$. For sure I'll have to rebuild the carb and mess with the choke, but that's a two beer job...

 

[AShipShow]

messaging is still not quite working but do you need a manifold?

Need is a strong word. . I'd like to convert to 4bbl and vortec heads at some point.. just low on the list right now...

 

[jimmbo]

I think todays generation are so used to 'Turning a key and it will run', they have trouble with priming the intake and setting the choke, then once it starts controlling the fast idle speed while the choke comes off.

Same goes for when they try to start a carbed Car/Truck. Some of them just grind away on the starter. wondering why it isn't running

 

[Scott Danforth]

todays generation cant operate yard tools. they do not understand the choke

 

[jimmbo]

I shouldn't laugh at that, they will probably demand Direct Injection weed eaters

 

[Lou C]

nah they will use GREEN solar powered weed eaters. Around my house I am known as the '2 stroke whisperer' because I am the one who can always get them to start!

As far as efi in a boat, if an older boat that you are re-habbing, no reason to go away from carb, because the parts needed for repair are all in the aftermarket, older EFI systems are handicapped by parts you need becoming NLA. Now if you have a Holley, Edelbrock or even a good original Quadrajet carb (my preference) everything you could need, is in the aftermarket, you don't have to depend on Merc, or Volvo not discontinuing parts you might need. New or nearly new boat EFI is fine.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Lou C , I agree with that. OEM's only need to have parts on hand or available for 7-10 years. all those with Ford EFI motors from OMG and VP found that out.

 

[Lou C]

even the electronic ignition modules you can't get! why I like having points!

 

[netting one]

The only problem i have is if i shut it off and sit for a couple of minutes it take about 3 seconds to fire back up? I was looking for quick starts and better fuel milage. The boat is perfect shape and its my fishing boat and show toy. I was laid up for 3 months over the winter and watched alot of utube! thanks again

 

[Lou C]

This has the Merc/Weber carb correct? I'm not familiar with them and it could be fuel percolation or vapor lock, gotta ask the Merc guys here, I've only had the Quadrajet, which has a thick spacer to insulate the carb from the heat of the intake manifold.

 

[Bondo]

it take about 3 seconds to fire back up?

Ayuh,..... The Merc/ Weber/ AFB carbs sometimes leak abit through the welch plugs in the carb's base, much like some Quadra-Jets,.....

But I fail to see a problem with a 3 Second crank to start the motor,....

If ya think it's leakin', just go to Wot to start it,.....
Just be ready to pull the throttle back, Quickly when it does light,.....

 

[Scott Danforth]

The only problem i have is if i shut it off and sit for a couple of minutes it take about 3 seconds to fire back up? I was looking for quick starts and better fuel milage. The boat is perfect shape and its my fishing boat and show toy. I was laid up for 3 months over the winter and watched alot of utube! thanks again

Fuel injection wouldnt make it start any faster once warm. Many times, an efi motor must crank over a few times

There is no increase in fuel economy with EFI over a properly tuned carb.

So what do you intend to gain by spending $2500-$3500 for EFI parts besides a lighter wallet

 

[andrewterri]

I have an MPI and it makes much longer than the carb'd 3.0L it replaced. On the 3.0 with the points/dwell angle set right she fired up as soon as you turned the key every time. The new MPI gets people to start looking because it cranks so long. I agree with everyone else. Keep the carb'd engine. You can do all the work yourself and dial it in, cheap parts, no computer's needed. Wish I could have my boat with the old car'd engine in it. If you google start time for MPI and EFI you will see a lot of videos with guys complaining about how long it takes to start. Its not like a car.

 

[Lou C]

Agreed. The older my cars with EFI get, the better I like my boat with the simple points distributor and carb.