Which engine do I have? My Serial Number doesn't make sense...

[San_Diego_SeaRay]

I have a 23' 1998 Reinell Bowrider w. a Bravo One setup (7.4 Engine). I'm in the process of re-intalling the heads after taking them off for a valve job. I have Merc Svc Manuals 16 and 23, which both cover the 454/7.4 engine. The problem is that I'm trying to figure out exactly which manual I need to go by (torque specs, etc). So I look at the serial number stamped above the starter and it starts with a "K".

Problem is, NEITHER manual covers serial numbers that start w. a "K". Manual 23 covers boats w. serial numbers that start w. "0" (zero). And Manual 16 covers boats whose serial number starts w. "O" (or maybe it's also zero?).

I've attached pictures of the serial number. I believe it is either K281139 or K261139.

What to do?

 

[Bt Doctur]

0K281139 is a valid number 96-97 GEN VI Cat# 90-821123865
Looks like manual 23 is what you follow

 

[San_Diego_SeaRay]

0K281139 is a valid number 96-97 GEN VI Cat# 90-821123865
Looks like manual 23 is what you follow

Bingo. Thank you Ed!

 

[achris]

0K281139 is a valid number 96-97 GEN VI Cat# 90-821123865
Looks like manual 23 is what you follow

Last time I was in school, 'K' was before 'L'.... I know a lot of things have changed, but I'm pretty sure, 'K' is still before 'L'...



Here's a snip from the 'models covered' page of manual 16....



Chris.......

 

[San_Diego_SeaRay]

Last time I was in school, 'K' was before 'L'.... I know a lot of things have changed, but I'm pretty sure, 'K' is still before 'L'...

Chris.......

OK. Glad I visit this forum for the fun of it.

So I should use Manual 16. That makes sense because Manual 23 only refers to the 454 as an "MPI" engine. And mine is carbureted. I should have caught that. Doh.:facepalm:

Thanks Chris!

 

[achris]

...So I should use Manual 16....

Indeed.