will any carb do

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rewdan

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I have to replace my carb on my 4.3l V6. As far as I can tell the one on at the moment is a 2bbl mercruiser. It only has 1 air screw for idle adustmet, it also has a bi-metal choke that I think expands when a current is passed through it. Am I right that it's a mercruiser 2bbl and will any carb do or did they change the model over the years. My engine is a 91 so are they year specific? Also, can I put a different carb on there, without too much fussing about, a Rochester or something else. Thanks in advance.
 
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John_S

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Re: will any carb do

The one idle mixture screw would ID it as a Mercarb. I belive it was originally based on a 2 barrel rochester. Merc has used them on just about all engines except BB. It would take some research to find out which ones could be calibrated to the 4.3L. It would probably be better to rebuild the one you have. If it is beyond a rebuild, consider getting one already calibrated to 4.3L, or a 4brl with new intake. The 4brl will probably provide an additional 10-15hp. The edelbrock 1409 with a 4.3L cal kit, would be a good starting point.
 
Volphin

Volphin

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Re: will any carb do

John_S said:
The one idle mixture screw would ID it as a Mercarb. I belive it was originally based on a 2 barrel rochester. Merc has used them on just about all engines except BB. It would take some research to find out which ones could be calibrated to the 4.3L. It would probably be better to rebuild the one you have. If it is beyond a rebuild, consider getting one already calibrated to 4.3L, or a 4brl with new intake. The 4brl will probably provide an additional 10-15hp. The edelbrock 1409 with a 4.3L cal kit, would be a good starting point.
Click to expand...

I agree. :) Done it and very happy with the results!

V
 
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rewdan

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Re: will any carb do

Thanks guys, I think it's beyond a rebuild, I was rebuilding it when I damaged it, took out the power jet and main jet and used a mild acid to clean the body of the carb. It burnt the threads off so that the jets just fall into their holes. They don't sell the carb body seperately so I am in for a new complete carb. Because the boats getting old I am thinking of a cheaper alternative cos I just keep throwing money at it and wonder whats next to go wrong. I will try and get a used one off an auction site or something but wondered what the alternatives are.
 
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rewdan

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Re: will any carb do

edelbrock 1409 with a 4.3L cal kit
Any ideas where I should look for these ?
 
Volphin

Volphin

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Re: will any carb do

Google it if you want new or ebay for used.

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rewdan

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Re: will any carb do

Seen some on ebay but I could be getting in over my head, how tricky are they to change. Think I may be better with a straight swap if it's complicated!
 
Volphin

Volphin

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Re: will any carb do

The 1409 is so easy my mom could do it. LOL We can talk you through it. If you get a new one, get the V6 Calibration kit.

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rewdan

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Re: will any carb do

ok, you have me thinking seriously about it, but when I look at pictures, it seems that the fuel intake, choke and throttle linkage are in different positions. Are they? Is it really that easy to swap.
Sorry for the questions but I am in the UK and will be shipping it from the US. My boat is in Spain so I will take it on a plane from here in October, I have 3 days to do it. I am only going to get one go at it and I probably know less about proper mechanics than your mom does! I need to be sure its straight forward.
 
Volphin

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Re: will any carb do

Here's a parts list for you. The hardest part of the entire job is getting the old manifold off. This can add up to some cash, so get a used manifold if you can, but a new carb.

Edelbrock 2111 Manifold
Carb studs
Intake manifold gasket kit Fel pro 375-1202
Edelbrock 1409 Carb
Edelbrock 1485 V6 Calibration kit
Throttle plate adapter 125-457853 (CP Performance.com)
Carb base gasket
New bolts for intake if desired
1 tube black RTV



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jayhanig

jayhanig

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Re: will any carb do

I don't have a thing to add to the conversation but I am in awe of the detailed information you guys are offering. People like you are what make this forum so good.
 
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John_S

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Re: will any carb do

Volphin said:
Here's a parts list for you. The hardest part of the entire job is getting the old manifold off. This can add up to some cash, so get a used manifold if you can, but a new carb.

Edelbrock 2111 Manifold
Carb studs
Intake manifold gasket kit Fel pro 375-1202
Edelbrock 1409 Carb
Edelbrock 1485 V6 Calibration kit
Throttle plate adapter 125-457853 (CP Performance.com)
Carb base gasket
New bolts for intake if desired
1 tube black RTV

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Click to expand...

You will need a 4brl flame arrestor and probably some fuel line work, as well.
 
O

ohioriverat

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Re: will any carb do

jayhanig said:
I don't have a thing to add to the conversation but I am in awe of the detailed information you guys are offering. People like you are what make this forum so good.
Click to expand...

totally agree!! But i do not believe the few extra hp is worth all the work, i have a 92 4.3 2bl and my buddy has a 98 4.3 4bl and i can run all day with him he only gets me on take off!!
 
Volphin

Volphin

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Re: will any carb do

John_S said:
You will need a 4brl flame arrestor and probably some fuel line work, as well.
Click to expand...
Ooops!

Add Edelbrock Single-Feed Fuel Line with Polished Aluminum Filter, PN 8131
Correct on flame arrestor as well.

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rewdan

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Messages
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Re: will any carb do

What can I say..thanks guys. Jayhanig is right. This is what good forums are all about.
I think I am going to be pushing my luck with this, I only have a small window of time to do the work and if it rains I am screwed so I think I will hold out until a second hand mercruiser comes up somewhere. Just a few bolts and I am done. I really appreciate all the help though. Keep it up and all the best till the next problem!
 
Volphin

Volphin

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Re: will any carb do

You send me a ticket to Spain and I'll install it. :) One afternoon. The other 2 days you can show me around. :)
Seriously, I'll keep my eye out for a rebuilt carb though.

V
 
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