Mercruiser Vaser

[Don S]

This thread is started because of an alignment bar question in this thread. That is when I found out it wasn't a diesel at all (see what you get for assuming )
Anyway, it is a gas engine, the alignment bar used on it is shown on page 2B-2 of the manual (linked below). I have that bar, it is exactly the same on the buisness end that goes into the coupler as any other alignment bar.
We have heard that it was different and there was a different bar. But unfortunately, no pics or dimensions of the upgrade. Just that it make the job of aligning the Vaser much faster and more accurate. For reasons unknown, but suspect the alignment must be more critical on the Vaser than anything else. It seems to have it's own drive, and enough complexity to make any tinkerer go bonkers in a short amount of time.
Here is the manual link ................... I just don't see a 1.6L engine ever doing what the 3.0L engine does now.
Anyways, here is the manual http://www.4shared.com/file/149263354/7a2d8a3a/Vazer.html
Have a look and tell me what I am missing about this setup. I'm not even sure it can be worked on.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

OK, I'll bite. What is the vaser designed for?? Small boats?? Gas mileage??

Someone tell me why I want one

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

I just don't see a 1.6L engine ever doing what the 3.0L engine does now.

And I thought that was one of the short comings of the 3.0, you are dragging all that weight of an I/O around, with a small engine. And now the engine is even smaller....

Here's an article I found

http://www.marineenginedigest.com/specialreports/mercruiservazer.htm


I peeked at the manual and noticed the oil filter is mounted upside down, isn't that going to make one heck of a mess while changing the filter? (maybe the filter drains?)

Here's a weird one, the transom cutout is wider than the standard Mercruiser cutout,,, because the rear motor mounts are attached to the gimble housing, not the transom plate.

Trim hoses attach to the gimble ring and the gimble ring feeds fluid to the trim rams.

Looks like they made a lot of changes...

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

This should explain it.


http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/inboards/sterndrives/vazer.php

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

OK, I'll bite. What is the vaser designed for?? Small boats?? Gas mileage??

Someone tell me why I want one

Check out that article I posted, it says the target is outboard powered boats. The engine is shorter so it will fit into boats easier.

I wonder how much the Vazer weighs in comparison to a 100HP outboard and the cost difference?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

So what the heck is a Vazer, step child to the infamous 470

Ayuh,... My thoughts,.. Exactly.....

Thanks Don,... I'll grab a copy of that manual,... Just in case....

Btw,... It appears to be whatever I kinda thought is was,... is....

 

[JustJason]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

Figures you beat me to the vazer Don. Check your PM's, I have some additons for you.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

Btw,... It appears to be whatever I kinda thought is was,... is....

I'm not sure of what it is either, other than complicated and way underpowered. But, who knows, they will be powering a 16' Lund boat at 30 mph with that thing.

Just look at the impressive height numbers to lower the engine height. Only problem is, it's a lot WIDER.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

Looks like the difference between the modern and classic car engine. One is easy to work on, the other looks like a bunch of plastic and wires. The low profile is nice, but I don't see how 4 inches is going to be a night and day difference. Is this because GM is halting some of the vortec lines?

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

The Vaser came out in 2007. Just doesn't seem to be catching on to quickly.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

Ayuh,... I think you'll find the motor lays danm near on it's Side....
Kinda like 1/2 a V-motor.... The ole Slant-6 Dodge...

 

[scipper77]

Re: Mercruiser Vazer

Re: Mercruiser Vazer

OK, I'll bite. What is the vaser designed for?? Small boats?? Gas mileage??

Someone tell me why I want one

ummm.. uhhh.. well.. Looks like I still don't know why I would want one. I guess it's a pretty awesome package when it is new and working perfectly. I have learned that people have a tendency to resist change, so I will reserve judgment on this thing and see if it catches on. It could fail or who knows, maybe there will be a 6 and 8 cylinder version of this thing in the future. I mean how long can the 4.3 liters reign last?? (<----Rhetorical, please don't answer or at least be nice)

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

I found some other info as well.

http://www.brunswick.com/news/newsstories/release/2/964345.php


Marine
Mercury Marine debuts revolutionary sterndrive
FOND DU LAC, Wis. ? Mercury MerCruiser will begin production of Vazer? ? a new sterndrive system designed for some boats traditionally powered by outboards ? in March.

Vazer is a 100 hp sterndrive engine built with a compact design. It uses an innovative and patented approach to reduce engine height by tilting the engine to 50 degrees, allowing it to fit under seats, platforms and decks of a variety of boats, including pontoons, fishing boats and runabouts. The unique design of Vazer allows boatbuilders to utilize more space for passengers and gear, and provides improved access to the water compared to traditional sterndrive or outboard engines.

?Vazer will revolutionize the boating industry,? said Kevin Grodzki, president of Mercury MerCruiser. ?This sterndrive system will enable boatbuilders to design boats in configurations previously unimaginable.?

Vazer is based on the proven GM Vortec? 1600 4-cylinder SOHC engine mated to an all-new compact sterndrive. The engine also features a scrolled, low-profile composite intake manifold that maintains a long intake runner design for excellent torque and horsepower.

Vazer features a composite-shell heat exchanger and heater connection ports that allow the addition of cockpit or cabin heat. A closed loop cooling system, which includes the engine block, aluminum exhaust header and cylinder head, makes Vazer ideal for both freshwater and saltwater use.

A standard quick-connect freshwater flush port helps make routine maintenance simple and fast. The self-draining seawater system drains water from the engine and drive with no action required by the operator.

Standard power steering improves boat control and greatly reduces operator effort, and special engine mounting significantly reduces unwanted noise and vibration. The MerCruiser Vazer is designed with extended maintenance intervals, up to 300 hours between services for many items, and is loaded with time-saving features such as translucent fluid reservoirs, a remote-mounted engine oil filter, five-year engine coolant and an easy oil drain system.

The Vazer drive features its own design innovations including trim cylinders with internal fluid routing so that external trim hoses are not exposed. Unique gear ratios are used to maximize performance through the engine's broad RPM range. The Vazer lower unit features a 4.75? diameter torpedo enabling the use of a variety of Mercury propellers with diameters up to 15 inches for improved performance on pontoons and heavier boats. In addition, an engine-mounted drive lubricant reservoir with built-in electronic fluid-level sensing is integrated into the standard Engine Guardian? system for added peace of mind. Also, Vazer is equipped with MerCruiser's standard Power Trim XD system which allows the drive to tilt up fully and then return to its previous trim position to maintain steering control.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

Was on Merc's website a week ago and apparently the Vazer is discontinued already-can anyone confirm? 'nutcase

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

Wow! Another design by Merc that compares to the relic 470...

Plastic intake and heat exchanger...yikes!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Mercruiser Vaser

I found some other info as well.

The Vazer drive features its own design innovations including trim cylinders with internal fluid routing so that external trim hoses are not exposed.

From looking at the manual, that reads to me as...

The Vazer drive features its own design innovations including trim cylinders with internal fluid routing that will be a nightmare to service. Gone are the days when exposed external trim hoses were easy to replace.

I see some cool things built into the Vazer, closed cooling for the ex manifold, self draining raw water, tuned tri-y exhaust. But I don't know if I would want to own or work on one.

I wonder if this is phase #1 of their new generation engine/drive package, some of the literature says the drive can handle 300HP. Getting 100HP from a 98ci engine is pretty impressive. Imagine if they bolted an LL8 (google search ) 254ci 4.2L straight 6 vortec engine to the new drive. I'd be happy with 250HP