wellcraft w/l6 292 alpha 1

fishdog4449

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Jul 16, 2007
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462
Hey guys im lookin at a possible project, '72 v20 steplift wellcraft from a guy whos sick of restoring it, hull an trailer in great shape. He bought a brand new 292 L6 crate motor (original was a 250), new bellows and gaskets, and a new lower unit. He installed the motor and says it lines up, but the gimbal bearing needs aligned, manifolds need put back on, and lower unit needs re-installed. I'm very good with outboards but never touched an I/O, how much of a project would this be to get it running. I really like the boat and can get it for pretty cheap. Also I've never heard of a 292 must just be a 250 with a longer stroke maybe?

Thanks in advance guys!!
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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70,465
Re: wellcraft w/l6 292 alpha 1

how much of a project would this be to get it running.

Ayuh,... I could probably button it up in a Weekend,... Your results may vary...

The 292 is the big sister of the 250...
The stroke is longer,+ the head sets slightly higher, but it shouldn't create much of a fitment issue...
 

fishdog4449

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Jul 16, 2007
Messages
462
Re: wellcraft w/l6 292 alpha 1

cool...I'll have all summer to do this but would like to get it water ready at least in a semi timely manner!! any special tools for the gimbal alignment?
 

Bondo

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Re: wellcraft w/l6 292 alpha 1

Ayuh,... The Alignment Tool of course...
An Alignment Bar search will find you the dimensions to build 1...
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
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Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,093
Re: wellcraft w/l6 292 alpha 1

the 292 needs wet exaust hose to replace the rubber one. 292 is about 2 inches taller
 

starsnstripers

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Nov 30, 2007
Messages
1,330
Re: wellcraft w/l6 292 alpha 1

I fooled around a little and have a 292 sitting here. there's something about the front mount from the 250 not fitting the 292 because of the harmonic balencer difference. Check that out before you jump. ;)
 

starsnstripers

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1,330
Re: wellcraft w/l6 292 alpha 1

Look up the part#s if you can for a front motor mount for the 292 mercruiser and compare it to a 165 (250) L6 #they only used it for one year 1969 I believe. I think the front mount on the 250 doesn't clear the bigger harmonic balencer on the 292.
 

fishdog4449

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
462
Re: wellcraft w/l6 292 alpha 1

Here are some pictures. My dad thinks im crazy for getting rid of a perfectly restored running boat and going to work that needs work but i don't think so!!


5007.jpg


3005u.jpg


4006.jpg
 

ziggy

Admiral
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Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: wellcraft w/l6 292 alpha 1

i wish you nothing but the best luck. but i was (am) under the impression that a 292 was always fitted to a mercruiser II drive. so fitting it to anything other than that would be a challenge. i only understand this from reading so i could be totally off base too.

let us know if ya work it out.
 

fishdog4449

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
462
Re: wellcraft w/l6 292 alpha 1

I haven't been able to find much info on the 292. The owner said he installed the engine and it matched up, but I will have to clarify this to be sure. I believe that the bolt pattern is probably the same as its the same block, but taller, but maybe a longer exhaust (pipe, tube?) after the elbow.

Sorry I don't know much about I/Os at all I'm going to have to buy the manual for the drive if i get this boat.
 
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