Mercruiser outdrive MC160 to MC80 - --- whats the difference?

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Allmand

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I have a 1968 Inline 6 GM 250 with a MC160 outdrive. I need to replace the top end of the outdrive. Can I use the top end of an MC80 on an MC160? Both serial numbers, years, and 24/24 gear ratios are the same. I have been doing research and Have been told that I may have a K20, MC160, or MC80. When I google, they all seem to look the same and have the same ratios, serial # range, and year range .

Is there a difference?
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: Mercruiser outdrive MC160 to MC80 - --- whats the difference?

I have been doing research and Have been told that I may have a K20, MC160, or MC80.
Click to expand...
You need to search for correct things, you can find all kinds of information on the internet, lots of it is just wrong. Especially if you are reading some other forum post from 2003 and the info can't be verified.
I have never heard of a K20 or a MC80
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: Mercruiser outdrive MC160 to MC80 - --- whats the difference?

I have never heard of a K20 or a MC80
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Ayuh,... Donno 'bout the K20, but the MC80 is probably the Renault of that vintage...
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: Mercruiser outdrive MC160 to MC80 - --- whats the difference?

If the 80 is a Renault drive, it won't work either. While they may look similar, they are not compatible with the one drives. Which the 160 is.
Kind of scary when you look at all the changes that were going on back in the mid 60's when Mercruiser was new to the IO scene, and trying to get things to work.

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A

Allmand

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Re: Mercruiser outdrive MC160 to MC80 - --- whats the difference?

Well, what if the spline count on lower end verticle drive shaft on my current merc 160 OD is the same as the rebuilt top end that is in the same year and serial number range? The guy I am thinking about buying from stated that it will fit...they both of the 24/24 gear count 1.65 ration at top, and the top he is selling has 13 splines on the verticle shaft, so as long as my lower unit has the 13 splines and not 7 it should work, in theory right?
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: Mercruiser outdrive MC160 to MC80 - --- whats the difference?

in theory right?
Click to expand...

Ayuh,.... All ya can do is Try it....

That's some Antique hardware....
 
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Pete104

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Re: Mercruiser outdrive MC160 to MC80 - --- whats the difference?

Keep us posted, please!
 
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Pete104

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Re: Mercruiser outdrive MC160 to MC80 - --- whats the difference?

Befor you commit to purchasing this unit, ask the guy, "how many holes are there for mounting this unit"?
You need 6!
 
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