Mercruiser 165 basic questions

O

oldskier

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I am attempting to revive a Hydrodyne 18 ski boat that originally had a 165 Mercruiser. The engine, outdrive and gimbal housing had been removed before I got the boat. I am more familiar with outboards, so here goes some dumb questions.

This is a 1977 boat. Which model of Mercruiser outdrive would that be? Will the Chevy inline 165 hp motor bolt up to other Mercruiser outdrives?

It appears this was a common power train back then, and I hope to find a donor boat with everything, but may end up piecing together a power train from Craigslist parts so I would like to know what works together and what doesn't.

Thanks.
 
Don S

Don S

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Aug 31, 2004
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Re: Mercruiser 165 basic questions

Your best bet would be to find a doner boat with a newer V6 complete with engine, drive, transom shield, instruments controls etc.
Piecing one together when you don't know what matches up with what, and what year will work with what years other engines 'n drives, well. You are just getting into things that even experienced people have trouble with.
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: Mercruiser 165 basic questions

oldskier said:
I am attempting to revive a Hydrodyne 18 ski boat that originally had a 165 Mercruiser. The engine, outdrive and gimbal housing had been removed before I got the boat. I am more familiar with outboards, so here goes some dumb questions.

This is a 1977 boat. Which model of Mercruiser outdrive would that be? Will the Chevy inline 165 hp motor bolt up to other Mercruiser outdrives?

It appears this was a common power train back then, and I hope to find a donor boat with everything, but may end up piecing together a power train from Craigslist parts so I would like to know what works together and what doesn't.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... I agree, go with a newer donor boat driveline,... V6, 4.3l would be Perfect,...

Either the Alpha 1, '80s vintage rotten boats, or Alpha Gen.IIs from a Rotten '90s boat...

Ya need to know an encyclopedia of info to piece it together...
 
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