1980 MERCRUISER V8 GAS MCM228 - 305 Cu. In. - 228 HP

shanachie2002

Recruit
Joined
Feb 9, 2004
Messages
4
I am planning to purchase a Chris Craft 253 equipped with the subject engine and an Alpha One sterndrive. It has about 1500 hrs on it. Are there any known reliability problems with this engine and sterndrive?<br />Thanks<br />Neil Wilson<br />Montreal
 

moderator1

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 5, 2002
Messages
1,668
Re: 1980 MERCRUISER V8 GAS MCM228 - 305 Cu. In. - 228 HP

Moving to I/O questions.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,468
Re: 1980 MERCRUISER V8 GAS MCM228 - 305 Cu. In. - 228 HP

Small Block Chevy,+ an Alpha1 is the Most Proven driveline there Is.......<br /><br />If that's 1500 Original Hours,<br />That motor is on the Short end of it's rope.....<br />Although 2500hrs or more isn't unheard of.....<br />Let's just say it's getting Old....<br /><br />The 350cid, 5.7l, is a Direct Drop-in Upgrade, When the time comes......
 

johnkc

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2001
Messages
388
Re: 1980 MERCRUISER V8 GAS MCM228 - 305 Cu. In. - 228 HP

the old log type exhaust manifolds like to crack at the center exhaust runners {3&5,4&6}usually starts as a crack to the outside,then works its way to the inside.
 

shanachie2002

Recruit
Joined
Feb 9, 2004
Messages
4
Re: 1980 MERCRUISER V8 GAS MCM228 - 305 Cu. In. - 228 HP

Your comments are much appreciated. I have the following questions:<br />1) Can the 350cid 5.7L engine be used with the existing Alpha 1 sterndrive or would this also need to be replaced?<br />2) Is it worthwhile reconditioning the existing Mercruiser engine and sterndrive and are the necessary parts available and from whom? My understanding from Mercruiser is that the standard production of parts is 7 years after manufacturing of a particular model year.<br /><br />Neil Wilson<br />Montreal
 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
1,934
Re: 1980 MERCRUISER V8 GAS MCM228 - 305 Cu. In. - 228 HP

You did not state what year the boat is. If you stay with the same year (style, one piece rear main seal or two)engine, you can pick up a rebuilt 350 cu.in. 260 hp MARINE engine fairly inexpensive. Direct replacement, everything from your 305 will bolt on the 350. While the engine is being replaced, service (inspect) the drive. With proper operation and maintenance, years of trouble free enjoyment.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,468
Re: 1980 MERCRUISER V8 GAS MCM228 - 305 Cu. In. - 228 HP

"1) Can the 350cid 5.7L engine be used with the existing Alpha 1 sterndrive or would this also need to be replaced?" <br />The 350cid, Or Any Other SBC is a Direct Drop-in Replacement...... Few, or No Changes are needed....<br /><br /> "2) Is it worthwhile reconditioning the existing Mercruiser engine and sterndrive and are the necessary parts available and from whom? My understanding from Mercruiser is that the standard production of parts is 7 years after manufacturing of a particular model year." <br /><br />Again, You've got the Most Popular outdrive Ever Produced..... Parts are NOT a Problem...... OEM, Or Aftermarket.......
 

shanachie2002

Recruit
Joined
Feb 9, 2004
Messages
4
Re: 1980 MERCRUISER V8 GAS MCM228 - 305 Cu. In. - 228 HP

For the record, the boat is a 1980 Chris Craft 253 equipped with a 1980 Mercruiser V8 - Model MCM 228 - Serial No. 5687784 305 cid - 228 hp engine and Alpha 1 stern drive.<br />Regarding johnkc's comment re cracking of old log type exhaust manifolds, are there any replacement manifolds that would perhaps minimise this problem? <br /><br />Neil Wilson<br />Montreal
 

johnkc

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2001
Messages
388
Re: 1980 MERCRUISER V8 GAS MCM228 - 305 Cu. In. - 228 HP

not sure but i believe that the replacement manifolds from merc,osco ,or sierra have been made so that they won't crack.the ones that i have replaced over the years have not cracked anyway.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,468
Re: 1980 MERCRUISER V8 GAS MCM228 - 305 Cu. In. - 228 HP

Just go to the Newer Center-Riser Style......<br />It's Pretty Much a Direct Bolt Up.......
 
Top