Alternate Mercruiser ID.

[sogood]

Hi all. Trying to accurately identify exactly what Mercruiser I have. What I do know is that it's a 5.7 V8 with an alpha 1. 1990 according to the previous owner. The original engine number is on some documentation, but this is somewhat erased with the word "changed" written below. I know the engine had a lot of work done on it by the PO. The only number I can find on the engine, is the casting number 1024388. There is nothing else stamped nearby, nor is there an ID tag in place.

​Just wondering would there be any part numbers on any old parts (crankshaft etc.) that came with the boat, that might help identification? It's a zenith carbed model, according to the flame arrestor B175-39. It also has the thunderbolt IV ignition. Any help appreciated.

 

[alldodge]

If the casting number was on the block and also has another zero on the end then its
10243880...350...95-00...2 or 4...Vortec truck, Gen.I crate motors and "ZZ4", roller cam, one piece rear seal

The Vortec intake manifold has 6 bolts on each side
The non-Vortec intake manifold has 8 bolts on each side

 

[sogood]

If the casting number was on the block and also has another zero on the end then its
10243880...350...95-00...2 or 4...Vortec truck, Gen.I crate motors and "ZZ4", roller cam, one piece rear seal

The Vortec intake manifold has 6 bolts on each side
The non-Vortec intake manifold has 8 bolts on each side

The casting number on the block is as described, without any additional "0". I'm new to boat engines and "vortec" zz rear seal doesn't mean a whole lot to me, sorry. I think I have my engine nailed down to two possibilities. Just want to know in plain English for ordering parts etc. Thanks for the input.

 

[alldodge]

If you have a 6 bolt intake you have a Vortec motor

 

[FreeBeeTony]

I think the Vortec intake has 8 bolts............

 

[Scott Danforth]

Vortec V8 intake is 4 bolts per side (8 total), pre 1996 have 6 bolts per side - 12 total.

Block casting number is one thing, head casting numbers are another

 

[Fun Times]

There should be a two letter code on the front starboard side of the engine just above the circulating water pump as noted in the following engine ID guide from Mercruiser, Service Bulletin MH = type of engine. A 350 cid V8 ...

 

[sogood]

Many thanks for all the responses. Will investigate further.

 

[flipbro]

PO more then likely replaced the original engine. So no more ID plate. Your casting number is short 1 didget!

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... 'n to the Best of my knowledge,... Mercruiser never used a Zenith carb,...

As for orderin' parts, you'll have to ID each component, 'n go from there,....
The T-Bolt IV is easy enough,...

 

[Scott Danforth]

Zenith 175-39 is a spark arrestor (5-1/8" throat)

 

[sogood]

So, I have 12 bolts, six each side, so that should make it a Vortec V8, which is a start. I haven't managed to find any other identifying numbers, as suggested, but I'll keep poking around. Thanks for the input.

 

[Bondo]

So, I have 12 bolts, six each side, so that should make it a Vortec V8, which is a start.

Ahh, Nope,.... Vortec is 4 bolts on a side, for 8 bolts, total,....

With 12 bolts, if the 2 center bolts are straight down, it's from '86 to '96,...
If the 2 center bolts are the same angle as the corner bolts, it's '55 to '85,...

 

[sogood]

Ahh, Nope,.... Vortec is 4 bolts on a side, for 8 bolts, total,....

With 12 bolts, if the 2 center bolts are straight down, it's from '86 to '96,...
If the 2 center bolts are the same angle as the corner bolts, it's '55 to '85,...

​Yes, thanks for that. Further research was leading me to that conclusion, but you got there first! I came up with the years 87 to 95 or thereabouts, but given that it's supposed to be a 1990, then that's close enough. So would I describe it as a non vortec or is there a specific name for my engine type?

Thanks for the input.

 

[Bondo]

So would I describe it as a non vortec or is there a specific name for my engine type?

Ayuh,..... SBC,......

The heads of that era, or range are sometimes called "fuelie" heads,....

 

[flipbro]

Decent heads for making torque. But start running out of steam around 4000 rpm.