120hp V4 inline Chevy Mercruiser outdrive reliability?

[Coda]

I was looking to buy a pontoon boat for the fam and came across a 1969 houseboat that I'm considering buying. Does anyone know the expected reliability of this Chevy engine and if it will be an issue to get parts and get work done on it when needed. I wasn't planning to get anything this old but I really like the boat. Thanks in advance for any info or tips.

 

[thumpar]

It is a solid motor. I had one in my old boat. They are industrial motors and meant to fun for a long time. When it comes to the drive it might be a little different. I don't know those drives all that well. Some things can be interchanged with newer drives but don't know what can go with what.

 

[JoLin]

I personally wouldn't do it. No idea what Mercruiser outdrives looked like in 1969, or what parts availability is like for the engine and drive. You aren't clear on the engine, either. If it's 4 cylinders, it's an inline 4, not a "V4". The experts will be along to clarify things, but that's an old, old rig.

My .02

 

[Grub54891]

That should be an inline 4 cyl. They are pretty reliable, I have 2 of them in 2 boats. Mine are 1983, and 1985, run like champs. An older one I'm not sure of the setup on them, should be similar though. As far as the drive, I'm guessing it's an I-drive, from the early years, if maintained properly it should be ok, but I'd have the rig checked out real well by a GOOD marine mechanic who knows what they are looking at. A leaky drive results in more money, and a poorly maintained motor can be pricy as well. There is also the regular maintenance items, as bellows and shift cables, and steering pin slop. I personally would be checking it out pretty darn well with it being an older setup. Good luck! And welcome to I-Boats.

 

[achris]

At almost 50 years old, if you really like the boat and the price is unbeatable, buy it with a view to re-powering. Those engines are good and solid, the drive is a Mercruiser-1 drive (MC-1). Good but at that age will have a lot of corrosion in it.

My 2C.

Chris. ...