1980 mercruiser 228

bsanders83

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Feb 2, 2012
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13
Hello, so i bought this 1980 wellcraft 196 last august had it out a few times in the river noticed that the exhaust manifold has a crack in it so it was leaking water in the hull adn the bilge was turning on about every 15 min. now i have found a couple on the web between 300-500. i am mechinically inclined so i think i can handle that. Just wondering if welding the crack is a good idea or a big no no????

also for the age this boat is still alright i got it for dirt cheap and wasnt expecting much out of it but i think it is gonna last a bit longer. now i am able to pull a skier out of the water pretty quick but would like to know if anyone has any ideas for getting more power out of this thing without spending over 1000. like i said i have been working on cars since i was a kid and of course plugs and wires will be changed i always add some sea foam with every fill up, but it seems like the carb is the problem. when i start out i have to push the throttle down steady and cant just slam it down or else she doesnt want to pick up speed at all. Any ideas??? i have been looking for manuals for this but am unable to find any.

Any other ideas to get this ol boat up and going better would be much appreciated.

THANKS
 

dubs283

Vice Admiral
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Jul 27, 2005
Messages
5,343
Re: 1980 mercruiser 228

what motor do you have?? model/serial #??

you can't weld the manifold, its cast iron - and probably cracked internally too

plugs and wires is not a FULL tune-up, you need distributor/points parts, cap/rotor, filters, carb clean/adjust, set dwell/timing
 

bsanders83

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Feb 2, 2012
Messages
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Re: 1980 mercruiser 228

mercruiser 228 (305) the numbers on the original warranty card is 2228P 05516547 05562514 or i can get the numbers off the engine tomorrow if that is better.

i can do all of that, the one problem i would have would be the carb since i havent had much experience with them.

My biggest problem right now is finding a manual on this engine.

know where i can find a manual on the carb?? would it be the same as a car engine?

Thanks
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: 1980 mercruiser 228

mercruiser 228 (305) the numbers on the original warranty card is 2228P 05516547 05562514 or i can get the numbers off the engine tomorrow if that is better.

i can do all of that, the one problem i would have would be the carb since i havent had much experience with them.

My biggest problem right now is finding a manual on this engine.

know where i can find a manual on the carb?? would it be the same as a car engine?

Thanks

Let's start with the year of the engine (NOT the boat. Sometimes (lots of times!) engines are replaced). Or even better, the engine serial number...

Your SMALLEST problem is getting a factory manual. Millions to be had on fleabay, or stay tuned here (once you tell us the ENGINE serial number we can post a link to a PDF manual for you)... The factory manual includes all parts of the engine, including the carb, now get to and find that serial number. :D (look for a metal tag on the engine block above the starter, or maybe the decal on one of the rocker covers. You're looking for either a 7 digit number (pre-1986) or a '0' followed by a letter, then 6 digits.

Apart from a full and thorough tune, not a lot can be done to those engine to get much more power. The cheapest path would be to replace the 305 with a 350....
 

bsanders83

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Joined
Feb 2, 2012
Messages
13
Re: 1980 mercruiser 228

Engine Serial #5516547
Outdrive Serail # 5406847 this is different than the original on the warranty card
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
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May 19, 2004
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