3.7l Mercruiser 4cyl?

[akorcovelos]

Hi, haven't been here in a while but it's time to replace the old Glastron as the motor dropped a cylinder. I'm looking at a 1984 Continental Mark II, and the boat is solid but shows it's age.

I haven't been able to find much info on the 3.7l Mercruiser 4 cylinder that is in the boat, or the outdrive attahed to it? Have not seen anything on a 3.7l Mercruiser at all? Is this a good motoe/outdrive? The dealer put in new points, and all the vitals check out, never owned a I/O before, just wondering about reliablity.

 

[ziggy]

Re: 3.7l Mercruiser 4cyl?

heres what came up when i searched 470. which is the 3.7 mercrusier engine.. much to be read up on... http://forums.iboats.com/search.php?searchid=2490575

many folks with this engine....

i've never had one. but when i was buying, 470's and omc's were off the list of potential buys.....

i think most of the comments you'll get on it will be to avoid this engine... if you can...

The dealer put in new points

he really went all out in preping it for sale i guess. points are about the cheapest thing ya will ever buy for your boat...

 

[bomar76]

Re: 3.7l Mercruiser 4cyl?

Avoid the 470 like the plague.
'Nuff said.

 

[akorcovelos]

Re: 3.7l Mercruiser 4cyl?

to be avoided, huh? The out drive looks to be in rough condition also, though everything works (right now). I'm doing some searching, but what is so bad about that motor?

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 3.7l Mercruiser 4cyl?

but what is so bad about that motor?

1.) No longer produced and haven't been produced for YEARS
2.) Exhaust manifold/riser replacement cost is about twice as much as others
3.) Stator type generator system, not an alternator ($300 or so for replacement kit)
4.) Water cooled voltage regulator
5.) Camshaft seal failure leads to coolant in the oil
6.) Aluminum block and Iron head
7.) Will blow headgasket if it gets too hot.
8.) Some very specific, (possibly voodoo) procedures to follow to reinstall cylinder head.

Basically this engine was Mercruisers attempt to make a "fuel efficient and powerful" 4 cylinder engine in response to the gas crisis of the 70s. Well, it may be more fuel efficient than a 350, cause it's only 224 cubic inches. But it isn't anywhere near as powerful. And it shakes a bit at idle.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: 3.7l Mercruiser 4cyl?

Buy a 3.0, 4.3, volvo first, merc second boat that the newest you can afford, fresh water used.

18-20 footer.

Get it surveyed to make sure your not getting the ole royalhawanagatcha.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 3.7l Mercruiser 4cyl?

I haven't been able to find much info on the 3.7l Mercruiser 4 cylinder that is in the boat, or the outdrive attahed to it? Have not seen anything on a 3.7l Mercruiser at all? Is this a good motoe/outdrive?

No,.... It's Not the best choice of Motors....

Do a search for "Mercruiser 470".....

 

[akorcovelos]

Re: 3.7l Mercruiser 4cyl?

thanks for all the info, passed on that boat. looking at one with a 275 Penta right now, opinions?

 

[chiefalen]

Re: 3.7l Mercruiser 4cyl?

Volvo's are nice.

Let's see if someone chim's in about parts?

What year is that boat?

Why not replace the motor in the old boat.