470 throw out or keep

bolo789

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
376
hey guys,my friend just got a 1982 27 foot regal it was sitting for about a year. he bought it for 5000 right now we are learning that these 470 motors is a peice of crap. is that so???. also should he change them motor, what is the best motor you would recomend??? it has twin 470 4 cilinder any good advice will just be great. i kinda felt bad for him , because i knew he got rip off, 5000 no refund sold as is. thanks<br /> for any info
 

ODDD1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jan 23, 2001
Messages
1,054
Re: 470 throw out or keep

a piece of crap....because they dont run or some Dumas 'expert' told you so?? there is NOTHING that you could economocally replace these motors with [in a $5K boat] fix them and keep it, or fix them and sell it.
 

MrBill

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
710
Re: 470 throw out or keep

Do a search on "470" and you'll find a lot of info in this forum. The 470 along with the later introduced 3.7 L in-line four tend to be very mechanically sound engines. The major problems that are encountered tend to be the electrical and cooling systems. The electrical system consists primarily of a stator and water cooled voltage regulator. They can be replaced with conventional alternator type systems for about $350. The closed cooling system tends to be less than optimal, requiring that the water pump impeller in the out drive be maintained properly. A worn impeller will not provide sufficient flow for proper cooling. I replace mine every other year (or about every 175 hours). Also, on the 3.7 liter, the engine water pump runs directly off the cam shaft. When the seals (2) wear, coolant will leak from a small hole located on the bottom of the pump housing. An initial leak indicates one or both have begun to wear and the repair should be made. Depending on the configuration of your boat, engine removel may be required to replace the pump.<br /><br />Keep the engines. Unless the boat is in absolutely perfect condition, it wouldn't be worth engine replacement.
 

Mufasa

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 9, 2003
Messages
109
Re: 470 throw out or keep

These are very strong, good torque motors that have gotten a bad rap. The early 470's had only a 3" heat exchanger which had inaddiquit cooling capacity and when run hard will climb into the hot zone. The block is aluminum and cast by mercury and the cylinder head was cast iron made by ford. The other weak spot, as mentioned is the charging system which is also using a water cooled regulator assy. It can be converted over to a belt driven alternator. Another problem I find with these are undersized batteries and battery cables. The motors crank over hard, almost a liter per cylinder, #2 cables and 800 amp batteries will get the job done.
 

bolo789

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
376
Re: 470 throw out or keep

thanks guys for all the inputs. so all i need to do is change over to a belt driven altinator, change the impllers avery season, how about electronic iginitions.??? finally, where can i perchace these items?? i resided in brooklyn.<br /><br />thank again
 

bolo789

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
376
Re: 470 throw out or keep

one more thing i notice with one of them prop when i spin it by hand it sound kinda rough not as smooth as others does this prop have berings in them????
 

denniz

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 21, 2002
Messages
743
Re: 470 throw out or keep

SOUNDS like you need to find a good HONEST mechanic... bring it to TEXAS ILL fix the damn thing................
 

Salty Dog

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
290
Re: 470 throw out or keep

I have a Sea Ray with twin 488's in it. They seem like great motors to me, light and powerful. $4500 if anyone is interested. Saltydog251@aol.com
 

MrBill

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
710
Re: 470 throw out or keep

Bolo: Lots of new items sold by dealers on eBay, check that out. Also, it's good to establish a local marine dealer for the inevitable "in inventory" parts requirements, and then the mailorder dealers. I like http://www.mercruiserparts.com for OEM parts but there are literally thousands. Do a search on Google, Ask Jeeves or similar search engines for "mercruiser" or similar. Or search this forum for "Trent", he tends to have great info and web sites for info and parts.
 
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