Difference beween Mercruiser model 898 and 228??

[whatsleft]

Hey Folks,<br /><br />Last year I got a boat with a modified mercruiser V8, GM. I know it is a 5.0 liter (305), but the guy who I got it from, or the one before him, did an in-boat re-build, changed the manifold and carb, and there are no decals anywhere on the engine or valve cover gaskets. It took me most of the summer straightening out his screw ups, but finally got it running right before I put her up for the winter.<br /><br />The cover for the carb says 260, which is a 350, so I know that's incorrect.<br /><br />Bottom line, as far as i can tell, the 898 and 228 have same years, and even share same/similar serial number ranges. I can't find the serial number, and so I want to know if there are any other hints I can get to figure out what I'm using. Thus far, I've been pretty lucky with parts. I do know, however, that my (mechanical) fuel pump is somewhat rare and not what is usu. used on these mercruisers ( I replaced it is how I know).<br /><br />OK, I gues that about does it. Thanks for any help you can offer.<br /><br />Al T

 

[JasonB]

Re: Difference beween Mercruiser model 898 and 228??

The 898 is a 305 chevy that was rater at 198hp from the factory mated to a #1R or #1MR leg. I believe the breakdown is (8)cyliners, 1(98)hp. Later, Mercruiser went to the HP only numbers. I suspect in the same vein, the 470 was 4cylinder, 170hp.<br /><br />My guess the primary difference would be the 228 likely had a 4bbl carb/intake from the factory. That fuel pump should be pretty common common to '70's Chevy SB Mercruisers. Just make sure the one you have is marine approved.<br /><br />Merc did something similar on the Ford line. I have an 888, Which is a 2bbl 302 and a #1R drive. The engine is often referred to as a 188. Yours would be a 198. They also had a 225, which was an inboard only engine, but it was a 302 with a 450cfm 4bbl.

 

[tfjrc2]

Re: Difference beween Mercruiser model 898 and 228??

Having had one, I can confirm the 470 is a 4 cylinder 170 hp i/o.<br />Merc's experiment with thier own block I'm told, mated to a 460cid lincoln head. A pretty hot lil motor in it's day with internal cooling.<br />Fell out of favor because of the dissimilar metal of the block and head. Some still like them, but the internal altenator made me throw in the towel.<br />We all get to that point on something, and I simply could not/would not put another dime into that boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Difference beween Mercruiser model 898 and 228??

Although All partsguys Insist that a serial # HAS to be had,<br />I Know Better........ <br />Most of the time, Knowing About What Year, will get you Any parts you need........<br /><br />Basicly, The people before you converted your 898 to a 228.......<br />The 228 being a 305/4bbl carb........Right ??<br />They just swapped out a carb.,+ manifold off a 350.........<br />I think your fuelpump issue, Finding the right 1, Might be because they didn't use the 1 from the 350.........<br />Gasline, fittings,+ port issues....<br /><br />How did you figure out it's a 305 ??<br />What year is the boat ??

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Difference beween Mercruiser model 898 and 228??

The 228 being a 305/4bbl carb........Right ??<br />

RIGHT. <br /><br />898 = 5.0 (305) Chevy with 2bbl carb- 198 horse<br />228 = 5.0 (305) Chevy with 4bbl carb- 228 horse<br />260 = 5.7 (350) Chevy with 4bbl carb- 260 horse<br /><br />

The cover for the carb says 260, which is a 350,

Correct!<br /><br />

How did you figure out it's a 305 ??

Yeah, how did you figure that out?

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Difference beween Mercruiser model 898 and 228??

whats the valve cover label say? The carb cover does not always mean its what it says, I discoverd this with my current boat (Wellcraft 196 Eclipse) when I purchased the boat is was stated from Dealer has having a 220hp 5.O V8 2bbl, because that what the carb cover stated, But upon my further inspection I noticed that on the back of the Block above the bell housing was stamped GM 5.7L, hmmmmm later found label on port valve cover facing inwards to exhaust manifold it turns out my 5.0 is actually a 350 mag, somewere down the line it ended up with 2bbl on it, I since corrected that problem. If there is no label on valve cover then get the serial number off the metal tag down by the starter and have a merc dealer look it up for you.