Frozen Mercruiser 165

frmrlndlubr

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2008
Messages
7
Hey all, posted this poser in the wrong section b4, think I'm in the right spot now. Newbie with a 71 cobalt project. The motor is frozen up, vacuumed out 12 ozs of water/rust in 1 cyl, and 4-8 ozs in each other ones. Boat sat out uncovered, water down carb filled up manifold= engine junk. Can I use a truck motor and swap everything else over?? NEW 250 Merc is 1500, new 250 chevy is 900. Differences besides price??? Can anyone recommend an engine builder/company that sells reman engines? Ahhh, the PAIN of boat ownership!! Any ideas/help greatly appreciated!!
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,494
Re: Frozen Mercruiser 165

Personally I`d look for a "Big Six" 300cu in .with a little work you might get some increase over the stock 200hp rating.
 

big ken

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 19, 2008
Messages
200
Re: Frozen Mercruiser 165

im pretty sure it will have to be a marine block with the pig ear on left side [looking at front ] for frt motor mount. i found a nice one on ebay complete for less than a grand.
 

Fishermark

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 19, 2003
Messages
5,627
Re: Frozen Mercruiser 165

Can I use a truck motor and swap everything else over??

If you look to the left of the cam gear in this picture you will see a couple threaded holes that the front mount bolts to. As I understand it, some truck blocks do not have this area for the front mount to attach to. Just something to check before you buy.

DSCF5398.jpg
 

chiefalen

Captain
Joined
May 18, 2008
Messages
3,598
Re: Frozen Mercruiser 165

Michigan motors, friend got a reman 5.0, but the valves were to tight drove us crazy till we figured it out.

Runs like a baby now.

I would be careful with the manifold and such make sure they are good.
 

frmrlndlubr

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2008
Messages
7
Re: Frozen Mercruiser 165

Thank y'all for your input and about the "pigs ear" block. That's a big help! I prolly woulda missed that and looked just for any block.Hey Bt, you mentioned a big 300 straight six. Are you talking about the ford 300?? I'm a Ford guy and definitely know all about the Ford 6's. Had one in my 79 F 150. What a great motor. Will it fit in place of a gm 250?? Or am I missing something?? Thanks to all of ya!!
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,449
Re: Frozen Mercruiser 165

Hey Bt, you mentioned a big 300 straight six. Are you talking about the ford 300??

Nope,.... You didn't miss anything,.. Bt Doc. miss spoke...

I believe he is refering to the Chevy 292 Big 6.....
It will interchange with the 250 6, with only some modifications to the exhaust system,+ whatnots...
 

frmrlndlubr

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2008
Messages
7
Re: Frozen Mercruiser 165

thanx bondo, wasnt sure about that. Seems 250 parts expensive enuf and hard to find, how about 292 parts?? about the same or more rare?? I have no problem with a swap like that as long as i could find what I need. And its a big boat 18.5 ft and 2400 lbs. A few more ponies never hurt anyone, he he. Ugh, ugh, more power!!!! Thanks guys
 
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