GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

[Pirate4Life]

I have a 5.7 Mercruiser EFI on a 1997 Bayliner Capri. It looks like this engine is the same as a GM small block (v8) engine. I was told that I could use GM parts for the boat engine. However, I need to find out if there is a conversion list (or something like that) that would allow me to match up the parts.

For example, I'm looking for a distributor cap and I'd like to find out the GM equivalent to it.

 

[Don S]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

I was told that I could use GM parts for the boat engine.

To a point you can, for most internal parts, that's true, but not for ignition and fuel systems. Those are marine rated parts in most (99%) cases.
What is your engines Mercruiser serial number, that is how you find what you need.

 

[Pirate4Life]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

Don - Thanks for your feedback, this is helpful. I'm wondering what do you recommend (a particular catalog, website, etc.) that I use to look up the parts with the engine serial number? Thanks, Mike

 

[Don S]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

How about the OEM parts program. Always up to date.

https://webapps.brunswick.com/literature/literatureSearch.do

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

If I walk into Napa and ask for a cap and rotor for my 3.0L Mercruiser, their computer tells them to get me an Echlin cap and rotor (automotive).

 

[achris]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

If I walk into Napa and ask for a cap and rotor for my 3.0L Mercruiser, their computer tells them to get me an Echlin cap and rotor (automotive).

The use of automotive electrical and fuel system parts is EXTREMELY dangerous and under no circumstances should anyone be recommending to anyone else to continue this practice.

Parts like distributor caps, starter motors, alternators, carburetors, fuel pumps etc need to be SAE-J1171 (MARINE) rated. Using automotive parts that are not screened and shielded for spark and flash suppression is ill-advised and stupid. The parts may look the same, but believe me, they are VERY different internally....

Chris.....

 

[tpenfield]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

I have a 5.7 Mercruiser EFI on a 1997 Bayliner Capri. It looks like this engine is the same as a GM small block (v8) engine. . . .

Just for clarity . . . it IS a GM engine. Mercruiser buys their base engines from GM and adds the marine specific components as the other folks have mentioned. I would avoid doing too much cross-referencing to GM parts, because you may not get the proper marine part for fuel, ignition and electrical systems.

A case in point - my previous boat had a GM starter in it when I bought it (unknown to me at the time) . . . fortunately the thing crapped out . . . I bought a Mercruiser starter to replace it. When I checked the part number on the old GM starter, I could not cross reference it to a marine starter, only an automotive starter. Therefore I have to assume that it WAS an automotive starter not a marine version . . . and therfore NOT safe to have been in my boat

 

[matt167]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

If I walk into Napa and ask for a cap and rotor for my 3.0L Mercruiser, their computer tells them to get me an Echlin cap and rotor (automotive).

Shouldn't be. Part number that comes up for the cap is SME 185385 which is listed thru Napa small engines and lists specifically for Mercruiser engines.. Points and condensor will probably cross to old GM Delco part numbers ( I did not check ) but the cap and rotor should list as Marine unless the counter person knows he can select it as an older Chevy Nova and get a cap that will fit

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

Shouldn't be. Part number that comes up for the cap is SME 185385 which is listed thru Napa small engines and lists specifically for Mercruiser engines.. Points and condensor will probably cross to old GM Delco part numbers ( I did not check ) but the cap and rotor should list as Marine unless the counter person knows he can select it as an older Chevy Nova and get a cap that will fit

I watched the kid look it up on his computer last summer at the Newport, MN Napa. My previous cap and the replacement were of the non vented variety, and so I assume up to marine spec. If it were a vented cap I would take pause. And if your parts guy can't look up marine parts you'll find that a '65 CHEVY II 2.5L has the same cap, rotor, and points. This certainly is not the case on all motors, and maybe not even all brands of caps, but it appears to be on this one.

 

[Don S]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

I watched the kid look it up on his computer l.......................

The OP does not have an old 3.0L with a Delco distributor, some parts are interchangable, some aren't. If you don't know then ask.
You were lucky, not all are like that. You could also look up an automotive fuel pump for that engine, but that doesn't make it the right part or marine rated but it would work. Of course you would then have a potential fire and explosion hazard.

 

[matt167]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

In any case, Carquest, Napa and most others all have marine catalogs. No need to go to the Mercury dealer to get tune up parts.

I'v watched a bilge go up in flames when a carb coughed without the spark arrester on ( 1st start of year on muffs, Merc 488 ) So yea, Marine parts do make a difference.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

...

Parts like distributor caps, starter motors, alternators, carburetors, fuel pumps etc need to be SAE-J1171 (MARINE) rated. Using automotive parts that are not screened and shielded for spark and flash suppression is ill-advised and stupid. The parts may look the same, but believe me, they are VERY different internally....

Chris.....

And you can't always assume that the GM stuff isn't rated that way Chris. For example my 1997 Mercruiser 5.7LX EFI Gen+ had the "digital ignition" which is the EXACT same ignition system found on my 1987 and 1990 Chevy Vans. EXACT same distributor cap, rotor, "coil". Also had the exact same TBI system. Extremely relevent in this case, based on the OP's description of his engine.
Now if he supplies DonS with his serial #, we'll know for sure what injection and ignition systems he has, won't we?

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: GM Parts for Mercruiser Engine

The OP does not have an old 3.0L with a Delco distributor, some parts are interchangable, some aren't. If you don't know then ask.
You were lucky, not all are like that. You could also look up an automotive fuel pump for that engine, but that doesn't make it the right part or marine rated but it would work. Of course you would then have a potential fire and explosion hazard.

I'm only speaking for my case here. I did say that in my post. I'm not speaking to the OP. Instead I am speaking to matt167 for the possible benefit of the OP. I merely gave an example of an experience I had with my boat. I do have a modicum of mechanical and safety sense. Yes, the fuel pump is different and for good reason. Its nice of them to design it so when the diaphragm leaks fuel will most likely get sucked into the carb, instead of spilling into the bilge.