Help identifying Merc sterndrive

[boriskillu]

Hello, great site here. I cannot match GM L-6 292 4.8L Casting No. 3994258 to unknown Bravo (?) sterndrive Looks to be a bravo 2 or Alpha 1 due to skeg being straight. I was told the engine is 160 HP but that is too low also, 200 HP maybe? I was also told all are late 70ties, I think early 70's Thanks.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

160 -170 hp GM inline 6 250cu.in. late 70`s was end of production, i think,
292cu.in. rated for 200hp
drive can be:
MC-1 with a flat top cap
R,MR,Alpha1
roounded cav plate would most likely be MC1, square end might be R,MR,Alpha

 

[Don S]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

The drive is not a Bravo, and it's not the same vintage as the engine.
Your drive has a serial number on the port side of the upper gear housing on and under the decal. What are the numbers.
It also looks like there is the metal SN tag on the engine, just above and slightly aft of the starter on the block. What are those numbers.

 

[boriskillu]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

It has a flat top cover and rounded cav plate. I will take note of those places for numbers, it's across town, bbl Thanks

 

[captk]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

If I recall without looking it up the 292 was only used 68-70ish on that wonderful 1.78:1 drive, rated at 200hp. I do not know if a 292 would bolt up to replace a 250, but who knows what some might do. good luck Bill

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

a 292 bored .030 over, 9.5-1 compression, flattrack cam, would redline a 25 inch pitch with 1.65 gears

 

[boriskillu]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

The drive is not a Bravo, and it's not the same vintage as the engine.
Your drive has a serial number on the port side of the upper gear housing on and under the decal. What are the numbers.
It also looks like there is the metal SN tag on the engine, just above and slightly aft of the starter on the block. What are those numbers.

View attachment 156850 View attachment 156851

Nothing at all in areas mentioned. I used a wire brush also cleaned areas well, no sign of even a sticker ever being there. What I did find was SN - 2495621 on the assy frame (Transom plate?) where power trim pump is mounted to.

 

[boriskillu]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

The drive is not a Bravo, and it's not the same vintage as the engine.
Your drive has a serial number on the port side of the upper gear housing on and under the decal. What are the numbers.
It also looks like there is the metal SN tag on the engine, just above and slightly aft of the starter on the block. What are those numbers.

View attachment 156850 View attachment 156851

Nothing at all in areas mentioned. I used a wire brush also cleaned areas well, no sign of even a sticker ever being there. What I did find was SN - 2495621 on the assy frame (Transom plate?) where power trim pump is mounted to.

 

[boriskillu]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

The owner insisted it was a Bravo he even has a crisp Manual #11.

 

[achris]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

The 292 was only used by Merc in 1968/9.. That transom housing number is also a 1969 vintage, but the 292 was only ever used with a MCII transom. I've never seen one, but I do know that drive you have (MC-1 lower with either R or MR upper) will NOT bolt up to it.

If someone has dropped it in front of an MC-1 transom housing, that's a different story... Maybe one of the current dealer associated guys could look up that transom number and tell for sure....

Post some photos of the transom housing....

Chris......

Just read your last post... That drive is most definitely NOT a Bravo....

 

[achris]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

Ok.. had another look at the photos...

MC-1 transom housing (haven't seen the inner plate)...
Drive is a hack job, could be anything (as I stated above)
Engine should not be in front of an MC-1 housing. If someone's pulled a 250, or a small 4, and plans to drop that in... Surprises await For a starter the block is over an inch taller, so the exhaust pipes won't reach...

Chris....

 

[boriskillu]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

Owner also said engine was 160 HP, what I found was the block casting number so puts it at a 292, true?. I know block was an inch taller by the 292 specs, in late-model cars don't matter unless it hits the frame, heh. This is goofy. Where should I focus on for pics? Will removing the top cap, 4, 12-points tell me the gearing? Remove gimble also?

Maybe instead of a hack job, it's a custom jobby to fit the 292..

^Transom Hsg is on left^ bad pic but I already had it here and shows drive too.

 

[achris]

Re: Help identifying Merc sterndrive

You need to properly identify that engine. If it really is a 160hp, then it's a 250, not a 292...

Don't worry about the drive just yet. I see the inner transom plate laying next to the engine., and it's the right one for an MC-1, which is what the transom housing attached to the drive is...

Your order of installation requires the transom housings to be put on first, and for that you need to have the drive off the outer transom housing.. Then install the engine, then align it, then install the drive... You have a solid day or 2 of work to get that lot done...

Chris....