Help me identify my engine please!

[johndavidross]

I have a Mercury Mercruiser V8 260 carbureted motor but the serial number is rubbed off. I’m trying to pin down the year of the motor for my own personal knowledge. Is there any way of identifying this in other ways? My best guess is 1986 based on photos that I’ve seen but I don’t want to go just off that.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Perimeter or center bolts on the valve cover?

 

[alldodge]

Go to this site which can tell you where to look for the casting numbers, suggest block numbers. Once the number is found select the SBC number listing and to find year

http://www.mortec.com/

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... '86 is a transition year,..... could be the '86, 'n beyond, or an '85 runnin' late in the supply chain pipeline,....

AD's link oughta sort it out though,....

 

[QBhoy]

Aye. Usually the V8 350 (5.7’s) that actually say 260 on them are pre 86, as far as I know and likely early 80’s or late 70’s.
Im pretty sure I remember the local Merc dealer telling me these old engines sometimes had the serial number stamped down near the starter motor on the flywheel guard or there abouts.