Marine parts vs stock Chevy 350 parts

[allingeneral]

What parts on a Mercruiser 350 are marine specific? Can I replace the recirc pump with a stock 350 Chevy water pump? How about intake manifold, etc? I know the starter and alternator have to be marine specific since they are electrical and running in a potentially corrosive environment. What other parts require "Marine grade" replacements?

 

[DJ]

Re: Marine parts vs stock Chevy 350 parts

-Recirc. pump is different. Automotive pump impellers will "disappear" in short order.

-Casting plugs (a.k.a. freeze plugs).

-gaskets.

-Aluminum intakes may cause an issue, especially in salt or brackish water.

-Distributor (if equipped).

 

[John_S]

Re: Marine parts vs stock Chevy 350 parts

-Recirc. pump is different. Automotive pump impellers will "disappear" in short order.

-Casting plugs (a.k.a. freeze plugs).

-gaskets.

-Aluminum intakes may cause an issue, especially in salt or brackish water.

-Distributor (if equipped).

add cam, carb, fuel pump

 

[John_S]

Re: Marine parts vs stock Chevy 350 parts

I know the starter and alternator have to be marine specific since they are electrical and running in a potentially corrosive environment.

Actually, it is because of the explosive environment. A spark within a closed area (engine compartment/dog house) which has fuel vapors, can go boom.

 

[allingeneral]

Re: Marine parts vs stock Chevy 350 parts

Actually, it is because of the explosive environment. A spark within a closed area (engine compartment/dog house) which has fuel vapors, can go boom.

Ah, yes. Thank you for the clarification and the additions to the list.

This forum has really helped me a lot and I appreciate it all! Hopefully, I can start using what I've learned to start feeding some info back into this place one day

 

[Ned L]

Re: Marine parts vs stock Chevy 350 parts

I would have to ask in what regard are you asking the question. There are certain items that are "marine listed" for safety reasons (carb, fuel pump, starter, alternator, distributor, flame arrestor ). The 'automotive' carb. & fuel pump will allow gas to dump into the bilge if therer is a problem (not an issue with a car on the street), the 'automotive' starter, alternator, distributor flame arrestor (air filter)are not spark proof.
There are items that are 'marine rated' for longevity, water pump, core plugs, gaskets (maybe).
There are items that are 'marine rated' for the performance characteristics of a marine application, cam shaft, some valve train parts, possibly pistons.
All of these can be replaced with automotive parts, is it smart or safe to do so, - no. Can you go with the ones that are not safety related, yes, but there are the trade offs.