merc 200 and mariner 175

[kenthrussell]

Well got a line on some parts for my 200hp merc.but have a question,when I looked up the parts on the internet parts express comparing to see if they are the same or will work, all parts on the 1985 175 mariner engine will work on my 1981 merc 200hp , like the pistons and connecting rods are all the same part numbers but the block, my part number for the merc is 858-8712A59, now the part number for the mariner block is 8588712A39, now does anyone know what the A39 stand for at the end of the part number?? please help .....

 

[savage]

Re: merc 200 and mariner 175

I'm not positive but I think the difference is the 175 has vertical reeds and the 200 has horizontal reeds. Both blocks have the same bore size.The front halves of the block are different to except the two styles of reeds. To make a 175 into a 200 you need a 200 front half. Swapping two different engine block halves doesn't always work because the blocks are line bored for the main crankshaft bearings,they don't always match up. Some guys have done this without problems.