Merc 3.8L V6 vs 4.3L

[feyerman]

Hi guys

I inherited a 3.8L Merc V6 (serial 6703236) 229 CID over the weekend. It seems from looking around that these engines share a lot of parts with the 4.3L merc but I cant' seem to identify where the similarities end. Anyone able to tell me where the similarities end? Any point rebuilding this engine or was it a short duration production with many parts NLA? Are there a lot of them out there?

Feyer

 

[Scott Danforth]

other than the bolt pattern on the end of the block and the rough outer dimensions, that is the extent of the similarities between the 3.8 and 4.3.

they were used from 1978-1984 when the 4.3 came out. they were not a great motor which prompted the release of the 4.3 which replaced it in 1985.

if its still running, sell it to someone with an OMC and upgrade to a 4.3

 

[feyerman]

OK thx for the info.
It's not running but complete
I think i'll part it out and move on.