Mercruiser 250 cid 160hp.....It's an oldy but is it a goody?

[eyes4u]

I am very intersted in a 1970 Cruiser's 21ft hardtop fishing boat, with a 250 cid Mercruiser (inline 6 cylinder)rated at 160hp. I am not familiar with this powertrain. Could someone offer an opinion about this engine/outdrive, or a "things to look for" when I go to look at and test drive this boat this evening. Things like parts availability would be very helpful too. Thanks, in advance, for the help.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 250 cid 160hp.....It's an oldy but is it a goody?

Ayuh,... It's the old Chevy I6 that was around from the early 60s, to a few years ago...
Many of 'em around, 'n their known to be faithful power plants...

Anything 70s means some parts are harder to find,...
I'd worry more 'bout the rest of the driveline, 'n how rotten the Hull is...

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Mercruiser 250 cid 160hp.....It's an oldy but is it a goody?

The Mercruiser 165 HP was a great engine for its time. I don't see many parts online, but they are available on internet web sites. (Heck, I see engine parts available for 1935 Evinrude 3 hp motors.)

Just make sure it runs great. Last old Mercruiser I once bought a carb kit for a Mercruiser 140 at a car parts store--for a 1967 Chevy 307 V8 Rochester 2 barrel. I would just make sure it's not the original Mercruiser outdrive up to about 1969. (Their power tilt hoses were impossible to replace.)