Mercruiser 470

[magster65]

What engine is a merc. 470? They seem to be quite a torquey little sucker... but do you think (as twins) they're powerful enough to push a 26' Commander around without being overworked? Any guesses as to what cruising speed it might achieve? Merry Christmas folks! <br /> http://www.yachtworld.com/listing/y...t&currency=CAD&access=Public&listing_id=11024

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser 470

The 470 is a Mercrusier only design. Its a Mercrusier block with a Ford 460 head bolted to it. Its a peppy little engine that's pretty good on fuel. However they do have some problems you need to be aware of. The alternator system gives problems and should be replaced (cheaper) with the automotive type conversion kit if you have room in the doghouse. Watercooled voltage regulator are $$$. Also the cam driven water pump leaks over time but can be repaired. Personally its not my favorite engine The heat exchangers need to be of the later version which are bigger. The vessel looks pretty good in the pictures. Have a survey done and do a test drive to see if you like how she gets on plane and rides.

 

[magster65]

Re: Mercruiser 470

These problems you mention are with all 470's or is it just something to keep an eye on? I'm curious about the charging system problems... water cooled regulator? I've never heard of that, is it common? The risers... I gather the ones they come with are ok but an upgrade should be done upon the expiry date of the originals? Thanks. Merry Christmas

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser 470

The problems that I stated are common problems with the 470. Yes they have a "water cooled" voltage regulator. Also the alternator is mounted around the "crankshaft". So if one of the parts of the charging system goes out its cheaper to convert. Take a look at this link below and I think it will help you. There are other places on the net to get the conversion for the alternator for around 350.00 Look at the whole article below because it also states some problems with the 470.<br /> 470 Mercrusier

 

[magster65]

Re: Mercruiser 470

Hmm, I thought these were good engines, this comes as a bit of a surprise. The more I learn about marine engines, the more I see why the V-8 (domestic) engines are so popular.

 

[DJ]

Re: Mercruiser 470

magster,<br /><br />They were good engines. The internal parts are mostly Ford, pretty much only the block is MerCruiser exclusive. It was based on 1/2 of a 7.5L (460 cid.) Ford engine.<br /><br />Once you get past the cooling and alternator issue, they're great.<br /><br />Some may already have the mod's.

 

[magster65]

Re: Mercruiser 470

Right. I won't let a little maintenance / modification turn me away. Thanks for the heads up on this stuff. I'll ask about those things for sure!

 

[chiefmike58]

Re: Mercruiser 470

I'll second those 470 Mercruisers. Other than the items listed above that can be remedied easily, these engines are very strong and economical.<br />Mike

 

[dug out]

Re: Mercruiser 470

magster65, as others have stated there are things to watch out for on these engines. ie. stator, water cooled voltage regulator, water pump seals, heat exchangers. Some questions to ask, have the motors been over heated, aluminum or steel heads, original motors? I have twin 165 hp engines in my '87 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer (27' with 10' beam, 6300# dry). Cruise at 3400 rpm, 26 mph; 5000 rpm, 36 mph. Price seems high. Later 80's Sundancer's in this area are going in the high teens to low 20's. Don't know how this compares to the Commander you're looking at in quality and size?

 

[Trevor]

Re: Mercruiser 470

Hey there I have a pair of these in my 30 bayliner they are great just make sure you change the oil in them on a regular basis and put an alt system on at least one of your engines. another thing you may wont to do is change them to electronic ignition I put the pertronics kit in mine you can get that from any dealer that deals with sierra parts also keep an eye on your risers I just had to replace mine. I am currently installing a reman block on my port engine it had a compression ring go and take the block out not bad for the time on it though. they are great on fuel. they vibrate alot when cold I find they like to to run hard "DO NOT OVER PROP THEM IF ANY THING UNDER PROP THEM" if there is too much load no them they run very hot W.O.T is important to prop yor boat at because if you have to work them too hard to get on step things will melt like pistons vaves CYL HEAD trust me on this one its not pretty people told me to repower but what else can i put in the bilge that will give me a 28 MPH cruise at a total of 9 gph? diesel?

 

[Salty Dog]

Re: Mercruiser 470

I have a pair of 488's in an 84' Sea Ray Amberjack 25'. They have 4 barrel carbs on them. One has a knocking noise that sounds like it is coming from the stator. Will loose magnets or the water pump make a sound like that? I am selling the boat but I would like to fix the noise first.

 

[macdaddy]

Re: Mercruiser 470

Does any body have a hard starting problem when hot? A good friend of mine has one of these engines and when it gets hot it sounds like the battery is dead. I had one a few years ago and it sounded the same. What causes this and how can we fix this problem? When they cool down it starts up just fine.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Mercruiser 470

magster, once you get past the weak points listed above, you do have decent motors....I never understood why so many of these engines ended up in big [27+] boats...searay just loved them....if you ever ran one in a 17foot v hull you would be impressed, the light weight of the package is a real advantage in the smaller boats...<br />Macdaddy, you by chance have prestolite starters? the delcos perform alot better.