Mercury Inboard Motor Question

[mercurymang]

I'm looking to purchase my first boat. I have been looking at several different models and quite a few have mercury inboards, some that are running and some that aren't. I'm interested in the 4 cylinders because they won't drink the fuel like a larger motor. It looks like these are usually Ford engines, is that correct. Can anyone clue me in as to how close these motors (even some of the larger 6 and 8 cyl's) match to the automotive version of the motor. Are they the same or completely different? Can I easily buy pistons, rings, etc for a mercury because it's really a Ford, Chevy?

 

[thumpar]

Re: Mercury Inboard Motor Question

If it is Mercuiser it would be a GM 2.5l or 3.0l. They are not car motors but industrial engines used in generators and forklift type applications. (Yes the 2.5l was used in a car in the 60's but it is a rare thing in a car) There was a 3.7l that used a ford 460 head but everything else is none standard. OMC used a Ford 2.3l that I believe is the same as the car motor. The mercruiser V6 4.3l is the same used in the trucks and most common in the safari/astro vans. The mercuiser V8s are also standard truck motors for the most part.

 

[Fishin Magician]

Re: Mercury Inboard Motor Question

I'm looking to purchase my first boat. I have been looking at several different models and quite a few have mercury inboards, some that are running and some that aren't. I'm interested in the 4 cylinders because they won't drink the fuel like a larger motor. It looks like these are usually Ford engines, is that correct. Can anyone clue me in as to how close these motors (even some of the larger 6 and 8 cyl's) match to the automotive version of the motor. Are they the same or completely different? Can I easily buy pistons, rings, etc for a mercury because it's really a Ford, Chevy?

hey ahh....
I have a Merc 351ci v8..with 233 hp.....yep it's a Ford block
with the exception of the exhaust manifolds...it LOOKS just like somethin out of a truck......
never needed to buy the parts you are reffering to ......guess thats a good thing....
but I'm sure you can find anything for that motor......just ask here on this forum....it is an I/O right

FM