need Merc Cruiser info

[Firewood]

I'm lookin at a old Formula with a I/O Merc cruiser. Has "190" on the valve cover so I'm assuming thats the H.P.? (I'm a outboard man..never delt with an I/O)They guy I'm buying it from doesn't have a clue either, it was his fathers boat and he's just selling it.How can I tell what year the motor is? What are some key things to check on this motor? It has been in storage for 7-8 years...Its gonna be my winter project. Visually the motor looks O.K., Is there any water in this motor that may have frozen being stored outside?(My outboards drain out does an I/O do the same?)The outdrive moves side to side when I turn the wheel, but how can I tell if the Hydrualic lift is working?<br />I know these sound like stupid questions, I love the boat and I'm just worried about the motor.<br />Thanks

 

[fone_man]

Re: need Merc Cruiser info

Should have ID decal on Rocker Arm, "190" would be HP on Mercruiser... Read decal for more details & post additional info... should be 3.7 Litre/4 cyl...<br /><br />Water freezing can occur in manifold/block if they were not drained properly. I always remove plugs & run wire up into these areas to remove rust.<br /><br />Your "trim & tilt" is located on control handle. This will require battery to be charged up & fluid level in trim motor resevoir to be full.<br /><br />Before I bought this boat I would want to hear engine on muffs plus check engine for water leaks after setting so long... If I was selling boat it would run or I would be buying it cheap!!!<br /><br />There is nothing wrong with carrying a buddy that knows about Mercrusiers with you to check out operation of boat. I hope seller plans on traveling to the water with you for trial!<br /><br />Keep us posted.<br /><br />

 

[Firewood]

Re: need Merc Cruiser info

Would 750 bucks be cheap enough?! LOL<br /><br />I/m gonna head over there this weekend and do some investigating.I'll be sure and have plenty of Questions ready.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: need Merc Cruiser info

yes, firewood...$750 is dirt cheap...make sure you got enough $$$ to throw some at it after purchase.....this 190 is kinda an oddball motor...it was never used by automotive...it was made by mercruiser, basically half of a stroked ford 460....i ford 460 cylinder head with mercs own aluminum block undeneath..is a closed cooled motor, meaning it has antifreeze to cool the engine and manifold......here are some of their weak points:<br />antifreeze changes get neglected [every 2 years] and corrosion sets in...hose fittings, water circulation pump seals,manifold to elbow gaskets all become a prob...<br />if motor has been overheated, head gasket failure is just a matter of time...make sure you change the water pump in the drive every 4 years...<br />the charging system for battery is a lousy setup, prone to failure and expensive to fix.<br /> on the positive side, this motor will put out an impressive amount of power for its size/weight...if you stay out of the bottom half of the throttle, it has wonderful economy...