using a gm 181 marine head on a industrial 181

dmarr35

Recruit
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Jan 7, 2024
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2
I am using a gm 3.0 181 MerCruiser engine on my forklift question may the industrial intake and exhaust on the marine head work if they line up and I need to change the oil pan to rear will I be able to use the parts from the industrial engine or will I be facing problems?
 

Scott06

Admiral
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Apr 20, 2014
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6,439
The marine and industrial engines are pretty much the same.

Big changes to 3.0 was around 90 or 91 went to one piece rear seal would think this would influence your oil pan fit

Also around same time head port configuration changed I think one is large port one is small port intake has to match although Barr sells a adapter plate

As long as you have the same vintages parts should swap no issue
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
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49,560
Let's put it this way. The marine motor IS the industrial motor with a marine head gasket and a marine water pump. It is sold to the boat motor companies that add their fuel system and manifold

There are 15 3.0 industrial motors for every 1 marine 3.0 motor

The issue you may run into is the marine head may be rusty
 

dmarr35

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Jan 7, 2024
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2
Thank you I just was wondering till I disassemble the 181 and the industrial are both 1990 so it could go either way the oil pickup and pan may work if they both have the same rear seal Thank You for the info!
 
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