5 litre V8 Mercruiser

[Talbot]

Anybody got any comments on this power plant (nated to a stern drive - reliability costs capability etc.
Boy is buying his first boat so he can go wakebording!

 

[Solitaire]

Standard big (read small /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif) block Chevy - Volvo petrol is basically the same. Reliable - reckon on around 6-8 gallons an hour (shed loads at WOT!!!!) . Things to watch out for if an older boat is rusted/blocked risers. Sterndrive is more expensive failure!! Check what it is - Alpha 1, Bravo 1 etc.

 

[David2452]

Standard SMALL block Chevvy, (302 ci) almost bullet proof if looked after, easy to service, parts cheap an easily available. Had one for 10 years without a hitch, but then it was always serviced and winterised properly.

 

[Solitaire]

[ QUOTE ]
Standard SMALL block Chevvy,

[/ QUOTE ]

You beat me to the edit! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[scej]

502Ci is the 8.2 l engine i

 

[David2452]

You beat me to the edit (302 ci)

 

[Solitaire]

We will all get it right in a minute - /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

But in essence, it's still a good engine - LOL

 

[carlton]

I've two of 'em - only failure I've had was a slight oil-leak from the timing-chain cover - now repaired. As said, supposed to be bullet-proof. Only had that one problem in three years' ownership.

 

[jhr]

I've got one. Haven't had any problems (fingers crossed) in 4 years of ownership. Mine is the efi version which is apparently less prone to gremlins than the carburettor version. Regular servicing etc. has probably helped.

It will probably be mated to an Alpha 1. Seems fine, but best to warm the engine up properly before going anywhere, as it may be tricky to get out of gear if the revs won't drop back to proper tickover speed (650 rpm). This can be a bit of a challenge if it happens whilst heading for a pontoon. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif The other thing that is a pain is the widget that makes the engine mis-fire when coming out of gear (excuse the technical language), which can make the engine stall at critical moments.

I get about 7-8 gph at 3,500 rpm/24 knots in a 2-tonne boat. In optimum conditions, it should rev up to 4,800, which I guess will more or less double that figure to 15 gph. Neither I nor my wallet have quite the fortitude to try it out. Assuming that your son is looking at something a bit smaller and lighter than my boat, it should go like stink.

Annual service is £300.00 or so. Outdrive bellows should be done every 2-3 years, which should be about £750.00 (Solent prices).

Hope this helps.

 

[spannerman]

[. Outdrive bellows should be done every 2-3 years, which should be about £750.00 (Solent prices).

And I thought it was expensive here in Norway, we charge around £300-350 to change the bellows.

 

[jhr]

You'll remember from my previous post that the Yard are trying to charge me over two grand! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

I'm still awaiting their explanation.

 

[Talbot]

Thank you everyone for the data.