Mercruiser D4.2l diesels.

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nicho

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Way back in 98, we bought a new Sealine S37. At the time, there were Volvo supply problems, so we had Mercruiser D4.2l engines. They were great over the three years we had the boat (apart from a service outlet that WAY overfilled the oil at first service, blowing both rear oils seals and needing engines pulled out and fixed). They were very smooth, quiet, reliable and economical, but new of course - whilst only 220 hip they did the job well. Looking at some S34/S37’s recently for sale, those with Mercruiser engines are asking about £10/15k less than the Volvo engined ones. So, what is the score with older Mercruisers. Some 20 odd years old, are they now junk? Are they totally unreliable, and falling apart. Of course, much will depend on their hours and service history, but as we are perhaps looking for something later this year, should I walk away from anything Mercruiser? I gather spares are readily available, and having experienced a pair of KAD44’s that’s were dogs, is it a case of “give a dog a bad name”? Any views/experience would be welcomed, thanks.
 
nicho said:
Way back in 98, we bought a new Sealine S37. At the time, there were Volvo supply problems, so we had Mercruiser D4.2l engines. They were great over the three years we had the boat (apart from a service outlet that WAY overfilled the oil at first service, blowing both rear oils seals and needing engines pulled out and fixed). They were very smooth, quiet, reliable and economical, but new of course - whilst only 220 hip they did the job well. Looking at some S34/S37’s recently for sale, those with Mercruiser engines are asking about £10/15k less than the Volvo engined ones. So, what is the score with older Mercruisers. Some 20 odd years old, are they now junk? Are they totally unreliable, and falling apart. Of course, much will depend on their hours and service history, but as we are perhaps looking for something later this year, should I walk away from anything Mercruiser? I gather spares are readily available, and having experienced a pair of KAD44’s that’s were dogs, is it a case of “give a dog a bad name”? Any views/experience would be welcomed, thanks.
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I have owned two x year install 2004
4.2 L. D300. (300hp) for last 17 years ish and they have proven incredibly reliable with only occasional hiccup ( gearboxes occasionally played up but they were the same as Volvo used anyway (hurth ZF)
For the time we have had them they have been exceptionally good. I would buy again.
 
nicho said:
Way back in 98, we bought a new Sealine S37. At the time, there were Volvo supply problems, so we had Mercruiser D4.2l engines. They were great over the three years we had the boat (apart from a service outlet that WAY overfilled the oil at first service, blowing both rear oils seals and needing engines pulled out and fixed). They were very smooth, quiet, reliable and economical, but new of course - whilst only 220 hip they did the job well. Looking at some S34/S37’s recently for sale, those with Mercruiser engines are asking about £10/15k less than the Volvo engined ones. So, what is the score with older Mercruisers. Some 20 odd years old, are they now junk? Are they totally unreliable, and falling apart. Of course, much will depend on their hours and service history, but as we are perhaps looking for something later this year, should I walk away from anything Mercruiser? I gather spares are readily available, and having experienced a pair of KAD44’s that’s were dogs, is it a case of “give a dog a bad name”? Any views/experience would be welcomed, thanks.
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I believe the main issue is maintenance. Whatever the brand name, if the engine is not serviced correctly then it is more likely to go wrong. The base VM engines have worked well for many years in auto applications. I don’t believe spares are an issue. So, check carefully for service records, and have a sea trial where you put the engines under strain.
 
Have a pair in my maxum 3000 ... 600 hours in ...
just got back from Brighton ( 5 hours at 3000 rps ) .. didn’t miss a beat ...
apart from the usual mechanics there is a VM specialist in derby I think ... for all parts and will rebuild if needed ...
 
nicho said:
Way back in 98, we bought a new Sealine S37. At the time, there were Volvo supply problems, so we had Mercruiser D4.2l engines. They were great over the three years we had the boat (apart from a service outlet that WAY overfilled the oil at first service, blowing both rear oils seals and needing engines pulled out and fixed). They were very smooth, quiet, reliable and economical, but new of course - whilst only 220 hip they did the job well. Looking at some S34/S37’s recently for sale, those with Mercruiser engines are asking about £10/15k less than the Volvo engined ones. So, what is the score with older Mercruisers. Some 20 odd years old, are they now junk? Are they totally unreliable, and falling apart. Of course, much will depend on their hours and service history, but as we are perhaps looking for something later this year, should I walk away from anything Mercruiser? I gather spares are readily available, and having experienced a pair of KAD44’s that’s were dogs, is it a case of “give a dog a bad name”? Any views/experience would be welcomed, thanks.
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Tom Parker of Tompa marine knows everything about these engines. I’d get him to survey them.
I’ve had 2 merc 4.2 boats and liked both of them.
 
When I did the sea trial one of the engines overheated ... was a corroded water pipe from the pick up .. new tea some shield later alls been well ...
The age of them now is now starting to show .. but closed cooling so not much sea water to deal with
 
nicho said:
Way back in 98, we bought a new Sealine S37. At the time, there were Volvo supply problems, so we had Mercruiser D4.2l engines. They were great over the three years we had the boat (apart from a service outlet that WAY overfilled the oil at first service, blowing both rear oils seals and needing engines pulled out and fixed). They were very smooth, quiet, reliable and economical, but new of course - whilst only 220 hip they did the job well. Looking at some S34/S37’s recently for sale, those with Mercruiser engines are asking about £10/15k less than the Volvo engined ones. So, what is the score with older Mercruisers. Some 20 odd years old, are they now junk? Are they totally unreliable, and falling apart. Of course, much will depend on their hours and service history, but as we are perhaps looking for something later this year, should I walk away from anything Mercruiser? I gather spares are readily available, and having experienced a pair of KAD44’s that’s were dogs, is it a case of “give a dog a bad name”? Any views/experience would be welcomed, thanks.
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Had a pair in my F33 since 2000. Go out to the usa where mercs were much more desired. Had only minor problems recently was found to the water pick up termination ie. hose to gimble shield. Bravo 2 legs not so efficient as duo prop B3 or volvo but bullet proof. Internal oil resevoir also a bonus. Now would like to exchange the boat for something smaller. Im 77.
 
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