Mercruiser D4.2L

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nicho

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Back in 1998, we had a brand new Sealine S37 built with Mercruiser D4.2L diesels. Frankly, the engines were great, even though they evolved from the earlier BMW built disasters. They were quiet, smooth, economical and reliable. Now, we are looking to sell our Gibsea 33 sailing boat and come back to power with a used S37. There are a few on the market, but I have been warned off those with the Mercruisers, because in their later years, these engines have become "moneypits". Other manufacturers including Volvo also their problems too but is the Mercruiser reputation justified, and should they be avoided? Anyone with experience care to comment please?
 
I think almost all engines with outdrives of this vintage become "moneypits" eventually.
I'd be quite happy with D4.2Ls, but the B III drives can fizz away important things like bearing carriers if not properly maintained.
For whatever reasons, they are just seen as less desirable than the green lumps, but I'm not sure why.
 
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I had a pair of about 87 vintage on shafts, I threw them out in about 1997.

They were money pits then, one cooked and the other was on the way.

Originally a VM diesel, mine had BMW and Mercruiser badges on.

A 1998 engine would be 18 years old today, not a great reputation and spares are difficult.
 
Bandit said:
I had a pair of about 87 vintage on shafts, I threw them out in about 1997.

They were money pits then, one cooked and the other was on the way.

Originally a VM diesel, mine had BMW and Mercruiser badges on.

A 1998 engine would be 18 years old today, not a great reputation and spares are difficult.
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Lack of spares is a problem - looks like I'll stick with VP - at least there are plenty of engineers around and plenty of spares.
 
Our old boat was a 1997 S37 with 4.2 L on B2's.
Didn't have any different problems to VP engines, as for parts etc very redily available from many UK stockists, servicing in the Solent area was not a problem either.
 
You should expect pay a bit less for the mercruiser diesel powered boat compared to volvo penta.
On the other hand the general condition of the boat and evidence of maintenance of the mechanical bits is probably more important than the colour of the engines.
Consider joining the Sealine forum which is a useful source of information.
http://sealineforum.co.uk/

.
 
MartynG said:
You should expect pay a bit less for the mercruiser diesel powered boat compared to volvo penta.
On the other hand the general condition of the boat and evidence of maintenance of the mechanical bits is probably more important than the colour of the engines.
Consider joining the Sealine forum which is a useful source of information.
http://sealineforum.co.uk/

.
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Thanks Martyn - I am registered on the Sealine forum. Just got to sell thisk pesky raggie thing first!
 
volvopaul said:
I know of an S37 with KAD 300 if it's any good to you.
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Hi Paul. I know of one in Chichester with KAD 44's and there's several others too anround the UK, one with AD41's. The 300's would surely make it into a rocket ship! As I say, we are about to put the Gibsea on the market, and sadly, that has to go first, but I hadn't seen the one you mention, though it sounds tasty!! Is it in the UK?

PS Quite like the look of the Bavaria 35 hard top too.
 
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