"74, 20' cc I/O Merc or Volvo

RIRED · #1 02-25-2003, 07:42 PM

Replacing my I/O any recommendationms for power, Merc or Volvo?

jw · #2 02-26-2003, 12:37 AM

Are you replacing the Outdrive as well as the engine? I got a quote for $6,600.00 for a brand new total replacement. But I opted for a new outdrive unit , used , my engine runs great. The volvo is a great engine, pricy though, pricer yest when they break, goldplated parts. Try looking in the boat trader , I think there are deal on long blocks and complete motors, Mercruiser.
Good luck,
JW

Serenity · #3 02-26-2003, 04:27 AM

Hi there! What model of motor do you have now? I had inline six mercs in mid 70 20's. One I changed to a v6 volvo and the other I replaced block with same inline 6 but added fresh water cooling. Had to rebuild engine compartment for easier maintenance on volvo and personally I felt that the early mercs were easy and less expensive on maintenance. It really depends on what you are into.... I also found both was okay on fuel with trim tabs.

RIRED · #4 02-26-2003, 09:11 AM

When I bought the boat a few years ago it was refit with a new 4 cyl volvo. Had no problems with the drive, tons of trouble with the engine (pumps, starters, drive cones, rust, flappers,carb trouble, exhaust manifold crack....) Went through 2 blocks in three years. Now I look to replace the whole thing with the Merc 4 cyl, with freshwater cooling. Did these rigs origianlly come with 6 cyls?

jw · #5 02-26-2003, 10:04 AM

Nope, Only the 4cyls. I think that if My engine blew up i would put the 4.3 Litre 6cylinder in her.
JW

John R · #6 02-26-2003, 10:18 AM

RIRED, welcome to CS. You are not RhodyRed by chance are you?

There is a place in Holliston, Ma that has decent to good prices on new marine long blocks... http://1800runsnew.com/

Err - bracket and Suzuki 140 ? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Jon G · #7 02-26-2003, 03:56 PM

RIRED check here at Doug Russell marine they have some good prices on engines. Call if they don't have what your looking for they have a lot of engines that are not on the website. Good Luck
http://www.dougrussell.com/Products/...on=&Category=6

RIRED · #8 02-26-2003, 04:53 PM

Jon G, Thanks for the note. I bought the last block from them. This time I'm going with the Merc. Hope is will handle the ocean better.

Serenity · #9 02-27-2003, 02:38 AM

To clarify, the original Seacrafts did have a 165 hp Mercruiser inline 250cu" motor (Chevy). It may have been an option. I don't think it's avail. anymore but I remember it was a easy motor to maintain including removal of outdrive to check on universals, etc. I repowered to the volvo because of the increased hp and the dual prop but cost was much higher to maintain. At this time, on my '78 Sceptre I'm planning to go with outboards (115 Suzuki 4 strokes). Just for a change.