165hp mercruiser info?

[b.gagnon]

I am looking at a 1987 19’ wellcraft classic 190 w/ 4cyl 165hp fresh water-cooled merc i/o weight 2500lbs. I don’t have much experience with i/o’s and was wondering if there are any common problems with this motor. I have searched the web and this does not seem to be a very common motor, so any info is hard to come by. Also if anyone could give an estimated guess at speed, fuel economy, or if you think this boat is underpowered, all ideas would be greatly appreciated

 

[DJ]

Re: 165hp mercruiser info?

b.gagnon,<br /><br />Do a search on this board using "470" or "Merc. 470". I believe this to be the same engine, if yours is a 4-cylinder-165.

 

[repower2003]

Re: 165hp mercruiser info?

b.gagnon,<br /><br /> The merc 470,480 is a whole different animal then what you have. This is the 165 you have right?<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=26454&item=24005920

 

[MrBill]

Re: 165hp mercruiser info?

b gagnon:<br /><br />I have the same motor that I believe you are referencing. There are manny posts on this engine and for the most part I think you will find reports that it is very mechanically sound, but some of its features tend to be problematic. <br /><br />First, let's qualify things by making sure we're talking about the same engine. It is an in-line, 4 cylinder, 224 cid, 165 HP, 3.7 liter, closed cooling system motor. The same engine also generates greater HP if equipped with 4 BL carb.<br /><br />Mine has power steering, so the closed cooling system also serves to cool that hydraulic system. The biggest issues with the engine set-up are with the charging system and cooling system. This engine was only produced with closed cooling and tends to run rather hot, not necessarily a bad thing for operating efficiency, but the impeller in the out-drive is critical for supplying fresh water to the heat exchanger. Excessive wear will cause the engine to over heat. The charging system is also rather unique since it utilizes a water cooled voltage regulator (about $350) and a stator (direct drive on the crank) rather than the usual alternator used on most other engines. An alternator replacement kit can be used to switch over from the sometimes problematic stator/watercooled regulator for under $400.<br /><br />Mine is a 1989, still runs great with the original stator and regulator. I replace the impeller in the out drive every 2 years and have had excellent luck with the engine. I think most agree that the engine is very mechanically sound. Hope this helps.

 

[dpminc]

Re: 165hp mercruiser info?

These are a decent motor, they have good power to weight, and are reliable, except for the aformentioned charging system. They are based on half of a ford 460 v8. The head casting is ford/lincoln 460, as are the rods, and piston dimensions. The block and crank and cam is built for mercruiser. The 165 has the larger 4" heat exchanger for better cooling. They take the same tune up kit (pts,cond,cap,rotor) as the MCM chevy 4cyl engines with a delco distributor. It was also available with a 4bbl carb as a 180hp-------------

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: 165hp mercruiser info?

MrBill, It seems to be the same motor as you have but without the power steering.<br />I’m glad to here that it is a good motor because I think I’m going to buy it.<br />As far as the carb goes….Is it really just a matter of putting a 4bbl on there to get an extra 15hp? And how much more fuel would this consume? One of the main reasons I like this boat is that it gets great gph. Does anyone have any idea how fast this setup should go?

 

[mrmargaritaville]

Re: 165hp mercruiser info?

I have a similar boat 1987\192 Classic (same as the 190 but it is a cuddy cabin). All in all I have been pretty happy with the boat-bought it new in August of 1987. Couple of things about the boat-the plywood in the upolstered "hatch" cover behind the seats (9" wide hatch that runs the width of the boat) rotted out pretty quick on me-replaced it with a piece of 2"x9"x7' teak (about $120 back in '90)-but it really dressed the boat up and eliminated the problems. Also take a look at the gages-those boats came stock with what was referred to as "inverted hockey stick" displays-very inaccurate-I replaced mine with "dial type" taperflex gages set in a teak instrument panel-(also got rid of the acrylic instrument panel). I'm now happy with that set up. As far as the engine goes-it's been a pretty good performer. Early on there were reports in BoatUs' newsletter about head gasket problems with that engine-when I contacted Mercury they denied it and said that BoatUs had an agenda-they are an insurance company. Really did not know what to make of the situation. I am trying to keep an eye on mine just to make sure there are no problems.

 

[mrmargaritaville]

Re: 165hp mercruiser info?

forgot question about topend-I've had mine close to redlined a couple of times-just me in the boat, minimal gear. Planed out and with a good stainless steel prop I've had her up to the 47-52 mph range, but did not run WOT very long. Don't do much "go fast driving" at all-kids will do a little skiing but that's it. Usually in the 20-30 mph range and you will find that the fuel economy is quite good.

 

[MrBill]

Re: 165hp mercruiser info?

b. gagnon:<br /><br />My 18+ foot Dynasty may be comparable to your boat, but probably heavier. Also, my hull deadrise may be greater than yours. Obviously, there are several factors which play a role in top speed. You could also use the prop-pitch/drive ratio formula to estimate top speed. I run a 14.5 X 19 prop and could go to 21 pitch, but want to get slalom skiers out of the water reasonably fast and don't need to put additional stress on an aging outdrive. The standard drive for this engine has a 1.84:1 gear ratio.<br /><br />I usually don't run over 4200 rpm (4600-4800 is tops for this motor) and reach about 36 MPH with four adults in the boat. Mathematically, at 4600 RPM, 19P, 1.84:1 drive ratio, zero slip, top speed should approach 45 MPH, realistically more like 38-40. The biggest deterent to higher top-speed is the drive gear-ratio, the 1.5:1 used with more powerful engines spins the prop a great deal faster. For me, the higher torque, lower top-end is perfect. Have fun............

 

[P50mike]

Re: 165hp mercruiser info?

I bought a 1987 Wellcraft 192 classic w/cuddy and really like it. I have 2 small kids who love to ride/nap in the cuddy plus it can keep them out of the sun on long days. I think it's a safer place for kids to be when things get busy on the boat too. The cuddy can be a bugger while docking, beaching etc. but with small kids it's worth the tradeoff. The 3.7 liter 165 hp engine has been powerful enough and very economical, 3-4 gph while cruising and 5gph while skiing. It's a very solid boat that was reportedly designed by wellcraft to go from Florida to the Bahamas, hence the close cooling system. We're in AZ where the lakes have rock walls (vs. beaches) and get quite rough because the waves don't dissipate very well. The Wellcraft rides very nicely even in the rough waters. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.