Re: 1997 Mercury 250
Allmand <br />If this Merc is a 1997 250 horse it would be a 250 Offshore EFI. This engine is a 185 cube 3.0 liter. As far as i am concerned this is a great motor and I doubt mercury cut corners. Your mechanic may be referring to the old 300/275/250 Mercury/Mariner that was first introduced in the early 80's that was a 207 cube 3.4 Liter. Early on these 3.4 Liter blocks were built by an outside vendor and quality control was a problem. Merc then sent them out to another vendor (I think Cosworth) and the quality control was better. Merc then introduced the new 3.0 which started as a 225 then they bumped it to 250 and now over 300. This engine is lighter than the old engine, faster, and more fuel efficient. Bottom line is the engine your looking (1997 250) is an a great motor!
