470 help

[tmcustoms]

Just aquired a 470 and going to be running it in my boat.

I am going to do a tune up

upgrade to normal altanator

change oil spark plugs

rebuild carb

upgrade ignition and coil

entire new gasket set

I heard something about the exhaust riser causing some kind of problem is there a upgrade for that?

 

[gimmieaclue]

Re: 470 help

I'm in the process of changing the exhaust elbow out on my 470 now, also the exhaust manifold (lots of fun finding one of these:facepalm just showed up today. I'm not sure there's an upgrade for the riser other than proper maintenance. The riser will go bad you just have to change it when it does from what I understand. I've read that when they go bad in a 470 there's a tendency for water to get into the # 4 cylinder. You could see signs on the valves that was happening on mine. Between here and Breezeworks you should be able to find out everything you need to know.

 

[riskibusiness]

Re: 470 help

Hello and let me be the first to welcome you to the 470 family. The first thing you should do is read all you can find on these engines. They are to say the least UNIQUE. But don't be fooled by some of the negativity you will read. When maintained properly they are great engines. That being said they do have some inherent problems just as any other engine does. So do some home work. Oh and if you don't have a temp gauge, GET ONE. they don't overheat by nature but if they do and you keep running it it will blow a head gasket and possibly crack the block. And good idea on the charging system upgrade, it will save you alot of headaches down the road err river

 

[riskibusiness]

Re: 470 help

Oh yeah I meant to ask. What type of boat?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 470 help

The primary upgrade on a 470 is the heat exchanger. There are two sizes a 3" and a 4". Past experience shows the 4" works better.

Most all parts are available but some google hunting is involved.

My suggestion is to go and purchase a tap and chase ALL of the bolt holes (threads) before you re-assemble following the new gaskets.

The alternator upgrade should only be done when the old one fails. Keep an eye on the camshaft seals too.

 

[riskibusiness]

Re: 470 help

why would you wait for the stator to fail? You already know it absolutely will fail. so why not replace it if your tearing half of it apart for gaskets anyway ? But I do agree with you about the heat exchanger. Mine was already changed out to the 4 inch when I bought it.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 470 help

why would you wait for the stator to fail?

Just an unnecessary expense if it is currently working. It is not usually the rotor/stator that fails, it is the water cooled voltage regulator that fails. If that happens, remove all of the wires, leave it in place and add the alternator kit. But if you wish to do it now when you do the cam seals (I assume you are doing them) remove the stator from behind the rotor and all of the wires from the regulator. Have fun.

 

[tmcustoms]

Re: 470 help

Thanks for the info guys. I have the motor out on a engine stand Im going to purchase a complete gasket set so all the seals head gasket everything will be new. The voltage reg and stator are currently working but I think im gonna ebay them now before they break so I can put that cash towards the alternator upgrade. Do you know of a good source for the 4" riser I belive I have the three.

The boat is a 79 mirro marine hard top cuddy its a 20'er

 

[fmalott]

Re: 470 help

There is no upgrade for the riser what happens is if you replace the old cast iron exhaust manifold with a aluminum one you can not use the old cast iron riser with the aluminum manifold you have to buy a aluminum riser also, so if you keep the old cast iron exhaust manifold you can not upgrade to aluminum riser you have to stay using a cast iron riser
also what year is the boat it might already have a 4" heat exchanger

 

[tmcustoms]

Re: 470 help

Im unsure of the year of the motor I will have to check the serial number but it is the 170hp version if that can tell you anything

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 470 help

If you have the a 1979-80 engine you probably have the "old style" exhaust manifold setup . If so, yes you can upgrade it to the newer aluminum reservoir and exhaust manifold. You will also need the new style exhaust pipe, shutter and bellows (inside). This is probably what you have now right? http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...images/CRUISER/91557/11.png&inbr=1062&bnbr=6& This is the This is the newer style: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...EXHAUST+MANIFOLD+AND+EXHAUST+ELBOW+(ALUMINUM) and exhaust pipe: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show.../46.png&inbr=908&bnbr=230&bdesc=EXHAUST+ELBOW check e-bay you might be able to find them there. Do you have the engine manuals? good luck.

 

[fmalott]

Re: 470 help

Im unsure of the year of the motor I will have to check the serial number but it is the 170hp version if that can tell you anything

look for the serial number right behind the front motor mount it should be riveted to the side of motor and also look on top of rocker cover all the motor info should be on top at least that's where my info is

 

[Don S]

Re: 470 help

It's not exactly "Behind the front motor mount" it's on the back of the block.
This picture should help.

 

[fmalott]

Re: 470 help

funny Don S. mine is right behind the front mount here is a picture maybe different years they put in different places

 

[Don S]

Re: 470 help

So it is, and I stand corrected.
In the #3 manual it shows both early 470R and 488R and later 470R and 488R
They probably had to move it when they changed to the 4" heat exchanger and couldn't see it there

 

[fmalott]

Re: 470 help

anyways at least tmcustoms that's what the tag looks like it will be at the side of the motor

 

[tmcustoms]

Re: 470 help

Thanks guys your right I do have the older style if it will work for now I will just run it. Looks like these are pretty pricey items even on ebay, I see one aluminum on ebay but has been repaired (welded) and has heli coils in it aswell probably not the best item since. The motor I have is intact has clean coolant and oil I figure Im better off sticking with what Ive got for now.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 470 help

It should be fine. The 3" are OK, but you just need to make sure the exchanger has maximum efficiency. Make sure that your impeller is in good shape and change it often. When you have your exhaust elbow off, make sure you have unobstructed flow through the fitting, and that the mating surfaces are smooth and flat. Good luck.

 

[Pete104]

Re: 470 help

So it is, and I stand corrected.
In the #3 manual it shows both early 470R and 488R and later 470R and 488R
They probably had to move it when they changed to the 4" heat exchanger and couldn't see it there

As I recall, the S/N tag stayed with the starter side of the engine. That was one of those things that wouldn't get on paper properly!

 

[tmcustoms]

Re: 470 help

Thanks again for the help guys lots of good info here.