'86 Merc 5.0 (228 hp) Help

[BigBoatinOkie]

Okay fellas, here's what I have. 1986 Wellcraft 180 bowrider with 305 cid 228hp, thunderbolt ignition, stock manifolds with risers, thru hull exhaust. I had the boat for about 3 months before winter, so I didn't have time to really get to know her. I have spent a few months now restoring her and now I'm to the point where I need to address the engine while I have it out of the boat. I did not have any trouble out of it last season, except for a little hesitation on take off which I would probably say was due to shift cable or carb issue. However, it did seem just a little tired and not reaching it's full potential. I'm not real knowledgeable about these engines particularly in marine applications, so I would like to ask you guys what steps I should take to insure that this motor will perform at least close to it's intended performance, of course better would be good. In addition, if there are any worthwhile performance upgrades that you would recommend, I'd like to hear them. Now, I'm not going to drop in a 5.7. I would like to, and I may in the future, but it's time to get on the lake and I think this engine is still has plenty of life in it. Like I said, I'm not that good with engines so there is nothing too simple for mentioning. It's been a long time since I tinkered with a SBC. Thanks.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: '86 Merc 5.0 (228 hp) Help

In addition, if there are any worthwhile performance upgrades that you would recommend, I'd like to hear them. Now, I'm not going to drop in a 5.7.

Howdy,


If you just want to put the engine back in the boat.......other than checking compression to see if it's otherwise "healthy" ...... You might take a look at rebuilding the carb. Look at the shift linkage and all the cables for wear etc.....

If it were me (and since its already out), I would indeed put a 5.7 in it. A wrecking-yard 350 out of a pickup would probably work well. All you'd have to do is maybe put brass core plugs in it and run it.

All the accessories from the 305 would bolt right up.


Nice job on the transom/floor replacement by the way!!


Cheers,


Rick

 

[BigBoatinOkie]

Re: '86 Merc 5.0 (228 hp) Help

Thanks for the reply and compliments. I wish I could do the 350 but it just aint happening. I'm way over budget as it is and I don't have the patience left to go engine hunting right now. For now, I just want to use what I have but make sure it's running well.

P.S. this is not intended to be yet another thread about boosting the performance on the 305, I'm sure yall are sick of those. It's about going through the engine and making sure I'm getting somewhere close to the 228 hp it's intended to make or at least within reason.

 

[BigBoatinOkie]

Re: '86 Merc 5.0 (228 hp) Help

Thanks. That's very helpful info.