buying '88 baretta w/ merc 165

[sikz3]

I have a '80 seaswirl w/ 140 omc. I have found that it will need a new floor among other things. I have come across a 1988 baretta 18.5' w/ mercruiser 165 in my price range. It has always been garaged and I was wondering anything speciffically I should look for when I go take look at it? The guy says I am free to take it to a mechanic to have it looked at. He just used it a couple weeks ago and says he drains the block when finished. (it still reaches freezing temps here at night). How is this engine and drive combo? I appreciate all your input. I just can't see me putting all this work into my OMC powered boat. (new carb, tilt motor,possible shift cable,floor and maybe stringers)

 

[ziggy]

Re: buying '88 baretta w/ merc 165

How is this engine and drive combo?

i ain't the pro on this combo, but i do read. and there isn't to much good to read about that version of 165 engine. the drive i think is alpha1 version of drive. so thats acceptable.........

He just used it a couple weeks ago and says he drains the block when finished

i'd be suspisious of that seller....... if i ain't mistaken, that engine is always fwc. i has anti freeze in the block. so why'd he drain it? perhaps he drained the manifold? not sure if it's part of the closed system or not...... when i was boat shopping. omc and that merc. engine were not ever considered as something i'd want to have.....

 

[Don S]

Re: buying '88 baretta w/ merc 165

It's a 470, I would keep looking.
IT's an aluminum block, Ford 460 head.
Water cooled (expensive) voltage regulator, with a stator rotor setup like an outboard for charging system. (Very expensive)
Antifreeze in the oil is common probllem because of engine water pump seal leaking. Usually requires cam replacement.
89 was the last year the 470 style engines were produced. Parts are expensive.
They do run good and have a lot of torque for a 4 cylinder. WHEN they run.

 

[rndn]

Re: buying '88 baretta w/ merc 165

Plenty of time to find something else. Keep looking.

 

[sikz3]

Re: buying '88 baretta w/ merc 165

So the mercruiser 165 hp is the one to stay away from? I really want to take your guys advice. I wish I knew about this site before buying my omc.

 

[sikz3]

Re: buying '88 baretta w/ merc 165

oh and I thought it was a straight 6?????

 

[Don S]

Re: buying '88 baretta w/ merc 165

Read this thread, may help to clear things up for you on the 4/6 cylinder issue.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=238467

 

[Bondo]

Re: buying '88 baretta w/ merc 165

So the mercruiser 165 hp is the one to stay away from? I really want to take your guys advice. I wish I knew about this site before buying my omc.

Ayuh,.......

All the more reason Not to jump from the Frying Pan,... Into the Fire.......

The Mercruiser 470 motors are Barely better than an OMC Stringer drive.....

 

[bomar76]

Re: buying '88 baretta w/ merc 165

What is really amazing is that no one has (or admitted to) cobbling a Mercruiser 470 to an OMC Stringer drive......(add a totally rotted transom and stringers to the mix and you have the perfect boat )