Carbs interchangeable?

[Fishermark]

If a boat (1987 Mercruiser 4.3L w/ electric choke) has a 2 barrel Mercarb on it, can it be replaced with a 2 barrel Rochester instead? And yes, I am talking about the marine variety. I know both are common to find on boats and are very similar, just wanted to know if they are easy to swap out.

I am asking for my brother - the carb on his boat (a Mercarb) is shot and he may have access to a Rochester. Will this swap work? Same bolt pattern?

 

[mkast]

Re: Carbs interchangeable?

Look online at the camshafts offered in the engine.
Most of the time, Mercruiser had the same cam in both two and four barrel configurations. Then , yes, you can DO IT!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Carbs interchangeable?

Look online at the camshafts offered in the engine.
Most of the time, Mercruiser had the same cam in both two and four barrel configurations. Then , yes, you can DO IT!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Carbs interchangeable?

Just to be clear, I am asking about being able to swap one carb for the other. Not about changing the engine or cam. I re-read the original post and it may not have been clear.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Carbs interchangeable?

Anyone else?

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Carbs interchangeable?

......

 

[JustJason]

Re: Carbs interchangeable?

There are 3 main parts to a carb.
The lowest/bottom section is called the throttle plate
The middle is called the Bowl, or venturi housing....
The top is called the bowl cover....

The only real differece between the Mercarb 2GC and the Rochester is the throttle plate..... everything else is pretty much the same.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Carbs interchangeable?

Thanks. I guess my main concern was / is the throttle plate - whether the mounting bolt holes are spaced the same or not. It wouldn't make sense that they would make two different mounting patterns, but.... you never know!

 

[JustJason]

Re: Carbs interchangeable?

should be. You can't go to a merc dealer anymore and buy a rochester (unless of course its new old stock)
There all merccarbs now.