Checking out 2002 5.0 Efi

[salty3rd]

So after 12 years of keeping 2 470's running I've decided to move on. I'm looking at a boat with twin EFI 5.0's with Bravo 3's. The boat is currently winterized.So being unfamiliar with these engines, I was just looking for some feedback for things to check before I pull the trigger. I know the basics but looking for problem areas that these setups might have. Thanks in advanced.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... They're SBCs, the finest motors ever stuffed into a boat,.....

 

[QBhoy]

Hi
I have a 5.0 mpi. Very similar engine.
The rotor caps and gear are known to cause problems. Suffer from moisture ingress during storage in winter. Recently a mercruiser dealer advised me that this was an acknowledged issue. Advice is to change every odd year, or it may let you down.
Also look for corrosion or moisture round wiring. Much more electrical wizardry to go wrong on these. Touching wood, I have been ok with the latter. Just drench in protective lubricant every now and then.
Other than that, I reckon they are spot on. Certainly a noticeable difference in starting and fuel consumption in comparison to the carb equivalent.
All the best.

 

[shaw520]

As Bondo has stated,..probably one of the finest and least problematic engines in marine applications,.. As also stated by Qbhoy, the electronic pickups under the cap are prone to corrosion,.. Mercruiser make an updated version that is sealed,.. Also make sure the dist caps are vented.

 

[scoflaw]

15 year old saltwater boat with raw water cooling ? Wouldn't buy it without a sea trial, look for higher than normal running temps. B3's come with their own issues, like worn clutch cones. Transom assembly is subject to Bravoitis. Lot's can be wrong with a boat of that age.

 

[salty3rd]

Thanks I appreciate the responses, sounds a lot better than the 470 issues I'm used too.. it is a freshwater boat so the manifolds and risers should be good. But if someone could fill me in on Bravoitis..

 

[shaw520]

Bravoitis; Merc used some dissimilar materials on the raw water line feeding up from the outdrive,..right where it goes through the transom, some ppl have experienced a build up at this point that can block off the raw water pick up. There is a kit to repair but on some/most boats its very difficult to access. This doesnt seem to happen to all Bravos,.... but if you have the engines out its a good time to check/replace.

 

[harleyman1975]

Basically the plugging of the water supply from the lower unit to the water pump. Common enough that there is a clever (informal) name for the condition.