Confused Need A Lesson On Marine Engines

[Taz59]

Hi
I am a little confused when it comes to Inboard Engines regarding who actual makes them,Mercruiser,Volvo & Omc is it the same engine.Talking about 5ltr & 5.7ltr.
are they all chevey engine
any help appreciated

Taza

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Confused Need A Lesson On Marine Engines

Mercruiser and Volvo Penta have been using exclusively Chevy engines for a long time now. It's been since the 70s that Mercruiser used a Ford. However, OMC used Fords into the 1990s. With a 351 it's easy, cause it's a 5.8. But a 302 is called a 5.0, just like a 305 Chevy. Sometimes you might just have to look at the engine. But you don't want to buy an OMC anyway.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Confused Need A Lesson On Marine Engines

First, by "inboard" - do you mean inboard? Or do you mean inboard/outboard - more commonly referred to as "I/O"? There is a difference.

Assuming you mean I/O - all of the makes you mention use someone else's engine. Anymore it is Chevy. Ford used to be used, but not so much anymore.

They put their own externals on and slap a name plate on it. The ignition system, fuel, electrical, etc are all unique to the individual manufacturers. But the basic engine block and internals are the same.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Confused Need A Lesson On Marine Engines

But you don't want to buy an OMC anyway.

Not may not necessarily true. The main problem with OMC drives is that parts can be a little expensive and hard to find. If you get a boat for a good price there are alternatives when things go bad. I have one, its been a trouble free drive for me. The system does have its quirks though.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Confused Need A Lesson On Marine Engines

Not may not necessarily true. The main problem with OMC drives is that parts can be a little expensive and hard to find. If you get a boat for a good price there are alternatives when things go bad. I have one, its been a trouble free drive for me. The system does have its quirks though.

Why bother? The other two drives have readily available and in-stock parts, for less money (especially Mercruiser), and factory trained technicians that know how to service and repair them.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Confused Need A Lesson On Marine Engines

The alternatives I was referring to are SEI and Mercruiser.
I gave 2000 dollars for my last boat that had a cobra. If I got 2-3 trouble free years out of if I feel like I got my moneys worth out of it. If it ever gave me problems it would be replaced with an SEI drive.