Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

[doubleeagle]

Wondering if anyone out there can tell me what components I will need to convert this brand new engine. I have access to the manifold and injection unit but will I need a new ECU and distributor and or what else?

 

[Don S]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

What is your engine serial number?

 

[doubleeagle]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

my serial number is ow347586

 

[Don S]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

First off, now that I re-read your title, I don't understand it a bit. <br /><br />

Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

Originally I thought you meant Smart CRAFT, not Smart Start. and you were wanting to add smart craft gauges to your Mercruiser 4.3.<br />With the serial number you gave (0W347586), that is for a 5.0L MPI engine with a 555 ECM, which is capable of using the Smart Craft gauges. Just plug them in. But now with the title of your post, where does the 4.3 come in and what exactly is a Smart Start system, and what are you trying to convert to what

 

[doubleeagle]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

what I am trying to determine is if it is viable to change my SmartStart (carb'ed) mercruiser 4.3 over to a mpi fuel injection system. I have access to the complete manifold setup but don't have the fuel pump, wire harness or ECM, what else do I need to make the switch?

 

[Don S]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

what I am trying to determine is if it is viable to change my SmartStart (carb'ed) mercruiser 4.3

Like I said before, there is no such thing as "Smart Start". Until you come up with the proper name for it, who knows what you are talking about? <br />If you are trying to put a 5.0L MPI system on a 4.3, forget it. <br />Read my previous reply about your serial number.

 

[hullofalottatrouble]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

Don, <br /><br />It appears that there is such a thing as "SmartStart"<br /><br /> http://www.mercurymarine.com/digital_throttle_and_shift_dts <br /><br />"Additionally, all DTS systems come with “SmartStart”. Simply turn the key briefly or hit the start pushbutton and the system does the rest – it literally starts itself. No more ruined starters by turning the key when the engine is running"

 

[Don S]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

Ahhhh, I see, it's a feature of the Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) system.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

Smart Start, is that the same as the TKS (Turn Key Starting) system offered by Merc???

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

either way its illegal to tamper with even if it was economically viable.

 

[doubleeagle]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

Glad someone confirmed that Mercruiser SmartStart actually exists - as it is written all over my engine and user manual !!<br /><br />As for the serial number, it too is corrent and directly off my warrentee registration card that was fastened to the engine in the Mercruiser crate is came in (where it still sit at this moment).<br />As for it being illegal, I live in Canada and it is not a problem here to engine an older boat with new technology.<br /><br />The question still remains: does anyone out there know what components are required to convert this engine to the stock Mercruier MPI system.<br /><br />I would also consider going to the Volvo Penta MPI system. I understand it is a verbatim automotive system directly from GM.<br /><br />I would also be open to the Bosch or Holly MPI system if anyone out there knows anything about any of these systems, I would be interested in hereing more from you.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

Originally posted by Mercruiser EFI guy:<br /> I have access to the complete manifold setup but don't have the fuel pump, wire harness or ECM, what else do I need to make the switch?

By complete, Ill assume it includes a MAP sensor, throttle body with tp sensor, MAT sensor, and injectors. If not, add those to the list. <br /><br />You will still need:<br />.Primary fuel pump and filter assembly and brackets<br />.Water cooled fuel bowl w/coolant hoses<br />.High pressure fuel pump<br />.Fuel lines and injector fuel rails and brackets<br />.Electronic Control Module and brackets<br />.Throttle and shift linkage brackets<br />.Distributor<br />.Knock sensor<br />.Wire harness<br />.T-Stat housing<br />.Coolant hoses<br />.All required gaskets<br />.Maybe more<br /><br />It won't be financially practical if you have to buy all of these parts new$$$$$<br /><br />

I understand it is a verbatim automotive system directly from GM.<br />

This is incorrect information...Not even close.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

It would be cheaper to repower with what you want and eBay what you take out. The computer alone makes the job financially impractical. Plus you'll be voiding any warranty that may still exist.<br /><br />Automotive systems are indeed illegal on a boat. They circulate unused fuel to the tank and that's a Huge USCG violation. MerCruiser spent millions in R&D to comply. You simply don't use automotive stuff in a boat. It won't stand-up to a marine environment. But that's not the main problem. When the boat goes BOOM, parts longevity is kinda meaningless.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

the rail and injectors are automive units but I dont know the automotive part numbers, the merc and volvo stickers always cover that on the ac/delco boxes the stuff comes in. the rest of the setup is for marine use. so far,yet, we dont have O2 sensors on the engines.<br /> the volvo VST contains both low and high pressure pumps and is seawater cooled and only costs about 768 dollars. the 555 processor for the correct injector application is a tad pricy. then its a matter of wiring in the knock sensors,the ECT the IAC the TPS the distributor and fuel pump and relays and a few other minor details. so yes its doable but its gonna be pricey.<br /> in the US our EPA laws make it illegal anyway.

 

[doubleeagle]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

Thank you all for your input, indeed I will stick with what I have. Far too expensive to do.

 

[doubleeagle]

Re: Converting a new 2005 Smart Start 4.3 to (Mercruiser) EFI system

Thank you all for your input, indeed I will stick with what I have. Far too expensive to do.