Just how bad is the Merc 470??

[TwoBallScrewBall]

I'm still going back and forth on this boat I have available to me to buy. It's a 1987 Regal 21 foot cuddy cabin with a Merc 470 (I think). The sticker on the engine clearly says 190HP, I thought that the 470's were 170hp? <br /><br />Buying it would mean selling my 1988 Bayliner Capri 1950 with it's brand new 2002 3.0L and electronic ignition. <br /><br />I have heard almost as many stories about the 470 as I have about Bayliners.....<br /><br />If properly maintained, how reliable can the 470 be? The hourmeter on this boat shows about 450 hours, and the engine was rebuilt 2 years ago due to it seizing for unknown reasons to me (all I know is that one spring it wouldn't crank, and had the pistons, rings, liners, and head replaced.) After the rebuild it has had no more than 40-50 hours. <br /><br />I don't want to get rid of my now-perfectly-running boat for this bigger boat to only be back at square 1 replacing an engine. <br /><br />I need help people, point me in the right direction here!<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Just how bad is the Merc 470??

Stick with what youve got.You will not do better than a perfect running motor that you have.The 470 3.7 and what ever else they were called was about the only motor that merc produced entirely.The idea was good, a strong 4 cyl.But they mixed cast iron parts with aluminum which is not the best idea.They require a lot of maintenance and parts are expensive.They are no longer made .When there is a problem it is usually catastrophic.Block is fwc and manifolds are raw water cooled and we all know what happens to aluminum when it runs hot or overheats.I DO know people that are happy with them but on a whole I would pass.Even the charging system is way too complicated and undependable.I passed on a great deal a few years ago because there were 2 3.7 powering it .I waited and got the same boat with twin 5.0 v8s.Im glad I waited.Charlie

 

[Stings]

Re: Just how bad is the Merc 470??

i have a boat i would like to sell that has a 470 in it. its 190 HP with the 4 bbl carb and 170 with the 2 bbl carb. i had the boat for 3 months now and all i have done is dump money in it. it all started with replacing all the electrical stuff in it then i had to replace most of the cooling crap in it now its all the mechanical stuff going wrong. i need a stater but thats over $200 and a water pump thats over $500 and i have to pull the engine to do both. i will never own or ride in a boat with a 470 in it again!!!! if i can stop one person just one person from buying a 470 then i believe ill have a place in heaven some day

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Just how bad is the Merc 470??

Awww, come on. There's nothing wrong with a 3.7. If ya wasn't wasting your money on one of those, you'd probably be spending on something like wild women and strong drink. In fact, I've heard that those 3.7s have driven many men to strong drink.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Just how bad is the Merc 470??

Personally,<br />I wouldn't touch Either one of them........<br />But, Hey,......<br />You seem to be somewhat of a Glutton for Punishment...........<br /><br />Go For It.........<br /><br />Keep the Bilgeliner for a Backup Ride............

 

[achris]

Re: Just how bad is the Merc 470??

FWIW,<br /><br />I like them.<br /><br />The only issue they have is the cooling system. Keep the heat exchanger cleaned out every couple of years, run a good quality coolant and do the other regular maintenance stuff and they're as good as any other motor.<br /><br />Chris..........

 

[Trent]

Re: Just how bad is the Merc 470??

Like Bondo said...... Keep the *****liner! You will need it!

 

[Trent]

Re: Just how bad is the Merc 470??

I hate this "word" system this site has.. I said nothing!

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Just how bad is the Merc 470??

Watch your dirty mouth Trent.....<br /><br />I've decided to keep my boat and pass on the Regal. Just got the EST ignition on my boat, the engine is running like a top, I've got new upholstery installed where there was rips in the old stuff, and yesterday I made a nice transom panel cover that holds four flush mount rod holders and also has room for two downriggers on the sides. Also installed a three-place rodholder on the engine doghouse so I went from having 0 rodholders to 7. <br /><br />Too many bad stories about the 470, too much time and money into my current boat (plus I like it), just can't do it.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Just how bad is the Merc 470??

A few years back I bought a 1989 19' Regency Dynasty with a 3.7 L 165hp. It has never failed to start and has required no more maintenance than my neighbor's new expense boats that I would expect to be problem free. I replace the lower unit impeller every other year to maintain good raw water flow, and put in a new starter for $165 after it showed signs of getting tired. It has been very reliable, but, as we all know the design could have been better. Yes...the charging system could have been better, but an alternator can be installed, the cam shaft seals can pose a problem once or twice over a fifteen or twenty year period, although my can be removed without pulling the engine. After I've seen what my neighbors have gone through in the last five years, I'll take my 15 year old 3.7L anytime, reminding them all the time that I paid under $4000 for the package and have had zero downtime. With a season that lasts little more than 12 weeks for water sport, uptime is critical. <br /><br />I probably would not recommend buying a new 3.7L (if that option were available) but it represents a mechanically sound package that's reasonably simple and easy to fix for the mechanically inclined.

 

[Stings]

Re: Just how bad is the Merc 470??

your very smart steve