Mercruiser 3.0l reliable.

[bagnallt]

Hi all ... I am just wanting a little advice. I have my eye on a couple of bayliners 2003 and a 2004. They both have the same 3.0L Mercruiser. Both have service records basically look identical boats. My questions are about the engine.
Is it a reliable engine or do they have inherant problems. I am a stickler for maintainance so that wll not be an issue. I am mechanically minded and do many repairs on car engines.
How easy it it to change the Impellor, I have done a few on outoards I was told its somewhat similar but you have to ensure the motor is in forward gear.
I will have the boat checked out by a mech prior to purchase
I dont need a boat that runs 50mph+ just something nice clean safe and reliable. Hence these two 17ft bayliners.
So what should i look out for and check regularly besides the impellor and water pumping...
Thanks TONY

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0l reliable.

Is it a reliable engine or do they have inherant problems.

Ayuh,... Those motors have been built in pretty much the Exact same configuration for 50 Years....
And,...
Some of the First are still Runnin'....

So what should i look out for and check regularly besides the impellor and water pumping...

Up in the Adults Only section, pinned at the Top of this forum, Don has assembled a Goldmine of Info,...
Including the factory manuals,... Have a look around....

 

[45Auto]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0l reliable.

The 3.0 is an excellent motor and easily among the simplest and most reliable ever made as long as you respect it for what it is.

If you want to run a heavy, fully loaded boat at a fast cruise all day, the 3.0 will be working extremely hard at maximum output. No engine will last long under those conditions. A bigger motor operating at less than maximum output would be more appropriate under the above conditions. If you are satisfied with a comfortable cruising speed in the high 20's, with the engine running comfortably in it's mid-range and delivering about the best gas mileage in that type of boat that you'll find on the water, the 3.0 will be perfect for you.

Impellor replacement on the Alpha outdrive is very simple. As Bondo says, download the appropriate manual from the sticky at the top of this forum. Depending on where it's been used, (salt water or fresh) it may be time to consider a manifold replacement.

 

[steddy]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0l reliable.

Speaking as a first time relatively new boat owner, I can say that my 3.0 helped me probably more than I helped it. I'm a pretty mechanically inclined guy, but am a bit intimidated when it comes to marine stuff. After all, these things are complicated and can get really expensive. The 3.0 is definitely easy to figure out. Everything (pretty much) is exposed, easy to find, and easy to work on. As I come to find out, the parts for these engines and outdrives are readily available anywhere, since it has been pretty much unchanged for years and is still in production. However (fortunately), I haven't had much of an opportunity to do any real major service on mine. Keep an eye on the condition of the gear lube through frequent changes. Keep your ears open for any unusual noises, keep your gimbal bearing greased and engine oil changed.

You should be able to tackle all but the most complex/intricate repairs yourself. With the exception of a few bell-and-whistle systems, they're relatively simple.

Bearing this and all other recommended maintenance in mind, don't beat on it too hard and you should have a reliable and efficient engine/outdrive for years to come.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0l reliable.

i have a 36 year old 2.5 that runs like new, i chose as steddy says easy to work
on. check fluids everytime . although mine could use some fresh manifolds and
outdrive bellows. run synthetic outdrive oil, makes me fell better.