What is different about MCM 470R?

Mikeymagoo

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I am getting parts and supplies together to rebuild the top end of my 470R. I bought the boat last fall and bent a push rod the first time out. The boat is a 1986 Regal Empress 200Xl. The motor idntification number is A681477, the plate is near the fuel pump, thats how I identified it as a 470R. I have read alot of threads on the 470, some folks love them and some folks... not so much. I have the 4" heat exchanger and the alternator setup. I am planning on sticking with the points. My question is... what makes this engine different from other 470s and do I need any different parts than other 470s?
 

Don S

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

Just get them for your particular serial number. If you want to use aftermarket parts, first look up the OEM parts for your SN, then once you have the proper OEM part numbers, make sure the aftermarket part cross references to the OEM part.
 

achris

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

... My question is... what makes this engine different from other 470s and do I need any different parts than other 470s?

Your engine is a 470. The 'R' refers to the drive, specifically a 1-R. That drive was produced in 1983/4. As Don has already said, use the engine and drive serial numbers for looking up parts.

Interestingly your engine serial number comes back as 1986. Can you post the drive serial number for us?

The drive models run like this....
Mercruiser 1 drive (known as MC-1) 1963-1982
1 drive revised (known as '1-R', or just 'R') 1983-1984
Major revision (known as 'MR') 1985
Alpha One 1986-1990
Alpha One Gen II 1991-current

HTH,

Chris.........
 

Mikeymagoo

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

Can you post the drive serial number for us?

The drive models run like this....
Mercruiser 1 drive (known as MC-1) 1963-1982
1 drive revised (known as '1-R', or just 'R') 1983-1984
Major revision (known as 'MR') 1985
Alpha One 1986-1990
Alpha One Gen II 1991-current

HTH,

Chris.........[/QUOTE]

The drive is pretty crusty and dinged up, but I think it's A587650. It's an Alpha One. So does this mean I mis-identified my motor?
 

Don S

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

Where did you come up with this 470R designation? That is nothing more than an old designation for a revision between 82 and 83 in the drive and transom shield. The 83 year was also the first year of the R drive. It's still just a 470 engine only the drive and transom shield changed. BUT, if the serial number (A681477) is the serial number for your engine, then you have a model 190, not a 470R. Still a 470 style engine, but it's a newer version with a few different accessories. Yes, you have an Alpha I drive, but that is not the serial number for it. That number is for a race drive.
 

Fun Times

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Mikeymagoo

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

@ Don -I looked in your thread "MUST HAVE Technical Information for DIYers. " #10 has Mercruiser information and then I looked in the service manuals on boatinfo. My mistake was I looked at Manual #3 pages 13-17 or so, trying identify the motor I have. That's not the right manual for an '86 motor. The only 470 in there with the plate by the fuel pump is a 470R. That's how I came up with 470R. I'm very new to boating and I'm trying to find my way. I appreciate any and all help.
My drive serial number stamp is scratched and faded, I came pretty close with A587650, only one digit off. Considering the boat registration #'s from merc that Fun Times came up with (Thank you) is A687650, I believe that's the correct number.
I pretty much jumped into the boat without doing enough research, thought I could just do a tune up and get out on the water.
But here I am now, learning as I go. My brother in law is helping and we took the motor out of the boat, and pulled off the head because of a bent pushrod and broken rocker arm. I am getting all the parts we think we need and plan to assemble the motor in the next couple weeks. I am buying new head bolts (have to helicoil 2 of them), gaskets, push rods, rocker arm bolts, and exhaust elbow. The cam doesn't have grooves where the seals ride, so we don't plan on using speedi-sleeves, but new seals.
 

Don S

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

Now you know you have a model 190 which is the 3.7L Mercruiser engine. You should be using manuals #8 for the engine, and #6 for the drive.

The numbers 470 is nothing more than slang ID of all the following engines.

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stonyloam

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

I am getting all the parts we think we need and plan to assemble the motor in the next couple weeks. I am buying new.. push rods...

Make sure you get the correct length pushrods. On a 470 valve lash is set by pushrod length, you might be better off using the originals, if you know which holes they came out of. Take a real close look at Manual #8, the section talking about measuring valve lash (page 3A-11). Good luck.
 

Mikeymagoo

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

2 of the pushrods were bent, one like a banana and the other very little. So I have replace them and plan on using the old ones. Thanks for the help guys, I'm sure we will run into some sort of snag on hte rebuild and need to pick your brains again.
 

Mikeymagoo

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

I'm having an issue finding head bolts. Ford dealer can get them in packs of 4 (need five) at $48 a pack fro the long ones and $33 a pack for the short. Any other options?
 

Bamaman1

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

The Ford parts are the most reasonably priced for your engine. I'd just go with them.

Merc parts would be substantially more--and the same parts as Ford.
 

stonyloam

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

According to the book the pushrods should be color coded by length. Colors: are none, red, blue and yellow.
 

Don S

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Re: What is different about MCM 470R?

Why are you wanting to replace the head bolts? Unless you lost them, or the heads are corroded off, there is no reason to replace them.
 
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