What's wrong with the Merc 470?

[superbenk]

I've seen a few threads recently that hint at the Merc 470 engine being a troublesome one & while on vacation saw a pair of Wellcrafts at my local marina there for sale both with the 470 in them. As someone who's been bitten by ignorance getting into an OMC Stringer, I'd like to know what is it about the Merc 470 that's bad? Can someone give me a good summary of why it's regarded so poorly?

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: What's wrong with the Merc 470?

Parts getting scarce, the stock charging system is junk, coolant leaks from camshaft seal (cam runs circ pump), but overall the basic longblock pretty reliable (I have only rebuilt 2 in 23+yrs, and there are lots of them out there). I would take a million of 'em over a single stringer or cobra. And dont let 'em overheat!

 

[solar7647]

Re: What's wrong with the Merc 470?

They have a few issues, all of witch all fixable if needed. It just take time to get through them. But when running good engine.

The casting for the engine are no longer made. So getting manifolds and covers and such things is ether re machined or used.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: What's wrong with the Merc 470?

Can someone give me a good summary of why it's regarded so poorly?

Do a search here and you can find lots of reading material.

Some love 'em. Most hate 'em.

To me, bottom line would be to avoid buying one. Too many issues.

 

[superbenk]

Re: What's wrong with the Merc 470?

Do a search here and you can find lots of reading material.

Some love 'em. Most hate 'em.

To me, bottom line would be to avoid buying one. Too many issues.

Ya, doing a search for the motor brings up tons of stuff & it's hard to weed out the summary of what the issues are with it.