where is that serial number?

paulspaddle

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 2, 2009
Messages
753
Hey, I just want to make sure I have what I have....just like this guy...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=374416&highlight=serial+number+4.3

Where do I find that serial number on the motor?

IMG_4917.jpg
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You can't quite see it in the pic, but the motor is stuffed in there. The carb cover literally touches the top and the back seat (bench) and sides are pretty tight around the motor (inches). I can't even get my head in there to look around for that serial #, where do I find it?

How the heck do you get the plugs in in spring? (rhetorical question) Is it typical to have to remove back seat to work on the motor?
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: where is that serial number?

That tag on the top of the plastic carb cover should have the number on it. If it's worn off, there is a brass tag just above the starter with the SN on it. But, as you noticed, you can't get there to see it.
Yes, it normal on many boats to have to take things apart to get to the engines. Design engineers know nothing of maintenance, just make it look nice.

This is also why I NEVER give a quote on repairs of anykind without seeing the boat first, and why people post here crying that some shop wants to charge them some high amount to do a job. Then have a bunch of people that still have no idea what the boat looks like or anything else to reply that the shop is taking them.

I have had boats that had to have the engine pulled just to change the spark plugs, or starter, or even worse, the engine driven raw water pump.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,354
Re: where is that serial number?

Ayuh,... Your seial # is stamped on the tag, that's riveted to the block, Exactly where it is in the other poster's pictures..
Slightly forward,+ above the starter...
Is it typical to have to remove back seat to work on the motor?
Ayuh,... Whatever it takes to get the job done.... Some have to Pull the motor to change sparkplugs...
 

paulspaddle

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 2, 2009
Messages
753
Re: where is that serial number?

Thanks....removing the sides and seat looks pretty straightforword...I sometimes have too much faith in engineers in that they have something more practical in mind....silly me.

The plastic cover says:
Engine Serial Number: OC855374
Transome Serial Number: 0D331806
Drive Serial Number: 0D326047

The paranoid sceptical part of my brains says, "they could easily change that plastic cover." I wanted to double verify from the block. Will get in there later today.

...have to take the boys skating now...
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: where is that serial number?

If the numbers do match, it's a 1990 4.3L engine, and a 1990 Alpha Outdrive with a 1.84:1 gear ratio.

Check the outdrive SN and see if it matches what is on the cover.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: where is that serial number?

If it helps, the serial number matches the photo.... The photo is a picture of a 4.3 litre, 1987-1992, with a 2 barrel 'MerCarb' carburetor. Output is 175hp (at the crankshaft)
 
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