I need to replace the engine in one of my boats. It has a 1990 Mercruiser 3.0
litre with an Alpha One drive. There were a few on EBAY, even some new ones
for good prices but none around the same year as mine. Does anyone know of a
site or place that can tell me what years of this motor will fit in my boat?
Calling Mercury was no help, they would only say that they used this particular
style (gimbal mount) 3.0 motor 2 years and completely discontinued it, and
there are no replacement blocks available from them. Nice. The 3.0 engines
before and after it appear to look the same. Does anyone know whats different
between the years?

You have to change the gimbal housing to match the "new"engine. The mounts on
your engine are different.This is the only change they made, the engine is the
same. Why change the engine, have it rebuild? It is les money and you get a one
year warranty. Used one will cost you the same amount.
Capt. Doni
http://www.seasurplus.com

I had to replace the 3.0 in my boat this past summer and had the same
questions as you after. I bought and had a rebuilt block shipped from
middle MA from a place called doug russell marine. They were helpful. I
think I paid 300+/- more than the the ones you see on ebay all the time,
but I was sure it was going to fit and that all my other accessories
would bolt up to it- no changing flywheels, etc. 2 year warranty. With
all the B$ I have gone through with the old engine, I played it safe!
btw mine was older than yours so that may make a difference. But it
doesn't hurt to give them a call- you may get some useful info from
them. Good Luck!

http://www.dougrussell.com

chris....


CCred68046 wrote:

I need to replace the engine in one of my boats. It has a 1990 Mercruiser 3.0
litre with an Alpha One drive. There were a few on EBAY, even some new ones
for good prices but none around the same year as mine. Does anyone know of a
site or place that can tell me what years of this motor will fit in my boat?
Calling Mercury was no help, they would only say that they used this particular
style (gimbal mount) 3.0 motor 2 years and completely discontinued it, and
there are no replacement blocks available from them. Nice. The 3.0 engines
before and after it appear to look the same. Does anyone know whats different
between the years?

You have to change the gimbal housing to match the "new"engine. The mounts on
your engine are different.

I'm not sure I understand what you are calling the "gimbal housing". The
gimbal bracket is mounted to the front of the engine and rests on one of the
stringers. Are you saying I need to change the gimbal mounts to the stringer?

Why change the engine, have it rebuild? It is les money and you get a one
year warranty.

This block is severly cracked, its cracked the entire length of the block on
top and a 15" crack between the freeze plugs. Its toast.

Mercury told me there is also a difference in the flywheel and the rear coupler
on the different year motors. I guess they just didnt want to take the time to
tell me what year engines COULD fit. They did say they only used this motor 2
years but couldnt even tell me which 2 years. I know what one year was!

"Christopher Rugg" wrote in message
...
I had to replace the 3.0 in my boat this past summer and had the same
questions as you after. I bought and had a rebuilt block shipped from
middle MA from a place called doug russell marine. They were helpful. I
think I paid 300+/- more than the the ones you see on ebay all the time,
but I was sure it was going to fit and that all my other accessories
would bolt up to it- no changing flywheels, etc. 2 year warranty. With
all the B$ I have gone through with the old engine, I played it safe!
btw mine was older than yours so that may make a difference. But it
doesn't hurt to give them a call- you may get some useful info from
them. Good Luck!

http://www.dougrussell.com

chris....

I second Doug Russell's. I have 15+ years experience dealing with them -
they are very helpful.


Rob
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