Mercury MerCruiser Introduces New, More Powerful Big Block

Daytripper

New Member
Aug 18, 2009
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United States
Boat Info
1998 180BR
2010 Honda Pilot
Engines
3.0L 135hp
PRESS RELEASE - Any thoughts?

STILLWATER, Okla., and FOND DU LAC, Wis. (Aug. 19, 2009) – Mercury MerCruiser has developed the next generation of big-block marine power – a new engine that produces more power and has better mid-range acceleration, lower emissions and superior fuel efficiency. Mercury MerCruiser engineers in Stillwater, Okla. – drawing on the expertise of the development teams at Mercury Racing – conceived, designed and engineered the new engine with support from Mercury engineers in Fond du Lac, Wis. The next-generation, naturally aspirated big block features high-performance aluminum cylinder heads that improve mid-range acceleration and increase power. High-octane fuel is not required – the engine runs on 87 octane and achieves remarkably low oil consumption. With boat builder and dealer input in mind, access to service points and connections has been significantly improved to simplify installation and maintenance. “Not only did the team achieve superior performance while adding a catalyst,” said Mercury MerCruisers’ Derric Drake, program manager on the Stillwater-based project, “they maintained fuel efficiency and improved serviceability without adding cost.” Summary of key benefits: More power Enhanced mid-range torque World-class, low oil consumption achieved via modern piston and ring pack design Catalyst-equipped for ultra-low exhaust emissions, virtually eliminating exhaust fume odor Runs on 87 octane fuel Higher charging amperage at idle (+ 15 Amps) Improved installation via simplified access to connections Easier identification of, and access to, service points Low noise and vibration 100% closed cooled from the factory Equipped with Mercury’s exclusive, air-actuated seawater drain system Traditional MerCruiser factory warranty and service support MerCruiser’s next generation of power will be available in sterndrive and inboard configurations with Base and HO ratings. The new models are completely compatible with the host of MerCruiser options, including Axius, SmartCraft, SeaCore and either Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) or Mechanical throttle and shift on the sterndrive models and DTS on the inboard models. It also comes protected by the Guardian system to help prevent catastrophic engine damage.
 
We talked with the Mercruiser rep at a Zeus expo at Winthrop Harbor a couple of weeks ago, who told us the 496 was no longer available from GM with restructuring from the bankruptcy. He said GM didn't even own the tooling for it, so the replacement is the old 502. An option presented by GM was a turbo small block, but Mercruiser didn't want the turbo on standard production engines.
 
I heard a similar thing as well. However, it is my understanding that Mercruiser is building their own engine because the 502 is no longer available. I heard that it was an entirely new mold.

But maybe it is the old 502 with new/different heads:huh:
 
I'm glad I got 2 of the last bullet proof 496s. They in themselves are an evolution to near perfection as far as marine propulsion goes.
 
Bend over! Don't even think of touching the first couple of year production of this "new" engine. Odds are, like the first year production of the 8.1, that there are a number of bugs in this. The more "engineering" that Merc did, the more bugs are likely.

Best regards,
Frank
 
What's Crusader got up their sleeve?
 
Why would you issue a press release like that and leave out some basic information such as engine size (yeah I know it says big block but that tells me nothing:smt101), horsepower, weight, etc, etc ????????

Improved fuel efficiency......by how much?:huh:

Aluminum heads on an iron block........in a boat engine...........no thanks. Either go with an aluminum block and head combination or stick with all cast iron.

Oh well............eventually they will get around to telling us all of this but like Frank said I sure wouldn't want to be the guinea pig for the first engines.
 
Granted, I don't have the first year production of the 6.2 HO which has some problems which have all been corrected but I think Merc has learned from building marine engines and it will probably be a great engine. I specifically like the air flush system on my engine now. Takes 45 seconds to winterize the engine using that system. I also like the guardian system which also has been standard on all HO marinized Mercs the past 10 years or so out of Okla. I'm curious about 100% closed cooling however... That sounds like a really neat trick...

Looking forward to more info. Since I don't need to repower, it will be cool to follow this engine for the future...
 
Ohh no. The 502 was generally a much more unreliable and problematic engine. Back to valve wear, bore and piston wear, frequent rebuilds and oil consumption. 502 inches from an old Mark V block was just too much.
 
I'm with Frank, if I needed to repower, I would not consider the new mercruiser creation until at least 3 years of field use. I really like my 8.1's, but when you look at the cost of plug wires, ignition coils, etc, it makes you wonder what is hiding in the proverbial closet.

If my engines bit the dust right now (knock on wood, of course) I would repower with crusader, or if I was feeling saucey, maybe a diesel option if the boat could handle it.

Just changed spark plugs on my twin 8.1S engines ... OEM MErc ... $18.75 each times 16 .... :smt089
 
Granted, I don't have the first year production of the 6.2 HO which has some problems which have all been corrected but I think Merc has learned from building marine engines and it will probably be a great engine.

What have they learned? Every new product from them for the last 20 years came out unprepared for the market. A quick list off the top of my head...

Verado
Sport Jet
8.1s
Bravo 3
Smartcraft
 
fc can you tell me what the teething problems with the 8.1/496 were? I truly have never heard about that. Now the Verado is another issue. These were truly problematic, but so were the HDPI two strokes from Yamaha too ..
 
Imagine the panic and scrambling going on when Merc lost their supplier of 8.1 big blocks. Given the choice, they would stick with the 8.1/496. With no choice, they had to find the best substitute, this. So, of course the best marketing approach would be to put out such a candy coated press release about how this new engine is so much better. Really? Not buying it.
 
Just changed spark plugs on my twin 8.1S engines ... OEM MErc ... $18.75 each times 16 .... :smt089


You can get those same ac delco plugs at napa for about $6 per plug. I have changes quite a few of them over the years.
 
The closed cooling system is necessary for the engine's aluminum heads to not self-destruct from galvanic corrosion. Put a glycol-type coolant in the engine, and that corrosion is inhibited.
 
The closed cooling system is necessary for the engine's aluminum heads to not self-destruct from galvanic corrosion. Put a glycol-type coolant in the engine, and that corrosion is inhibited.

Would it be safe to assume that the Mercruiser coolant meets that requirement?
 
So True!





Bend over! Don't even think of touching the first couple of year
production of this "new" engine. Odds are, like the first year production of the 8.1, that there are a number of bugs in this. The more "engineering" that Merc did, the more bugs are likely.

Best regards,
Frank
 
I was catching up on the news papers as I have been out of town, and thought of this old thread when I read this article yesterday. The last of the 496 / 8.1's came off the assembly line here this week. Let's all hope that the merc. replacement will be as good (or even better?)
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/899075.html

Merry Christmas everyone
Mark
 

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