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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 | I'm embarking on resurrecting a 1972 AristoCraft w/ a 165
stern drive Mercruiser with a relative next week.
Other than block height, what other quick visual cues to ID the engine? Apparently Mercury used both the 292 block and the 250 block
in the 165 sterndrive series at that time.
We'll be hauling it back home next week and want to dive into
evaluating motor condition and hopefully preparing to start.
Also,
Anyone familiar with the marine exhaust manifold set up?
Ahoy ....!
mike | | | | | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 1,002 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 1,002 | The difference in block height is also found in the side covers. The 250 side covers 4" high, 292 side covers 6". The 292 motor mounts are staggered, the 250 motor mounts are not.
Larry
I don't own a vehicle that isn't old enough to drink.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,733 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,733 | Are you sure that the 292 was also rated at 165? My little 4 cylinder (153 cid) Mercruiser was rated at 120 and it seems strange that and engine nearly twice the displacement would only be 45 HP more. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 | I believe that the "165" was simply a model number ... not a H.P.
rating...
And,
thanks LG for the tip!
mike
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 | What do you want to know about the exhaust? Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 | Basically, how does it work? I know nothing about marine applications.
Is it a closed system? Does it recirculate fresh water through the manifold from the head ... or, separate external cooling passages in the manifold? Is the water pump the same as an automotive application...?
I haven't been able to actually look at it yet, so it's all new to me.
m
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 4,886 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 4,886 | Fuel pump is mid motor on 292, front location on 250.
Joe | | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 45 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 45 | I have an old 160 hp Mercuiser (1969). Straight six, 250 ci, predecessor to the 165 which I think came about in 1970 or so. Basically the same motor, though. I believe that the 292 was used in the Mercruiser 200, and only for a few years early on. I saw one in a boat once - it had two single barrel carbs.
I thought about putting a 292 in my boat once. My conclusion was that it would not fit because it is taller and my boat has very little height clearance in the engine bay. Secondly, since the 292 is taller in the block, the exhaust elbow is higher in the air, so you need a longer bellows hose, or some type of adapter.
Most of the older boats had a raw water cooling system. Water is pumped up through the drive, into the engine (mine in a fitting at the thermostat), though the engine, then through the manifold, dumped into the exhaust stream at the riser elbow. Then out through the drive, through the prop.
Problems occur when the manifold rots and sea water gets into the head. Aftermarket replacement manifolds are available. Frequent flushing and winterizing with antifreeze prolongs the life. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 | Thanks Max & Joe!
Should be able to ID this thing with confidence now ...
I'll report back
mike
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