MerCruiser 4-Stroke 220-377HP Marine Engine
(0 products)This page supports MerCruiser 4-Stroke 220–377 HP sterndrive/inboard engines. Use it to find compatible parts and service information, including maintenance tips, common replacement parts, and troubleshooting guidance. You can also browse the main MerCruiser collection. Scroll to the bottom of this page to start browsing parts for this engine, and remember you can use the Filter & Sort controls on collection pages to narrow results by horsepower, year range, and part category.
Browse All MerCruiser PartsHow to Identify Your 220–377 HP Model
- Serial/ID plate: Typically on the flame arrestor cover or starboard side of the engine block. For the drive, check the transom assembly tag (starboard side) and the drive unit sticker.
- Model wording: Look for family names such as 4.3L, 5.0L, 350 MAG/MPI, 6.2L, or 8.2 MAG. Suffixes may indicate fuel system (MPI/EFI), digital controls (DTS), or emissions variants.
- Drive family: Identify Alpha vs. Bravo (I/II/III). Many parts are drive-specific (bellows, gear lube capacity, prop/hub hardware).
- Platform cues: V6 (4.3L) vs. V8 (5.0/5.7/6.2/8.2). V8s have two cylinder banks and generally higher output; some service items differ by platform.
Platform Overview
V6 4.3L (approx. 220–225 HP)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Configuration | V6 4-stroke gasoline; carbureted or EFI/MPI; typically paired with Alpha or Bravo drives. |
| Common Models | 4.3L, 4.3LX, 4.3 MPI |
| Advantages | Compact package, solid mid-range torque, good efficiency for runabouts and cruisers. |
| Notes | Impeller type and fuel filtration can vary by year and cooling layout; confirm by serial and drive family. |
Small-Block V8 (5.0L / 5.7L / 6.2L) — approx. 260–350 HP
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Configuration | V8 4-stroke gasoline; carb or MPI/EFI; commonly Alpha/Bravo; includes popular 350 MAG and 6.2L families. |
| Common Models | 5.0L, 5.7L/350 MAG MPI, 6.2L 300/350 |
| Advantages | Broader powerband and stronger top-end; wide parts availability. |
| Notes | Some exhaust, belt, and sensor components differ between generations; verify by serial number. |
Big-Block V8 (8.2L MAG/Horizon) — approx. 370–377 HP
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Configuration | V8 4-stroke gasoline; typically Bravo drives; robust cooling and exhaust components. |
| Common Models | 8.2 MAG, 8.2L Horizon |
| Advantages | High torque for heavy boats; strong cruise and WOT performance. |
| Notes | Use correct big-block impeller kit, belt routing, and anode sets; many parts are big-block specific. |
Routine Maintenance & Service Parts
Intervals below are general guidelines for MerCruiser 4-stroke sterndrive/inboard engines. Always follow the official service manual for your exact model and usage.
| Item | Interval* | Remarks | Parts Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + filter | 100 hours or annually | Use marine-rated oil; warm engine before draining for a complete change. | MerCruiser Service & Maintenance Kits |
| Spark plugs | 100 hours or annually | Check gap; replace sooner if fouled or misfire occurs. | Spark plug |
| Fuel filter / water separator | 100 hours or annually | Drain bowl and inspect for water; replace filter element routinely. | MerCruiser Fuel Filters |
| Raw water pump impeller | 2 seasons or 200 hours (sooner in sandy/silty water) | Replace at first sign of weak telltale or rising temps. | MerCruiser Impellers |
| Thermostat | Every 2–3 seasons | Replace if overcooling/overheating or unstable temps are observed. | MerCruiser |
| Sterndrive gear oil (Alpha/Bravo) | 100 hours or annually | Inspect magnet for metal; change sooner if water intrusion is present. | MerCruiser Service & Maintenance Kits |
| Anodes (engine & drive) | Inspect every 50 hours; replace when 50% depleted | Match anode material (zinc/aluminum/magnesium) to your water type. | MerCruiser Anodes |
| Serpentine/V-belt | Inspect 100 hours; replace 2–3 seasons or on cracks/glazing | Tension and alignment affect alternator and raw-water pump performance. | Belt |
Frequently Used Parts Categories
- Routine Service — MerCruiser Service & Maintenance Kits
- Cooling System — MerCruiser Impellers
- Fuel System — MerCruiser Fuel Filters
- Ignition / Electrical — Starters
- Exhaust & Gaskets — Manifolds
- Corrosion Protection — MerCruiser Anodes
- Propellers & Hardware — MerCruiser Propellers
Common Symptoms & Quick Checks
| Symptom | Check First | Related Parts |
|---|---|---|
| Weak water stream or overheat alarm | Inspect sea inlet screens, hoses, and belt; confirm impeller age; verify thermostat action. | Raw water pump impeller kit, pump housing, thermostat, intake screen, hoses/clamps. |
| Hard starting or rough idle | Check battery voltage and grounds; inspect/replace fuel filter; verify plug condition and gap; look for vacuum leaks. | Spark plugs, fuel filter/water separator, ignition components, intake gaskets. |
| Poor acceleration or power loss | Confirm clean prop; check for fuel restriction; scan for misfire; verify throttle/shift linkages. | Propeller, fuel filter, fuel pump, spark plugs/ignition parts, sensors. |
| Milky or metal-laden gear oil | Inspect drain/fill seals and shift shaft/prop shaft seals; pressure/vacuum test the drive. | Gear lube, seal kits, prop shaft seals, drain/fill gaskets. |
| Trim/tilt inoperative | Check fuses/relays, battery voltage, and fluid level; listen for trim motor operation; inspect switch and wiring. | Trim motor, relays, switches, hydraulic fluid and hoses. |
FAQs
Are parts interchangeable between different years or platforms?
Some items carry over, but many parts differ between V6/V8 families and Alpha vs. Bravo drives. Use the engine and drive serial numbers to verify exact compatibility before ordering.
When should the raw-water impeller be replaced?
As a rule, every 2 seasons or ~200 hours—earlier if you operate in sandy or silty water or see reduced water flow or rising temperatures.
How often should sterndrive gear oil be changed?
Every 100 hours or annually. If the oil appears milky or you find water during draining, service immediately and pressure-test the drive to locate leaking seals.
What information do you need to confirm part compatibility?
Please provide the engine serial number, drive family (Alpha/Bravo), model designation (e.g., 4.3L, 350 MAG, 6.2L, 8.2 MAG), and boat year. Photos of the nameplate and the part to be replaced also help.
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