Engine swap - newbie here

[rich richer]

After 22 years my 1987 2.5 ltr 120 hp merc seized. I've located a 3.0 ltr 140 hp merc same year fresh rebuild lightly used. Can I move the throttle controls, electrics and outdrive controls from the old engine and bolt the new one up to the existing Alpha One drive without issues or will I have problems?

Thanks!

[marshmat]

Hi 'rich', welcome aboard

I can't say for sure whether this engine would be a drop-in replacement; I don't have first-hand experience with it. However, I have no reason to expect that it wouldn't be. There are a few folks on here who do work on older Mercs and might be able to chime in.

It's worth noting that you're talking about a 22-year-old Alpha here. They aren't exactly a top-of-the-line drive. There's a good chance that it's starting to wear out at this age, or maybe develop some internal corrosion. So before you go drop in a rebuilt engine, it might be worthwhile to give the drive a thorough inspection. If it turns out you'd have to replace the drive in a couple of years anyway, you might find it cheaper to find an engine/drive package and do the whole job at once.

[rich richer]

Thanks for the quick input. The same guy who has the engine also has an outdrive. Sounds like it may pay to get it as a spare.