I just bought a 1998 Wellcraft 240SE. After using it for a couple of weeks and now giving it a thorough once over I noticed something. It has a volvo penta sx outdrive and should have a volvo penta motor. When I went looking for the engine ID plate I found that it had a mercury marine tag on it. It has a Volvo intake manifold, Mercury ignition, Mercury flame arrestor. Seems to be mix of parts. Should I be concerned?

Did you buy it from a dealer? Broker? Private party?

Private party. We test drove it and there were no problems. Even after 4 or five weeks it still runs and operates great, I am just not sure if this is a bad sign of other issues to come.

You might have some reason for concern, but maybe not. Back in 98, the ignition should be nothing more than GM's HEI, and both Mercruiser and Volvo used it. Perhaps a smart and saavy previous owner avoided the higher prices of "Volvo Penta" replacement parts and purchased the exact same "Mercruiser" parts. The motors are all GM anyway, so what does it matter what "marine" company you get the parts from?

Seems obvious an engine swap happened. You're in cold country and broken blocks happen. The only question I'd have is, what did the Merc come out of, and why? Or, could be like Billy says, that a whole new Merc was put in simply because it may have been cheaper. Since it's almost an 11 year old boat, I wouldn't lose any sleep. If it's running good, not leaking or making noises, no reason to believe you won't get many more years of good service out of her.

Call the previous owner and ask him if knows the history...

And I don't want to come off like a jerk, but the time for a thorough once over is before you hand over the check!

Maybe Merc can give you some background on that motor with the serial #??

Do your own trouble shooting work or use a Marine Tech for the engine repair?

I appreciate all the help. The situation is more of an annoyance than anything else simply because it will be more difficult in finding the correct parts, Volvo, Merc or other. Is there a way to identify where the motor came from with the Merc serial number? If so the serial number is B551734. Thanks again!

Engine Serial Numbers

Looks like an 87-95 300 Mag Alpha.

Well, then it seems a used engine was found as a replacement. Still wouldn't worry too much. Parts should never be a problem either. Hopefully, you never need any!

Parts and which brand for a given part might slow you down, if you need some.

Volvo Mercruiser cross-breed. . . probably a marine genetic experiment.

I just hope it doesn't turn into a Frankenstein!

"Rootin' On Da Witz!!!!!!!!"



Guesses anyone? LOL

Maybe he bought this boat one piece at a time