Mercruiser Engine Model 8.1L S Horizon
- Thread starter EHARRISON
- Start date
skibum
Well-Known Member
I've owned one of them for 18 years. It's been a fantastic engine. The only issues I've had have all been with the bolt on stuff. The fuel cooler module had an issue with paint flaking off of the inside and sending it to the injectors, but that may have been fixed by 2008 and the seawater pump sure isn't any fun to work on.
They do eat spark plug wires pretty quickly. I've never seen any other engine do that. It'll start running rough out of the blue about 3 years after putting in new wires. A new set will fix it right away every time.
Other than that, zero complaints. Really love the power.
They do eat spark plug wires pretty quickly. I've never seen any other engine do that. It'll start running rough out of the blue about 3 years after putting in new wires. A new set will fix it right away every time.
Other than that, zero complaints. Really love the power.
mnm99
Well-Known Member
Great engine. I don't have cool fuel on mine, but if it does make sure the recall has been done. Also as for the plugs. Replace them with NGK Iridium TR55ix. I replace them every 4 years and still work great. Manifolds are getting expensive. If used in fresh water, not much to worry about. Great motor. Good luck
Tri County Trail
Active Member
- Aug 29, 2021
- 129
- Boat Info
- 2005 Rinker 360
- Engines
- Mercruiser 8.1l Bravo 3s
Love mine 900 hours 496 mags. Check fuel and injectors keep clean. IAC Valves and keep up on maintenance.
mnm99
Well-Known Member
Oh yea..lol. Get a couple IAC valves off Amazon for a spare. I went thru 2 of them so far. Don't pay $200 for the merc. Get a compression check if you go forward also.
