Specifications

MerCruiser U.S. advertised engine power rating
Also, effective January 1, 2003 MerCruiser U.S. advertised engine power rating will be based on
crankshaft rather than propshaft measurement. We will continue to use the same SAE
J1228/ISO 3046 rating protocol that we use now, which allows for either form of rating. The
rated horsepower will not change from the current values since both methods of rating may yield
similar values within the tolerances specified by the standard. Unlike outboards, a MerCruiser
engine may be associated with a number of transmission devices and the propshaft power will
vary depending on the specific type of transmission involved. By rating power at the crankshaft,
Mercury better defines for customers the engine that powers their vessel, regardless of the
nature of the specific propulsion system involved.
This new hp rating location is in all new owner’s manuals and consumer literature.
2002 Built Carbureted Engines with Sealed Idle Mixture Screws.
Because of the labor strike on the West Coast of the USA last year, shipments of MerCarbs for
the 2002 3.0L and 4.3L were delayed. To fill engine orders during this time period, the engines
listed below were assembled with a California CARB carburetor on them. This carburetor has a
sealed idle mixture screw. If the dealer needs to check the idle mixture screw setting, the seal
will have to be cut off. In most cases, the 3.0L MerCarb will not have to be removed. The V6
MerCarb will have to be removed from the engine to cut the seal off.
The sealing cap can be removed by carefully cutting both sides of the outer seal. Use a
screwdriver to pry the outer seal apart at the cuts until you can get the cap out.
Because these engines were built in 2002, the seal does not have to be reinstalled. If the idle
mixture screw is damaged during the removal of the seal, install a new idle mixture screw.
2002 Engines with sealed California CARB carburetors on them:
3.0L: S/N 0M382941- 0M3845400 built 11-21-2002.
S/N 0M384660 - 0M384960 built 12-5-2002.
4.3L: 0M620455 - 0M622544 built 11-22-2002.