Mercury v6 2.6L 260hp High Output Factory Prototype silver grey

Hello everyone,I bought a used boat last week, and it has this 1996 Silver/Grey 2.5L 260hp Mercury v6 motor on it. The top of the cowling where the pin goes through is broken, and I am going to take it to the autobody shop to have them fix it for me. So, I was googling the internet trying to see if I could find a replacement in case this one cannot be fixed, and I can't find another one like it. All the others are Black. Is this some kind of special motor or something? The previous owner said he had sent the block in to Mercury Racing and had it "re-nikasiled" and it has less than 20 hours on the motor since it was rebuilt.I already posted in the Rapid Craft drivers thread, and ClimateMaster mentioned the rings in this motor are only good for 130 hours. Can somebody point me to a book or something that I can learn more about this specific motor? It says on the cowling in block letters: High Output Factory Prototype. Is anyone here familiar with this motor, and do you think it really is a prototype? The serial number tag says 1996 on it.The previous owner said he always ran 100 octane fuel and Mercury Racing oil in it, which is what I plan to do. But, as an amateur performance boat owner; what extra precautions can I do to make sure I don't grenade this motor? Also, I would like to know as much as possible about it when I get to the beach this summer so if somebody asks me I don't look like a total noob.Attachment 252832Thanks in advance.

I`m not sure about the "factory prototype" stickers looks to be a Mariner cowl with Mercury decals. That cowl is plastic (not fiberglass) so repairs will be difficult. Maybe a plastic welder from the inside. I`ve done that before. It worked but didn`t look all that good.

DB

Fix her right up with 3M panel bond 8115. It will be stronger than any other part of the cowl. If you can stitch it with thin stainless wire it will be even stronger. I did the wind deflector on my truck this way. Tough as nails.

Oh, I've seen that motor before too. I can't place where, but no mistake, I've seen it either in person or pics...

260 Mariner with custom graphics. 100 octane may be a waste of money. What is the compression? Yes 130 hours they need a rebuild. I get nervous at 100 hours. Do a leak down test to know.

Never seen those decals, custom made?

Dave

Somebody took a Mariner (a Merc in Silver) and put Mercury decals on it. The original 2.5 liter / 260 HP Merc Offshore motors had the stripes going the other way (up in back) and the 2.5 letters above the stripes.

I might also add that I highly doubt it's a true "factory prototype." All manufacturers build prototypes and use them for testing. They're then destroyed and not sold to the public. One way to tell for sure is if it's got a true serial number on it. Most prototypes either have special prototype serial numbers or none at all.

That panel bond is some good stuff and should hold up for life.

Dang. I was really hoping this motor is something special. But then again, I plan to drive the crap out of it this summer.

Somebody was playing a joke or something.

I think I found it. The cowling in the link below looks like mine.

My serial number plate says 2.5 EFICL which google cannot find.

http://www.screamandfly.com/showthre...ching-SS-skirt


I dropped the cowl off at the autobody shop. They quoted me $500 to fix it.

even though the numbers dont match google it could be a replacment (warranty) block they had funky numbers,some of this hipo stuff is real confusing!!jmo,tim good luck with your new rig the 260s are great motors and make great power ,keep the compression low 125-140 and they will do a great job on pump gas!!!:cheers:

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Originally Posted by 4fiddyR

My serial number plate says 2.5 EFICL which google cannot find.

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Model: 192521 Version: CLEFI Year:Depending on Ser#...nothing special, counter rotator longshaft 2.5 EFI.

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Originally Posted by Capt.Insane-o

Model: 192521 Version: CLEFI Year:Depending on Ser#...nothing special, counter rotator longshaft 2.5 EFI.

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Well, I went to the local Merc dealer to order a factory shop manual, and it cannot be had.

I also found out it is indeed a mercury motor not a mariner and this particular one was offered in black or silver and is most likely an extremely rare motor. So, when the cowling gets back from the repair shop, I will get some better pictures of it in case anyone else on the net is looking for info like I am.

It is kind of exciting, but a little nerve wracking at the same time. This is my first "Real" boat and I think I really lucked out finding it.

Go to www.ebay.com for manuals or dvds on the motor, once ya know what it really is. Look for numbers on the block or the freeze plug looking disk in block
Lots of info can be found using search bar in upper right

The dealer is stupid or lying to you, the part # for the manual is 90-849240