Mercury 2.0/2.4/2.5 Durability

[Glastron1987]

Does thickness of the cylinder walls for the 2.0L, 2.4L, and 2.5L make any of these more or less durable? ...say for tolerating abuse such as overheats and such?

[OnPad]

In my mind the 2 litre is much more durable in a overheat situation. Followed by a steel bore 2.5, then a chrome 2.4 ranking last.
Merry Christmas!

[skialot2]

[pcrussell50]

If you are careful with clean carbs and the factory gauge package and impeller replacement schedule you should pretty reliably be able to avoid overheating. At least on stock motors.

With that then there is this: about the chrome bore 2.4’s…

… I don't think you can wear out the chrome...hurt it yes,wear it no.And the chrome is so slick that the rings don't wear like on an iron or nic cylinder. Without an accident or corrosion trouble they go thousands of hours, crank and bearings included,Chris

Chris had another recent post saying more or less the same thing, but I couldn’t find it.

-Peter

[tlwjkw]

nothing will tolerate overheating... other problems will apply ta any of 'em, steel and/or coatings.... jmo.

like chris said, chrome will outlast normal ware more than any of tha others...........

[OnPad]

Here's a tale of 4 engines in the part's pile
I bought a 2 liter a few years back that had been hot enough to melt the solder in the voltage regulators, and some wire insulation that made contact with the block. This engine had 5 scuffed pistons, but the bores were still round, and cleaned up with acid, and hone. My buddy bought a smoked 2.5 liter that didn't look to get as hot as my 2L. This engine has perfect imprint of the pistons in the sleeves, and is going to require boring. I also have a couple 2.4 litres. One has a sleeve installed, and the other needs at least one, if not 2. Neither appear to have been overheated.