Mercury Emissions EPA Repowering Options

 

Repowering Mercruiser Sterndrive & Inboard Engines with 2010 EPA Exhaust Emission Regulations October 2009

Mercury Marine has led the development and implementation of low-emission marine engines since these were initially proposed in 1994. It has been a long developmental path, working with U.S. EPS, U.S. Coast Guard, California ARB, NMMA and technical partners throughout the industry to bring to reality practical, safe and effective products to reduce exhaust emission from marine engines. MerCruiser introduced the first comprehensive lineup of low-emission products in 2008 for use in California. In 2010, it’s time to do the same throughout the USA.

New sterndrive/inboard boats in 2010 will require engines equipped with emissions control, or use an engine family exempted from that requirement. In 2010, exempted engines include the following:

– Engines manufactured prior to Jan. 1, 2010
– 4.3L & 8.1L engines discontinued by General Motors
– Racing engines (500 + HP) fall under a separate regulation

Until recently, these same requirements were scheduled to apply to new engines used to repower older boats. However, recent revisions to the EPA regulations now allow older boats to be repowered or service with new engines not equipped with emissions control built after Jan 1, 2010. There are some options in the provisions, so other manufacturers’ programs may vary. The program offered by Mercury was chosen to maximize product selection to our customers-ensure product availability – and protect our environment.

Repowering your pre-2010 sterndrive or inboard boat with Mercury products can be summarized with three simple options:
1. Repower with a new MerCruiser using emissions control
2. Return the old engine for a new MerCruiser without emissions control
3. Use a Mercury Remanufacturing product.

1. Repower with a new MerCruiser Using Emissions Control

From the 135 HP 3.0L MPI to the all new 430 HP 8.2 MAG H.O., MerCruiser is your logical choice for repowering your sterndrive or inboard boat with emissions control. Our emissions control engines are available with SeaCore, Horizon and Scorpion models with a variety of options, including our DTS & Axius propulsion-control technologies for some models.

There’s a MerCruiser equipped with emissions control for every demanding application, including houseboats, tow boats and large cruisers. No other manufacturer can match the models offered, parts available and technical service offered by MerCruiser. An engine equipped with emissions control will satisfy the EPA requirement to repower with the same or cleaner technology in older boats.

Engines equipped with emissions control benefit from better fuel economy and deliver the same power as older-technology engines. Fuel injection is mandatory. There are upgrades to the exhaust system with the addition of catalysts and oxygen sensors. A more powerful engine controller is required to monitor the emissions performance and prevent misfires at all engine speeds. Each engine is certified to exceed a demanding durability cycle for unmatched reliability and peace of mind.

Most importantly, a MerCruiser with emissions control provides years of enjoyable boating while reducing the emissions for a cleaner environment.
 

2. Return the Old Engine for a New MerCruiser without Emissions Control
A brand new MerCruiser without emissions control can be used to Repower a boat not originally equipped with an emissions control engine if the new engine is not compatible with the older application. Incompatibility of an emissions control engine means it does not fit an old boat without extensive modification to any of the following:
– Exhaust system
– Electrical system
– Steering, throttle or shift rigging
– Incompatible power rating
– Incompatible engine dimensions (height, length, width, etc.)

Federal law mandates that the engine being replaced must be returned to the manufacturer of the new engine – EPA Code 1068.240. This is similar to the Automotive sector’s “Cash for Clunkers” program that required destruction of the car to receive a rebate. The ability to purchase engine with no emissions control is the “rebate”. Simply return the old engine in the familiar MerCruiser returnable engine container. This satisfies the return of the old engine and helps to fulfill the $300 returnable container deposit. All freight for these returns is paid by Mercury. Engines and containers are to be returned to:

Quicksilver Remanufacturing
Attn: Core Receiving Dock
601 14th Street
Monett, MO 65708
 

3. Use a mercury Remanufacturing Product
Mercury Remanufacturing offers a factory Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) MerCruiser engines and Mercury Remanufacturing’s own line of Plus Series remanufactured sterndrive and inboard engines that can be used to repower pre-2010 boats in 49 states, and pre-2008 boats in California.

By refreshing existing engines Mercury Remanufacturing can offer product at a fraction of the cost of new by passing along the savings. Because these are engines that are returned to factory specification, we stand behind them with a factory-backed warranty and service support.

Whether Certified Pre-Owned or Plus Series, each Mercury Remanufacturing engine comes standard with a factory backed one-year limited mercury P&A warranty. The also qualify for up to two years of Mercury Product Protection.
Certified Pre-Owned MerCruiser engines have been brought back to a fully functional state after going through the CPO process.