Check that motor over real good. The better 3.7 L motor had a 4"(10cm) diameter heat exchanger and an aluminum exhaust manifold. It will have a pressure cap on the exhaust rider towards the rear. CHcek the charging system for issues. And definatley check the compresion. Mercruiser had some problems with the earlier riser to manifold riser gaskets, it allowed water/coolant to seep into the cylinders, ususally affecting number 4. Look under neath teh balancer, there should be a small weep hole in the front timing cover, check it for coolant, if it has camshaft seals leaking, it will come out there. I've seen people smear sealant on this weep hole to hide the issue.If you don't like a rough idling motor, this isn't for you, but they do run well once your up and running. Upgrades to the engine would be replacing the point igniton with a pertronix conversion, if it has a 2 barrel carb, replace it with a 4 bbl set up if you can find one(needs manifold, carb, and oil cooler), if you can't find one, a later 2bbl(1990 and newer) Mercarb(made by mercury, has one idle mixture screw) or an earlier Rochestor large bore 2bbl(early 80's late 70's mercruiser 188, 235, 190, 200 hp, has two idle mixture screws). If your into hotrodding, a set of aftermarket rocker arms would help that engine a bunch. Parts are getting harder and harder to find for the 3.7's. And there are now automotive replacemnt blocks for it, the heads are 429/460 Lima series(saw a CJ head fitted to one for drag racing), you can use 460 pistons and rings. I believe the bearings are a standard autmotive bearing, but I could never find out what they were(it was easier to order Mercs at the time)
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