Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

I am looking at a boat right now that is powered by twin 600sc's. Are these a descent set up? Drives are ssm #5. Just wondering what to expect with these mills. Anything I should be looking for? Supposedly refreshed 30 hrs ago. Thanks, Josh

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

My 600SCs have 270 original hrs on them ,they don't use any oil and will still push my 97 TG just over 83mph on gps with 7 passengers and 200+ gallons of fuel.

They are however quite thirsty, with 4 Holley carbs on top , at 3200 to 3500 cruise rpms she uses 20 +gallons per hr per motor in my boat.

I look forward to other owner comments as well!

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

WildWarrior--
How big is your rig? What is your cruise speed at 3500rpm. Are you running ssm or a different outdrive? I am just curious. I would think that they would be rather reliable being that Merc put them on the market. I have a 357sr1 that has no problem using a large amounts of fuel at cruise speed. What is your max rpm @ 83mph? Thanks for the info
Josh

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

Josh,
My boat is a 1997 38' kevlar Top Gun I have factory stock Bravo drives ,83 mph is @ 5200rpms.

I believe I am some where in the low 50s at 3500 rpms I honestly never pay attention to my speed until I start running her into the mid 4s. Most of the time I try and run her at 20 gallons per hr between 32 and 3500 rpms.

I know that 4600 rpms is about 72mph with tabs way down at 6 .5 and drives in at 1.5 in rough water and a fully loaded boat.

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

I Just rebulilt mine after 8 years of faithfull service

26' Larry Smith Scarab SC 600 #5 Drive

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

Thanks for the info guys. Sound like a reliable set up
Josh

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

Mine just went over 400Hrs this past week,,, 1997Apache ,, with bravo XR's ,,, do not use Oil,, and have never been opened up(apart) I run 32-3500 most of the time ,,, wil run a poker run leg,, about 30miles ,,,, wide open and dont have to worry about these engines,,, they are thirsty ,,, I can get a mile and a quarter if I stay at 3200 over that ,,,, forgettaboughtit... 5 Lbs of boost and 92Octane... Great engines ,,, Check the compression,,, should be 135lbs with 7 1/2 to one ratio ,,, thats factory spec.

RHC

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

I have a similar setup, just curious as to what props you run. I spin stock 28's bravo 1's almost 5500 and was thinking about trying labbed 30's.

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

Perfectmix,
Are you lookin at that Velocity? I'm going tomorrow to inspect it.

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

I am running stock 26s

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

Just curious as to the oil temps you're running when she's flat out for extended periods, because my starboard motor runs oil temps of 260 when I push her hard.

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

Love ours push like hell and I would oblige with all the thirsty comments above.

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

Port engine will never go over 210 ,,, running hard for about 30 miles 5000 rpm back off for 1-2min after about 15 miles (4000rpm) then get back in it ,,, the starboard will run about 220 -230 at the same time ,, it will drop to 210 when I back off,,, 20-50 Valveoline Racing Oil, stock merc oil pans,,, I think the starboard oil cooler might have a piece of impeller in it ,,, will back flush this winter ,,, however ,,, it might also be the gauges because the starboard engine will run 160 (water temp) and the port is at 145 most of the time ,,, when the hard run is over the starboard will flash to 180 untill the therm opens then back down to 150 ,,, will idle there and cycle down ,,, the prot stays at 140,,, I have never been concerned with the small differances, I change oil every 30-40hrs and never add between changes ,,,, Just burn a lot of gas!!!

RHC

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

Josh,, I just reread your first post,,, The good thing about the package your looking at is the #5s ,,, the 600sc engine has a lot of untapped Hp left in it ,,, the cams are very small,, the timming is conservitive from Merc and the compression is only 7.5 to 1,,,, of course when you start changing things you lose relabilty!!!! however 650 to 700hp is well within reach and of course intercoolers are always an option,,, the down side ,,, I have yet to find pulleys for the 420B&M blowers ????? anybody??

RHC

Re: Merc 600sc?Any Good?
 

I am looking at a PQ 38. I like the hardware on the boat #5's and 600sc. I was sceptical about the 600sc but after reading the posts here they sound bullet proof. Hope you like the Velocity. It is supposed to be a nice day up here in the great north make him splash the boat and take you for a ride.
Josh