Replacing stock rod bolts during engine honing or full rebuilds is an important step in ensuring the longevity and reliability of your Mercury V6 2-stroke outboard.
Our Stock Rod Bolt Replacement Kit is designed to fit the Mercury 818141 Top Guided Rods found in 1992-2005 V6 engines, including 135HP, 150HP, 175HP, 200HP, and 225HP models.
It is compatible with both 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines, covering both 2-stroke carb, EFI, and Optimax outboards.
This kit contains twelve (12) brand-new rod bolts that meet OEM specifications required for proper operation in demanding marine environments.
The bolts ensure a secure connection between the connecting rods and the crankshaft, critical for maintaining smooth and consistent performance under load.
- Contents: Twelve (12) new rod bolts, providing a full replacement for Mercury V6 engines using Top Guided Rods.
- Engine Fitment: Compatible with Mercury 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter V6 engines, including 2-stroke and Optimax models from 1992 to 2005.
- Applications: Suitable for 135HP, 150HP, 175HP, 200HP, and 225HP outboards.
- Torque Specification: Tighten to 30 ft-lbs using Red Loctite, with no additional 1/4 turn required.
- Replacement for OEM Part Numbers: Mercury 763491 and RB8000.
Best Practices for Torquing Rod Bolts
Proper torquing of rod bolts is critical for maintaining engine integrity. Following these guidelines can help ensure a secure fit and long-lasting performance:
Clean the Threads:
- Before installation, clean the cracked mateing surfaces and the threads on both the rod bolts and connecting rods to remove any debris.
- This prevents contamination that could affect the "cap-up" alignment torque reading or thread engagement.
Apply Thread Locker & Light Oil:
- Use Red Loctite on the bolt threads to reduce the chance of loosening due to vibration.
- Use light under the bolt head to faciltate proper torq.
Torque to Specification:
- Tighten each rod bolt to 30 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench.
- Avoid adding a 1/4 turn beyond this specification, as it is not required for these bolts and may risk overtightening.
Inspect and Test:
- After installation, rotate the crankshaft manually to check for smooth operation and verify proper alignment of the rods.
- Recheck torque after the engine has undergone initial heat cycles during the break-in period.
Stock OEM Rod Bolts and Stock Replacment Rod Bolts are intended for a one-time use. Rod bolts endure significant stress in marine engines, especially in high-performance or racing applications. Over time, these components can weaken due to repeated cycles of tension and compression.
Replacing rod bolts with high-quality replacements each rebuild ensures that your engine maintains the structural integrity needed for reliable operation, whether you’re on a calm lake or pushing the limits in a high-speed scenario.