Quicksilver – Exhaust Manifold Kit | MerCruiser 120/140 Series | Coated Cast Iron | 860235A04

Overview

There is a certain pride that comes with keeping an older MerCruiser engine alive and running strong. You feel it when the motor settles into a steady rhythm, the kind of familiar sound that tells you the boat’s ready for another long day on the water. When you’re working with engines built in the eighties, every part you replace matters, and you want pieces you can trust. That is where this exhaust manifold kit comes in. It has that grounded, dependable feel that reassures you the moment you lift it out of the box — the feeling that you’re giving your classic engine the care it deserves.

Key Features

• Complete exhaust manifold kit for 1982–1989 MerCruiser 120 and 140 engines
• Cast iron manifold with protective black coating
• Includes fuel line, gaskets, and essential installation hardware
• Designed to meet original Mercury Marine part specifications
• Built for clean fitment and long-term reliability

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Fits MerCruiser 120 and 140 sterndrive engines (1982–1989)
• Common in smaller cruisers, fishing boats, classic runabouts, and many family bowriders
• Suitable for freshwater and properly maintained coastal boats
• Ideal for restoration, rebuilds, or routine replacement of aging manifold systems

Performance & Practical Benefits

What you’ll notice first is how solid this manifold feels. The cast iron has a weight that speaks to durability, and the protective coating gives it a clean, confident finish. Once installed, the engine breathes smoother, idles steadier, and responds with a clarity you may not have felt in years. These older four-cylinder sterndrive engines have a distinct character, and a tight, well-sealed manifold brings that character back.

Heat distribution becomes more controlled, which helps reduce hotspots and prevents internal scaling — both common issues in older manifolds. The included gaskets, fuel line, and hardware make the installation more predictable, taking away that guesswork that often comes with trying to rebuild an older system using mismatched parts. Everything fits the way it should, leaving you with a secure, steady assembly that stays tight season after season.

And there’s something satisfying about restoring the foundation of your engine. The moment the motor fires up after installation, you’ll feel the difference. It’s smoother. Cleaner. More confident under throttle. For many boaters running these classic MerCruiser setups, that alone is worth the effort.

Why Buy OEM

With older engines, shortcuts tend to show up fast. Aftermarket manifolds often miss the small but important details — cooling passage layout, casting consistency, or the quality of the coating. A genuine Mercury Marine part is different. It’s built to the specifications that these engines were designed around, which means fitment is exact and performance stays consistent.

When you’re maintaining a classic, reliability matters more than ever. Using OEM parts gives you long-term confidence and helps protect the investment sitting in your transom. It’s the kind of advice you’d hear from anyone who’s kept an older sterndrive running for decades: buy the right parts the first time, and you’ll spend more time on the water and less time troubleshooting.

FAQ

Q1: Which Mercury engines does this manifold kit fit?

It fits MerCruiser 120 and 140 engines produced from 1982 to 1989.

Q2: What makes it better than aftermarket options?

OEM manifolds match Mercury’s casting, cooling, and material standards — fewer surprises, better longevity.

Q3: How do I know this is the correct kit?

If your engine is a MerCruiser 120 or 140 from 1982–1989 and the manual lists part number 860235A04, this is the right replacement.

Q4: Can it be used in saltwater and freshwater?

Yes, though saltwater boats should be flushed and maintained regularly to extend manifold life.

Q5: Is installation straightforward?

Most boaters with mechanical experience can handle the installation using common tools, thanks to the included gaskets and hardware.