Mercury MerCruiser Connecting Rod Bearing Standard 85701
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Mercury MerCruiser Connecting Rod Bearing — Standard — 85701
| Part Number | 85701 | Mercury Catalog: 23-85701 |
| Brand | Mercury Marine / MerCruiser |
| Official Product Type | Connecting Rod Bearing — Standard Size |
| System | Internal Engine — Crankshaft / Connecting Rod Assembly |
| Supply Format | Bearing pair (upper and lower shell) |
| Size | Standard — for standard (unground) crankshaft journals only |
| GTIN / Barcode | 724956081554 |
Compatible Applications
Mercury parts diagrams identify 85701 for the following engine families. Confirm by engine model, serial number, and the connecting-rod/crankshaft parts diagram before ordering.
- MerCruiser MCM 140 / 3.0L / 3.0LX — through serial number 0L605541
- MerCruiser GM V8 305 CID / 5.0L (selected applications)
- MerCruiser GM V8 327 CID (selected applications)
- MerCruiser GM V8 350 CID / 5.7L (selected applications)
- MerCruiser 350 MAG (selected applications)
Application varies significantly by engine generation and production serial number. Engine horsepower and displacement alone are not sufficient to confirm fitment.
Serial Number & Crankshaft Size — Critical Before Ordering
Two things must be confirmed before selecting this bearing:
- Engine serial number — MerCruiser used multiple connecting-rod and crankshaft combinations across these engine families. The diagram for the specific serial-number range is the definitive source.
- Crankshaft journal size — 85701 is a standard-size bearing only. If the crankshaft has been machined undersize at any point, an undersize bearing is required instead (see Alternate Part Numbers below). Installing a standard bearing on a machined journal will result in excessive clearance and premature failure.
Superseded / Cross-Reference Part Numbers
The following numbers cross-reference or have been superseded by 85701:
- 23-85701 (Mercury catalog format)
- 52221 / 23-52221
- 52270 / 23-52270
- 15961 / 23-15961
- F3910555
- F3916351
- FI1100305
- FI1100570
Undersize Bearing Alternatives
If the crankshaft journals have been machined, the following undersize bearings should be considered instead of 85701. Confirm the required undersize by measuring the crankshaft journal diameter:
- 85702 — 0.010" undersize
- 85703 — 0.020" undersize
- 85704 — 0.030" undersize
- 85705 — 0.040" undersize
When to Replace Connecting Rod Bearings
These bearings are typically replaced during a full engine overhaul, or when inspection reveals any of the following conditions:
- Excessive oil clearance measured at the crankshaft journal
- Scoring, pitting, or bearing-material deterioration
- Overheating or oil starvation damage
- Crankshaft journal damage requiring regrinding
- Low oil pressure with no other identified cause
- Metallic debris in the engine oil
- Connecting-rod knock or rumble under load
Installation Notes
- Measure crankshaft journal diameter before selecting bearing size — do not assume standard
- Inspect connecting rod bores, bearing surfaces, and lubrication passages during assembly
- Verify oil clearance with Plastigage or a micrometer before final assembly
- Torque connecting-rod fasteners to the specification in the Mercury service manual for the exact engine and serial-number range
- Do not substitute a standard bearing on a crankshaft that has been machined undersize
Related Parts
- Mercury MerCruiser Crankshaft Main Bearing 85675 (Superseded to 818469001)
- Mercury Quicksilver 16756A6 Crankshaft Center Main Bearing Kit — V6 Outboard & Jet Drive
Parts Desk Insights
The most common mistake we see with this part is ordering by horsepower or displacement alone without checking whether the crankshaft is still at standard size. On any engine with significant hours or a previous rebuild, the crank journals may have been ground undersize — and a standard bearing will be too loose. Always measure first. This part is most at home in a first-time overhaul on an engine confirmed to have its original unground crankshaft, or as part of a complete bearing set replacement when clearances are within spec. If you're unsure of the crank history on a used engine, bring it to a machine shop for measurement before ordering bearings.
Shipping information
In-stock and OEM parts: ship same or next business day.
Locally warehoused items: ship within 1-3 business days.
Special-order items: timeline confirmed after order.
Returns & warranty
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If you are not fully satisfied, you may request a return within 30 days of delivery. All returns must receive pre-approval prior to being sent back. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
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