Engine age!!

[sebas54]

Hi, I have a 1987 gm merc. IO alpha 1 on a 1980 aquasport. I have owned this boat for 4 years.

My question is how long do motors last for. Supposedly when I bought the boat the engine was just install, and it came from a chevy astro van with very little mileage on it(30,000). Now I have put at least over a 1000hrs on this engine. I have change many parts and it seems to be working well. I did a compression test about a 1.5 years ago and all seemed good.

I am asking this question because the manifolds and risers are going to need to be changed. I don't want to waste my money if this engine can't last at least another 3-4 years.

Please help.

 

[tractoman]

Re: Engine age!!

The engine can last a long time if you do proper maintenance. Check your compression and if the oil pressure is still good, it's probably worth the expense of manifolds and risers. Even if the engine fails, you could buy a new engine without the new stuff on it and use it on the new engine.

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine age!!

The motors will last a long time. Problem is, they usually die young due to lack of maintenance.
Overheats due to never changing impellers, water in the cylinders because of old corroded away exhaust sytems, cracked blocks due to improper winterizing, being over proped and lugging the engine, drives full of water and never checked bellows never changed and water getting into things, and the list goes on.
Follow the maintenance schedules and procedures in the OEM service and owners manuals (not the cheap aftermarket junk) and they will last for years and years and years and ..........................

 

[ken_23434]

Re: Engine age!!

What are your plans "if the engine doesn't last" ?

A replacement engine is a lot more expensive than exhaust risers and manifolds.

I cannot tell you how long the engine will last, but if your exhaust risers or manifolds rust through, I can guarantee you the engine will not last very long.

My Suburban has almost 350,000 miles on the original motor. Motors CAN last a long time when cared for.

I would continue to keep up on the routine maintenance, properly winterize each year, replace the manifolds and risers and just pay attention to any changes in how the engine is running. Periodically (annually, maybe) checking the compression will give you an indication of the health of the rings, cylinder walls and valves. A standard rebuild is a lot cheaper than getting a replacement engine.

 

[cedarjunki]

Re: Engine age!!

my fathers 1970 mercruiser 140 is still running strong. even after having a wrist pin knock for the 20 or so years he has had it. just pulled it to replace since i thought we blew the head or gasket, but ended up being the riser.

my 1969 merc 120 is still going strong too...not bad for 41 years old

 

[sebas54]

Re: Engine age!!

Thanks guys for all the encouragement!! I really appreciate it. I will continue maintain this engine then. I really thought that everyone was going to say that I should replace it. I am very happy that this isn't the case.

 

[chriscraft31]

Re: Engine age!!

3000 hours on a well maintained gas engine. Approx 8000 on diesel.