Engine hours

[earlandamys180]

I have a 98 3.0 Mercruiser that we use a ton every year (over 300 hrs in less than 2 seasons) and was just curious she has about 520 hrs on her now and was wondering how many hrs with routine maintenence can we expect to get out of the little 3.0? Thanks

 

[Philster]

Re: Engine hours

Fresh or salt water?

I've seen I/Os with 1100 hours in great shape. Seen some with 200 in rotten shape.

It depends on how much maintenance you do, and where/when you use it.

"It depends" is really the final answer.

 

[ebear]

Re: Engine hours

I had 1200 on mine when it overheated a month ago. [forgien object blockage] I took it in to have it checked out and the mechanic said it really didn't need anything, it was in great shape. Granted, I rince it and change oil religiously and rarely run it over 3800 rpm.

 

[sethjon]

Re: Engine hours

I have a 98 3.0 Mercruiser that we use a ton every year (over 300 hrs in less than 2 seasons) and was just curious she has about 520 hrs on her now and was wondering how many hrs with routine maintenence can we expect to get out of the little 3.0? Thanks

Depends on well you do preventaitive maintenance. Also, what do you do with the boat? Ski? Fish? Constant WOT? They all factor in. Nobody can say with any certainty.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine hours

Ayuh,... Properly maintained,... 2000hrs. to 3000hrs. is not unheard of....

 

[OldNBold51]

Re: Engine hours

run a compression check or better yet a leak down test. if the numbers are good and even, then your rings are good. If your oil PSI is still high, then your bearings and lifters are still working well.

 

[earlandamys180]

Re: Engine hours

Thanks for the replies, the oil gets changed once a year which makes it over 100 hrs but I work around heavy equipment and we change at 250 hrs so I feel I am ok on that, it is ran in fresh water only and has been all its life and as for what we do with it we generally just cruise the lake at somewhere around 3500 rpms and we might pull a tube a half a dozen times a year. Have not done a compression or leak down test but she holds 40psi while running at cruising speed. Thanks again for all your replies

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Engine hours

A compression test is very easy. Go get a gauge (I think I paid about $25 for mine) and check it. It will give you peace of mind. Or maybe not. But at least you ll know what kind of condition generally your engine is in.