Engine life

[nightvision]

Hi All,
Got a newbie quesitons here. On a 2005 Mercruiser 135 HP, 3L, Aplha one set up, when would I need to rebuit the engine and what kind of a life time can I expect from this powerplant package. I will have the dealer service the boat at the end of every season. I'm not much of a mechanic, I will have them do it and get the piece of mind. The boat is parked in the garage and it cared for very well. Currently, we only put on about 20 hr per season. Most of the hrs go to tubing and some kneeboarding in freshwater.

I'm asking this question is because I have read articles of boats that have been in the family for 20-30 years.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine life

With Proper Maintanance,............ There's 2000hrs of Enjoyment in that little Chevy........

But,......... I'd Bet,... That On Average,......
Boat Motors Rarely see 500hrs. before their Neglected to Death........

 

[KaGee]

Re: Engine life

If that...


Many posts here with older boats with only 250-300 hours.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Engine life

780 hours on my 120 hp Mercruiser, but it is well cared for too. Think about this for a minute. A car engine averaging 50 mph runs for 2000 hours to acheive 100,000 miles.

 

[crazyray]

Re: Engine life

If you don't abuse it and follow all maintance items the actual engine should give you 20 yrs of enjoyment easy..just don't over rev and maintance maintance maintance

 

[bomar76]

Re: Engine life

You really have to work hard to FUBAR the small 4 banger Mercs, a few do manage it, but normally they far outlast the hulls they are bolted to.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Engine life

But the car engine is only running about 2000 RPM or so at 50MPH whereas the marine equivalent is probably in the 3500 RPM range on average during normal cruise (obviously not at 50 MPH).

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Engine life

I realize that. I was not an exact comparison. However the marine motors are made to cruise at 3500 and the car motors are made to cruise at lower rpms. I think it is a valid comparison if not exact.

 

[calwldlif]

Re: Engine life

I like Bondo's optimisim
I like freddys comparison
I like bomars in your face

The only thing I know about it is
propping it correctly, not lugging
preventative maint
using it
all contribute to longevity8)

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Engine life

Marine engines get a lot of strain. Think about it...if you're running at WOT in your car, let off the gas and pop it into neutral, you'll coast a REALLY long way. Run a boat at WOT and jerk it into neutral and it will almost throw you over the bow. There's a LOT of dead weight and resistance there.
The I6 in my 69 160 got a new short block in 1973 due to a freeze crack but it hasn't so much as had the head off since. Compression is even, if maybe a little on the low side, but it runs great.
No reason they can't last 20+ years with top notch maintenance.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Engine life

thunder we need to get them together sometime Your 69 and my 72

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Engine life

course an old boat like your's I don't know my Searay is about the same turqouise at the top of yours

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Engine life

A boat is either broke, or going to break. Only the Wizard knows when.........:^

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Engine life

The home I grew up in had a fridge, stove and oven the same color of turquoise. The fridge is over 40 years old now and still runs strong. I figure it has the equivelent of 250,000 miles. Rarely sees over 2000 RPM's though

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Engine life

That is officially 57 Buick Sea Foam Green. If you look up the color in the newer DuPont charts it says Fender Guitar Company Sea Foam Green.
freddyray...I actually had my boat down STL way earlier this year on a Sunday. I can't spell the place without looking at a map....Portage De Sioux....or something like that. Didn't stay out long. There were some BIG boats cruisin around there. We had intended to go on the Merimac River on Sat but it rained us out. We hung out in a little dive called Rumples in St. Charles and tried to drink all their beer instead. You mentioned Mark Twain Lake in another thread. I'd like to to up there sometime.

 

[MelLandry]

Re: Engine life

The home I grew up in had a fridge, stove and oven the same color of turquoise. The fridge is over 40 years old now and still runs strong. I figure it has the equivelent of 250,000 miles. Rarely sees over 2000 RPM's though

If you put trim tabs on the fridge, will it cool beer faster?

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Engine life

come down to my house sometime bring the boat I'll show you where we go on the Merimac. They do tend to run big boats on the Mississippi.

 

[ron7000]

Re: Engine life

your drive will most likely crap out before the motor.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Engine life

Motor still be ready to go with good maintenance, but you won't have enough money for gas...

 

[llerrad]

Re: Engine life

1974 Grew 215 302 ford million hours replaced worn out drive engine strong no noise do not baby it either keep oil absolutly clean and change when dark I have no idea how long it will keep going.