reconditioned engine life span

[jippie98]

I am looking to re-power my 18ft mirrocraft cc. I am looking at new engines and reconditioned. The price of reconditioned engines makes me take a serious look but how long does the typical reconditioned engine last? I am looking at a 96 125 merc and 91 100 merc reconditioned. They only come with a 30 day warranty.....not all that great.... My new option is a 90 tldi. Any opinions? The reconditioned engines cost half as much as the new engine... As always, thanks for the help...

 

[OBJ]

Re: reconditioned engine life span

It really all boils down to engine care and PM (preventive mainteance). An engine will last as long as you want it to as long as you take care of it providing you get a quality product to begin with.<br /><br />If the engine is a rebuilt/recondioned engine, find out all you can about who did the recondioning. If it was by Joe Brokebolt in the sticks, be very afraid. Most outfits like Flagship in Florida will back their products with a one year warranty. <br /><br />Get the info and don't be afraid to ask questions. Even bargain for longer warranty time. If the company is really ligit, they will work with you.

 

[Solittle]

Re: reconditioned engine life span

Several years ago One of my 110 hp twins went south. One alternative was a complete rebuild by a reputible shop for around $3,000.00. Another was a new 200 hp Yammy for $15,000.00. An easy decision to make - - -

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: reconditioned engine life span

My remanufactured (whatever that means) '83 V6 is about 10 years on the reman - and runs perfectly. My guess would be about 500 -1000 hours, it's been about 75 or so per year in the 5 years I've had it. All I do is mix the fuel properly and change the lower unit lube regularly. (except now I have a jet unit on the bottom no lube changing). I did have some hiccuping/sneezing issues but that was an air leak where the oil injection had been disconnected from the fuel pump and plugged. Fixed with new rubber plugs - starts, idles great, runs strong.<br /><br />This was a reman by a specialty company, not joe mechanic - for what that's worth.

 

[JB]

Re: reconditioned engine life span

I would expect a correctly remanufactured/reconditioned/rebuilt engine to last as long as a new one with the same care.<br /><br />That should average 1500 hours and potentially be as much as 4000-5000 hours.<br /><br />Fot the typical recreational boater that is 15 to 50 years.

 

[jippie98]

Re: reconditioned engine life span

THe engines I am speaking about are rebuilt by a local marina. He seems to do this quite a bit but I do not know anyone who has a rebuilt engine from him. ANy type of questions about how he completes it that I should ask? Just dont want to get burned after a month of using it. Thanks

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: reconditioned engine life span

You could make a list of everything he is going to do(and what he's not going to do) and post it here. I'd just ask him what all he plans to do to the motor for the rebuild. (Kinda like taking my car in for repair. I'd like to know what they are going to do before I ok it.) Then you can get better feedback on the motor...

 

[jippie98]

Re: reconditioned engine life span

He replaces all internal parts. He pressure tests lower unit and re-seals if needed. I guess the 30 day warr is what scares me the most. If something was wrong with it would it show up in such a short time? I would use the boat for approx 20hrs within first month. Thanks for the help....

 

[Solittle]

Re: reconditioned engine life span

Many rebuilders give a 1 yr wty. Even more important though than the length of the wty is the integrity of the shop. Unfortunately many who offer wtys will not honor them and do anything to find an excuse.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: reconditioned engine life span

One thought that immediately crosses my mind when you say he replaces all internal parts - how about the carb? In my mind, they should be meticulously cleaned and possibly rebuilt as part of a rebuild project. The ignition components should also be totally checked out and replaced as necessary. But the carbs are what I would think about because old, crudded up carbs can fry a new powerhead.

 

[ziemann]

Re: reconditioned engine life span

Personally, I would walk away from that reman with a 30 day warranty. I agree with everyone else, I would seek out a reman with a decent warranty. 30 days???...not enough. There are some great rebuilders out there with a better warranty.<br /><br />As everyone knows, I am a huge Nissan/ Tohatsu TLDI fan, and you certainly can't go wrong with the 90 TLDI in price and warranty.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: reconditioned engine life span

He "replaces all internal parts"? I doubt he replaced the crank and rods. If he did I bet it wasn't with new ones.