Re: what to look for
If you aren't a mechanic and don't enjoy working on your boats engine all the time is about the biggest reason of all, not everyone wants to spend all there free time babysitting a 470.
true. but any any 20+ year old boat is going to have problems. maintenance, i think, becomes a way bigger issue at a certain point than the type of engine.
Being as it's an open deck designed block made out of aluminum with a cast iron head means anytime you get an overheat, you will likely need to replace the head gasket, that doesn't happen with GM engines.
course, how many "i have a 470 with a cracked block" threads do you see?
It's a very expensive process to replace the engine if it dies completely. There isn't even a usefull replacement type that will bolt up to the exhaust tube and motor mount setup.
yeah, like i said, i think this is the biggest problem. isn't a 3.0 a bolt on?
Cam seals that will eventually leak antifreeze into the engine oil. No other engine has that problem.
true. and of course the charging system. neither one of these is a big deal in the grand scheme of boat ownership. i've had plenty of problems this season (and last) with my engine--none have been 470 specific.
Then there is what bondo said, NLA parts, and there are more every year.
i can't comment on this--haven't had a problem getting parts at all thus far, and aside from the exhaust, i'm not aware of a whole lot of 470-specific parts. certainly doesn't seem to be as big of an issue as with the yamaha/OMC crew. i got mine for $1k less than what i would have paid for a 4.3l, or a 25% discount. i was also aware of the issues with the engine, and can work on it myself. it's a tradeoff, and 2 seasons in, i'm happy with my decision, as are other 470 guys. this engine is light, powerful, good on gas, closed cooling is a mixed blessing (but probably better for salt water), and likely quicker than an equivalent era 4.3. damn. i got sucked into another 470 thread. does anybody care to comment on the type of oil he should use?
