Engine-Hours Survey

[jeffgerritsen]

My Atomic 4 has 640 on the rebuild (Pearson 35). However I have no idea of the total number of hours on the engine. But the engine runs well (slight tick sound that goes away above 1200 rpms) and since installing the PCV valve, removing the crank case vapors from the cabin, I'm really enjoying the sailboat.

[julian hood]

Engine Hours

Don,

I was told that my engine had about 300 hours on it when I bought it in 2001.
I have probably put 150 hours on it since instaling it in my Oday 27. I have had to do a valve job on it, but nothing else major. It is running better than ever this summer. Hope I don't Jinx it.

[Dana Mace]

Engine Hrs

From talking extensively with the po and the time I figure I put on the engine per yr, am guessing that my 1976 C&C 27 has under 500 Hrs on it

Dana
Marblehead Ma

[jeffgerritsen]

Total engine hours to expect?

Greetings folks,
along the lines of this engine hours survey, how many hours (total time between overhaul - TTBO) can I expect out of A4 with periodic maintenance performed. For example, oil changes in the range of 40 - 70 hours, regular tune ups, and using MMO as a fuel additive.

Note the engine has the indigo electronic ignition, PCV addition, and I'm installing the external oil filter within the next two weeks.

I've been told by others that diesels can last up to 8,000 hours (if well maintained), while gasoline engines, if well maintained, are in the 1,500 - 3,000 hour range. Is this true?

I realize the standard caveat applies - your mileage may vary (YMMV), so I asking for what may be reasonably expected.

Thanks,
Jeff

[jhwelch]

I sent my engine in for a rebuild when it got to 6,000 hours, and only then because
the oil seal had failed and I figured if I was going to have the engine out of
the boat with that many hours a rebuild would be a good idea.

-jonathan

[Mark S]

Jeff,

I've been told by others that diesels can last up to 8,000 hours (if well maintained), while gasoline engines, if well maintained, are in the 1,500 - 3,000 hour range. Is this true?

That's nonsense. You heard that from a diesel guy, right? A gasoline engine which is operated regularly and whose oil is regularly changed and which is not subjected to chronic overheating should last as long as a diesel engine. Maybe I'm missing something somewhere, but I don't think ordinary wear and tear issues are significantly different between diesel and gasoline engines.

Mark

[tony201]

Ticking

After the overhaul I did on my late model A4 I could hear a ticking sound after installing the engine. I would bet it was a loose tappet, Thought I made a bad valve adjustment on the bench . So off came the carb and manifold and I did a recheck,everything was nuts on . New Valve springs , can't be that so that leaves the accessory drive gear. Don't think it's a big deal,Not gonna worry about ,

Tony

[roadnsky]

Tony-
Read this thread regarding "normal" ticking noises.
(http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/sh...ht=valve+noise)
It might put your mind at ease...

[Rick_Powers]

How long should an engine last?

I installed a rebuilt engine last year.

I put on about 150 hours per year.

I change oil every 50 hours.

Q: How long should this engine run before needing a rebuild?

[roadnsky]

Q: How long should this engine run before needing a rebuild?

Rick-
Based on good maintenance and care, it's very likely that Don's Grandkids will be doing the next rebuild.
Hopefully for your Grandkids!

[tony201]

engine hours

Rick I would think some where around 5000 hr. to ?

Tony

[jhwelch]

The engine I took out of my boat last year, due to the rear seal having let go,
had just about 6,000 hours on it.

Perhaps Don can chime in on what he saw when he opened it up.

-jonathan

[rigspelt]

due to the rear seal having let go

jonathon, does that mean catastrophic failure, or slow leak slowly getting worse?

[jhwelch]

It was a slow leak that progressively got worse to the point where oil would
drip out overnight and I'd have to add a little bit every morning I was
motoring north up the ICW.

When the motor was opened up Don told me they found some interesting
worm-like erosion patterns, I think it was on the crankshaft, but he'll
have to clarify the exact location.

[JimG]

I was told my engine had 250 hours on it when I bought it five years ago. Since then, I've but less than 50 hours on it since the sails go up as soon as I'm away from the slip.