drawback of low hours

[natwales]

I bought a boat this past spring with a raw water cooled 1988 5.7L alpha 1. The engine only had 288 hours on it. This is in new england so the seasons are short, but without a doubt these are very low hours for its age. The owner was very old and had the yard maintain it every year, but almost never used it.<br /><br />So far the engine really seems to run well and I have only had to replace the starter. I was told that having an engine with such low hours for that age may actually be a problem as hot spots can develop. Can someone explain what this is? Is there anything else I should keep an eye on given the circumstances?

 

[KaGee]

Re: drawback of low hours

Having maintenance records is a positive. The things you may well run into are things that tend not to age well, no matter the use. Rubber seals for instance or gaskets. <br /><br />There is little I could suggest as far as the engine goes, other than to keep an eye on it for leaks and any sign of water intusion. Replace anything as needed. With an engine that age, you can expect to have to replace the manifolds soon if they are original. <br /><br />You should consider pulling the drive and having everything inspected,lubed and engine aligned. A good thing would also be to replace the water pump impeller in the drive itself if you have not done so. The rubber blades can dryrot and break off with age and leave you stranded.<br /><br />Others will add their thoughts I'm sure. Good luck and don't forget the plug!

 

[Silver/Fish]

Re: drawback of low hours

Sorry I don't have an answer as far as "hot spots" in the engine. Kagee gave some good advice, it's usually the "smaller" parts that become issues in older boats. <br /><br />One item to keep with you is an extra Fuel filter (fuel/water separator) Contaminated fuel is probably the leading cause of most engine failures....Best of luck!

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: drawback of low hours

I am with KaGee---drive would be my main concern--rubber boots, shift cable, etc. Also, the trim/tilt rams are likely to start slipping, unless previous owner changed tilt fluid often. Even then, they only last so long before the seals go.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: drawback of low hours

The only drawback i could think of with a low hours rig is that it will cost more to buy.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: drawback of low hours

most low hour rigs suffer severe maint neglect, cause they got no hours.<br /> most the time you show me a 10 year old rig with 200 hours and ill show you a neglected beast.<br /> I see it weekly, ill suggest maint and be told its only got 100 hours on it. so I tell them ok run it till it fails and I make more money. <br /> by now it should have had upper shift shaft seals, a gimbal and shift cable bellows, a set of Risers and possibly manifolds as well as a few other things here and there. however most older low hour rigs only get oil changes cause they have no hours.<br /> rubber doesnt care much about hours and actually deteriorates faster with layup.<br />and guess what, the seawater pump is rubber .<br /> so carefully check the maint history. some actually get maintained not just a yearly oil change.<br /> also carefully inspect the oil pan for rust.

 

[DaveM]

Re: drawback of low hours

In addition to the seals, I would pay particular attention to the electrical connections, looking for corrosion. They can be a real bugaboo since the impedance on a corroded connector increases with heat. What this means is that intermittent engine stalls may occur only when conditions are warm. Note that it may not be easy to actually see the corrosion, depending upon the type of connectors.<br /><br />Look closely at the electric fuel pump (if equiped) and the primary ignition system, especially the coil.

 

[natwales]

Re: drawback of low hours

I am not sure of the maint history. I know that the risers and manifolds weren't changed very recently because I just did that this past fall and they were just about rusted out.<br /><br />Right now I have the outdrive in two pieces on my work bench. This is my first sterndrive engine so I'm just learning how it's all put togeather. For the moment all I can see to do is replace the pump impeller and give a new prime and paint. Everything else, given just a visual inspection anyway, seems fine. It's always run well.<br /><br />I plan to inspect the bellows and bellhousing area when the weather gets warmer. I'm not sure exactly what I am looking at, but I have to assume it's never been changed. I am sure there are plenty of posts concerning that topic elsewhere on this site.<br /><br />I appreciate the help.