How serviceable is a 1998 Yanmar diesel engine today?

[cpmb]

I am considering purchasing a boat that has twin Yanmar 230 HP diesel engines. The boat was built in 1998 and these are the original engines.
I wonder if anyone here can educate me on how serviceable an engine this old is in today's world.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Grub54891]

yamars in general are not bad to work on. as with most boats it’s bein able to access the things. Most I've seen are dependable.

 

[cpmb]

Hi @Grub54891, thanks for your reply. I didn't explain myself very well but, the gist of my post was more about the availability of spare parts for a 25-year-old engine. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Grub54891]

Well, I’ve serviced lots of them in the past, several much older. no issues getting parts but pricey. Of corse all boat related parts are pricey. Look up some random parts and see what comes up.

 

[cpmb]

Ah, good to know!
Yeah, good idea on looking up random parts...
(love your tag line!)

 

[racerone]

The number of hrs on a diesel is a big factor.----Do you see hr meters on them ?----Would you be doing the work yourself ?-------Often times shops will say ---" sorry we do not work on old motors " ----Just because they do not see " easy money " when taking on this kind of work.

 

[cpmb]

Hi @racerone, these engines have about 1000 hours, which is not too bad for a diesel engine. I can do light work, light maintenance, etc., but the heavy lifting would have to be done by an experienced mechanic

 

[racerone]

The diesel in my truck has about 5000 hrs.----So changing the lubricants on these marine engines and gear boxes.-----Filters.-----Water pump maintenance is all I would do.-----Are they closed cooling ?

 

[cpmb]

Yes, that's what I meant by light maintenance. I believe these engines are closed cooled but I have to double check on that...

 

[Grub54891]

95% of the ones I've seen are closed cooled. I think the real old ones weren't. Rare to find one like that.