Diesel Engines

[Tamwas]

I am looking to buy my first boat, and have read that a diesel engine should last 10 to 20 years. Does anybody know how that equates in hours run. The boat I am looking at is 20 years old, and the engine has done approximately 600 hours.

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[Will_M]

What engines???

600 hrs is nothing, but 600 hrs spread over 20 yrs of age indicates very little use which more often than not is not a good thing.

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[snowleopard]

imagine it was a car. that's equivalent to 24000 miles. you would expect the insides to be in pretty good nick. on the outside, rust and damp may have taken their toll.

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[vyv_cox]

My engine is 3 years old and has done 450 hours, in a sailing boat!

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[seaesta]

My boat engine has been in situ since 1966. Last year it took me right round Scotland via the Forth/clyde,Crinnan and Caledonian Canals and I wont change it until it is necessary to do so. What matters is whether it starts reliably and its general condition which is strongly related to the quality of oil used and frequency of oil changes. Wear is often indicated by blue smoke. I would not necessarily be put off by an older engine.
Martin of Whitby

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[Evadne]

My Yanmar 1GM7 was installed by the previous owner in 1983, 20 years ago. The various repairs and rebuilding that have been done since then have nothing to do with wear, mostly (1) cockups on my part or salt water where it shouldn't be, usually due to reason (1).

Unless you are liveaboard or don't have a life outside sailing (or rather motoring!) then engine running hours are meaningless, as has been said, compared with life's other depredations. If you go out 5-10 weekends a year and use the engine just to maneuvre in port then this equates to 20-80 hours per year. A couple of windless passages (eat more curry!) will double or quadruple this, so 20 years could equate to 400-6400 hours. A range so large as to be meaningless. 600 hours in 20 years, it sounds like a proper sailors boat or one that's not been out much.

On balance I'd say that the Average Diesel Inboard (Yanmar, Beta or Volvo, others may be included,) should last 20 years if you look after it, with ease. If it starts and runs ok, no smoke, no rust, bearers intact, sensible amount of power, then I'd go for it. Anything lesser is a negotiating point. As is any unusual make of engine. If in doubt, get a second or professional opinion. Replacing a 12-15hp inboard engine will cost you of the order of £5k.

Let us know how you get on.

Dave

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[Cactus]

We are just replacing a 20 y.o BUKH DV10. A cracker engine over the years but now it's losing compression, usually points to damaged valves etc. - lots of stinky black soot when it eventually starts.

Over the last year we've also had fuel problems (not fun to cut out 100 yards from the marina wall in a F8) and overheating.

You've really got to weigh up the cost of rebuilding an old engine, which is never going to be as good as a new one, or replacing.

We've been quoted £4.5k for a new Yanmar 2GM20 (inc installation) and have estimated a full service for the BUKH to be about £2-£2.5k. Hopefully it will last another 20 years!

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[Tamwas]

Thanks very much everyone for all the prompt replies, and the very useful information for a newcomer (hopefully) to owning a boat


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[PeteMcK]

Hope you're wrong - mine's going on 25 yrs and done about 5000 hrs with no rebuild ind it's far from unusual in that. Any engine can be suspect and, after about 6 or 7 years, age, as well as wear and neglect, becomes an important factor. A very high proportion of engines are killed off by neglect and/or abuse and/or carelessness. If your engine's been looked after properly it could(!) be fine. What engine is it?

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[oldgit]

My volvo AQD140 have done approx 2500 hrs boat is 20 yrs old.Do not/forums/images/icons/laugh.gifanticipate spending any serious money on them for a few years yet.
Ps Do not be put off by a bit of smoke on start up,its when running you need to look at any undue muck being thrown out. even this could more be lack of maintaince

<hr width=100% size=1>If it aint broke fix it till it is.

 

[Birdseye]

check the availability of spares and their pricesfor the make of engine concerned. you are more likely to need them on an engine of 20 years than on one of 5

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[PeteMcK]

Very good point (nm)

nm

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