engine life 2gm20f?

[Doug]

I realize that there are many factors in determining engine life. Maintenance level, climate of use, etc. etc.My main concern is that my partner feels that our engine needs to be completely overhauled for "peace of mind" as we bought the boat used. It is a 12 year old Hunter 33.5 that we have had for the last 2 years. It always starts (although it wants about 1/3 throttle to do so) within a few seconds (blows a bit of dark smoke at start after sitting for a week or so, but it disappears quickly). Never smokes during normal operation and seems to run smooth. I would guess, based on what I know of the previous owners that it has between 800 and 1,200 hours on it. I do know that maintanence was barely in the previous owners vocabulary and that is what has my partner the most worried. How many hours (with no adverse)symptoms would someone get the head done or a complete overhaul "just becuase it's getting long in the tooth"?I'm looking for answers that if doing this job is not neccesary, I can talk my partner out of the hassle of such a task. Thanks in advance for your input.Doug

 

[Steve Dion]

If they are maintained!

Doug:I have been told by the Yanmar mechanic that these engines are rated for between 10,000-12,000 hours if they are properly maintained. That is not to say that something cannot happen before the engine meets it's maker!Why don't you get a price on a 'complete' overhaul and see if your partner is still so interested? I would also have a YANMAR mechanic go over the engine and have the thing checked out. There is no guarantee that an overhaul will take care of any of the problems that you are experiencing anyway.

 

[Pete]

no way overhaul

800 to 1200 hours is nothing! No way would I overhaul a good engine for piece of mind! If there are no other problems then you mentioned and they are not problems,it is probely time for a "tune up" (valve setting,injectors and pump etc.)You could overhaul the engine for lots of money and have no better then you have now! (could be worse if they botch the overhaul!) "DON'T FIX IT IF IT'S NOT BROKE!"

 

[Dave LaPere ( Nature's Cradle)]

engine hours 800-1200

If in fact you are pretty sure your engine has that approximate amount of hours on it, then unless you hear a knocking sound like the rods are coming loose indicating a bearing wear or crankshaft wear I would look at a basic tune up. I am not sure whether we are talking diesel or gas engine here but in either case what you are experiencing is a starting problem not an operational problem. It could be a very simple air to fuel mixture adjustment done by a knowledgable mechanic. You REALLY do not want to overhaul the engine strictly because of years. In vehicles like autos and trucks maybe !! but in sea going vessels, tractors, earthmovers, forklifts, lawnmowers and the list goes on it's based on hours of use, not age itself, and don't let anyone mislead you. A competent mechanic can do a compression test, acidity test on the oil and also a fuel or water content in the oil as well to tell the story. From what I read though it's basically a starting problem only.Good Luck !!! and let us know what it is and how much it cost to repair it.Happy Sailing Dave LaPerePS I bet it's under $100.00

 

[Stephen Ostrander]

2GM20F?

Assume that's the engine model in your '88 33.5. The starting procedure that you mention is common for this model (mine does the same thing) but unless you have evidence that the engine was mistreated, don't mess with it. This is a very dependable engine, BTW. I've had 2 now and neither has ever let me down. Treat her right and she'll treat you right.

 

[Bryan C.]

Ditto

Yannies are universally praised for their reliability. If its running well now and you maintain it properly, should last longer than you do.