LIFE EXPECTANCY OF UNIVERSAL DEISEL?

[GRANT]

On average, assuming the engine hasn't been abused, how many lifetime hours(or range of) can one expect out of the Universal deisel? 1984 Catalina 30, 3 cyl.

 

[Denny]

Life Expectancy of a Deisel

We use deisel fork lift trucks at work. After ten thousand hours of intense use, they are ready for a major overhaul. Thus, with good maintenance, the relatively lightly used deisel in your Catalina should last ten thousand hours before a rebuild. Some engines in sailboats last a long time. Many engines die a premature death, primarily due to dumb owner operating or maintenance errors.

 

[Randy]

Good maintenance+good usage

I think "good usage" is just as important as good maintenance. For example, even a diesel that is maintained by the book will not last long if it is only run infrequently, for short intervals, or without paying attention to it. On the other hand, a diesel that is run frequently, run long enough to get up to its working temperature (and to keep it there long enough to burn off moisture), by an attentive operator will last a long time. A fifteen year old diesel with only 300 hours on it may not have been run enough. My guess is that one that age with 1000 hours on it could be in the same or better shape, because it has been run longer/more frequently. If you're buying a boat, have the engine checked out, too, preferably by someone familiar with them. Good luck.Randy

 

[Tom]

Just as a FYI. I have a 1980 Boat with a Yanmar

2QM15 (raw water cooled). Never had an hour meter, but I wasn't afraid to use it. I figure it was used an average of 60hours a year (low?) then it has over 1200 hours (some people say its just broken in). Well that engine runs like a champ! I am selling the boat and just started the engine after being idle for the winter and it started right up. (tuck-tuck-tuck-tuck....). I figure its good for another 20 years...If they are taken care of 3000-5000 should be easy to achieveAll the engine needs is Clean Fuel, Clean Oil and Clean Air, and don't be afraid to run the thing (often is good). And when there are problems its *typically* not the main engine but rather problems with the fuel system (cracks in the line causing air in the system, Dirty fuel, clogged injectors,) batteries or electrical starting system, insufficient air getting to engine,or engine linkage problems.If it starts right up and runs fine you should be able to keep it going z long time with good maintenance

 

[Ken Killian]

Diesel life expectancy

CARE - that is the big question. I have had three and considerable experience with diesel in trucks. If you don't get 5000 hrs from the engine, it would be like blowing a gas engine in your car at 65000 - 75000 miles.I expect 7500 hundred hours at least from my engines and have seen many go 10,000 or more before overhaul or exchange