Just wondering what the life of a Univ. M 12 engine ( Terms of Hours ) might be. Gets its PM and has not given me any problems . I have no idea if its 500 hours or 3000 . Does anyone have any idea???? Thanks in advance
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Is That All?
Five to ten thousand isn't at all unusual, from what my Yanmar distributor said regarding their smaller units. I would think a Universal would do as well. It certainly isn't unusual in genset applications, although maybe the life of sailboat power isn't quite as beneficial. I can't speak from experience on Universals, but I'm sure plenty of Catalina owners can. Rick D.
Five to ten thousand isn't at all unusual, from what my Yanmar distributor said regarding their smaller units. I would think a Universal would do as well. It certainly isn't unusual in genset applications, although maybe the life of sailboat power isn't quite as beneficial. I can't speak from experience on Universals, but I'm sure plenty of Catalina owners can. Rick D.
years vs hours
Hello, Is the M12 raw water or fresh water cooled? If it's raw water, I believe that the age of the motor is just as important as the number of hours. After 15-20 years I would think that the cooling passages would be rotten. This doesn't much matter if the engine has 100 or 10,000 hours. If the engine is fresh water cooled, it should be good for over 5000 hours (if properly maintained). I recently bought a boat with an M25 engine with over 3000 hours. I have all the maintenance records and the engine runs great. Barry
Hello, Is the M12 raw water or fresh water cooled? If it's raw water, I believe that the age of the motor is just as important as the number of hours. After 15-20 years I would think that the cooling passages would be rotten. This doesn't much matter if the engine has 100 or 10,000 hours. If the engine is fresh water cooled, it should be good for over 5000 hours (if properly maintained). I recently bought a boat with an M25 engine with over 3000 hours. I have all the maintenance records and the engine runs great. Barry
M-18
I have a 20yo M-18, and with doing my own maintenance on the engine for the past 5 years, it amazes me that it starts every spring after being laid up in the cold temps for 6 months. I will adjust the tappetts this spring as I've never had it done before. I had it checked over by a Diesel Mechanic when I first bought the boat and his advice was change the oil, change the oil, change the oil and it should last a life time. This engine runs just about everyday, being retired I try to sail everyday.
I have a 20yo M-18, and with doing my own maintenance on the engine for the past 5 years, it amazes me that it starts every spring after being laid up in the cold temps for 6 months. I will adjust the tappetts this spring as I've never had it done before. I had it checked over by a Diesel Mechanic when I first bought the boat and his advice was change the oil, change the oil, change the oil and it should last a life time. This engine runs just about everyday, being retired I try to sail everyday.
Univ. 12 900 hrs.
Sorry for lack of info. Its a 1986 C 25 with a freshwater cooled M 12 and has 900 hours on the meter. The engine and area is spotless without any signs of any leakage. (knock on wood) Starts with little effort, but am putting two new Batteries on in the spring after a 225.00 JUMP START from one of the tow companies last season. ( first week out and hadn t signed up with any of them yet, my fault ) (Dead bats. also my fault, but thats another story ) Thanks
Sorry for lack of info. Its a 1986 C 25 with a freshwater cooled M 12 and has 900 hours on the meter. The engine and area is spotless without any signs of any leakage. (knock on wood) Starts with little effort, but am putting two new Batteries on in the spring after a 225.00 JUMP START from one of the tow companies last season. ( first week out and hadn t signed up with any of them yet, my fault ) (Dead bats. also my fault, but thats another story ) Thanks
Dead Batteries
Hey, I recommend that you carry one of those 'jump start' battery packs that are sold everywhere - Walmart, WestMarine, Sears, etc. I have one and it saved me once, and a other friends twice. For $50 or so you can get one with a built in light, 12V cig lighter plug, etc. Some have inverted and air compressors. Back to your original question about hours. That engine will last a long long time. Since I only use about 20 gallons of diesel a year (maybe 40 hours?), my engine should outlast me! Barry
Hey, I recommend that you carry one of those 'jump start' battery packs that are sold everywhere - Walmart, WestMarine, Sears, etc. I have one and it saved me once, and a other friends twice. For $50 or so you can get one with a built in light, 12V cig lighter plug, etc. Some have inverted and air compressors. Back to your original question about hours. That engine will last a long long time. Since I only use about 20 gallons of diesel a year (maybe 40 hours?), my engine should outlast me! Barry
Getten' ready to turn 22
Grigs, I have no idea how many hours the M-12 in my 1985 O'28 has. I am the second owner and I know that we have about 2,000 miles of motoring her in 6 years. 1,000 miles was to get her from Oriental, NC to Key Largo, when we first bought her. So far so good!! No smoke; no leaks; normal maintenance. 2 oil changes ago the sun came right through the cockpit locker as I had the oil filler cap off giving me a good look right into the engine; CLEAN AS A WHISTLE!! Obviously the PO was as diligent about changing the oil as I am. We are planning our retierment cruise up the intracoastal to begin in June '08, and I am not planning to do anything with the engine except normal maintenance. It really is that strong. My qualifications for that assesment is shop teacher for 36 years; some auto shop included. PM
Grigs, I have no idea how many hours the M-12 in my 1985 O'28 has. I am the second owner and I know that we have about 2,000 miles of motoring her in 6 years. 1,000 miles was to get her from Oriental, NC to Key Largo, when we first bought her. So far so good!! No smoke; no leaks; normal maintenance. 2 oil changes ago the sun came right through the cockpit locker as I had the oil filler cap off giving me a good look right into the engine; CLEAN AS A WHISTLE!! Obviously the PO was as diligent about changing the oil as I am. We are planning our retierment cruise up the intracoastal to begin in June '08, and I am not planning to do anything with the engine except normal maintenance. It really is that strong. My qualifications for that assesment is shop teacher for 36 years; some auto shop included. PM
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