Talk to me about longevity on engine and I/O package

garycinn

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 7, 2003
Messages
479
I have a 2001 4.3L EFI Merc w/ Alpha I Gen II drive with 140 hours.<br /><br />Supposing regular maintenance (engine oil & filter, drive oil, winterizing, gimbal, drive pivot, & coupler greasing, etc.), how long can one expect to run such a package without a repair outside of this type of basic maintenance? 1000 hours? 2000 hours? Is it hour dependant or more number of year dependant?<br /><br />Let's assume that there is no catastrophic "accidents", "defects", or "stupidity" to bring on a repair.<br /><br />For example:<br /><br />How long could I expect to get out of:<br /><br />-gimbal<br />-ujoints (prelubed type)<br />-drive gears<br />-drive seals<br />-coupler<br />-heads<br />-engine<br />-fuel system<br />-bolt-ons like PS, alternator, starter, etc.<br /><br />I'm new to this stuff and was wondering what I should prepare for. I know "it varies," but give me some general ideas.<br /><br />Thanks!
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: Talk to me about longevity on engine and I/O package

depends<br /> if you keep it cool. change the bellows and shift cable every 3 or 4 years. impeller kit every 2 years. weekly inspections of the power plant. pay close attention to the circulating pump vents for leakage it will go for years.<br /> its up to you .<br /> good luck and keep posting
 

MrBill

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
710
Re: Talk to me about longevity on engine and I/O package

The 4.3 is a proven, reliable power plant, so is the Alpha drive. I have a 1989 Merc engine with alpha drive that has never undegone major repair. It's in the water May thru September (no salt) and has gotten a lot of varied use over the years by adults as well as teen agers...but I'm a maintenance nut. Mine has a closed cooling system, which I totally believe is best, although more prone to problems and maintenance.<br /><br />Although it's not what you want to hear...the longevity of your set-up depends...<br />It depends on:<br />- the conditions in which it operates - salt water? <br />- closed cooling or raw?<br />- how it is used; hard, fast, WOT, lots of hours per year, etc.<br />- how well it's maintained?<br /><br />Lubrication, balance and alignment are key in reducing wear...don't skimp on lubes and filters - engine, drive and moving parts. Follow the manufacturers recommended service intervals and you can get 15-18 great years out of your set-up.<br /><br />I'm at year 16, the engine burns a little oil, but less than a quart over the entire season. The drive is wearing, magnetic drain plug on lower unit picks up some metal shavings each year, but it's sealed well and has never leaked. Impeller is replaced every other year.<br /><br />If your boats in the water and in use almost every day, take 20 minutes or so each week to check fluids, inspect, lube pivot points, clean things up, etc. - and you'll be totally aware of issues before they're problems. Winterize (store for extended periods) PROPERLY...most importatnly enjoy.
 

Skipster1

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2004
Messages
173
Re: Talk to me about longevity on engine and I/O package

I read another posting a while back wherein the guy listed various factors and conditions and, from what you say, your boat should run well for about a 1,000 hours.<br />That is, IF you stick to your regimen of maintenance, no hard use, no stupidity or accidents.<br />You asked for a ballpark number and that is it. <br />Good luck.....
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,398
Re: Talk to me about longevity on engine and I/O package

Much depends on where you boat, salt or freshwater. Raw water cooled sterndrives can go a long time in fresh water. Salt water is a different story esp for a moored boat. There you will have to replace manifolds and risers every 3-5 years, and the paint+zincs on the drive have to be well maintained. Every year the drive has to be pulled to lube the u-joints, check the bellows and gimble bearing. Proper winterization is a must. Checking fluid levels to keep after it and not let little problems turn into big ones helps a lot. Most marine engines that fail probably fail because of neglect, and waiting too long to change the risers and manifolds, which causes water damage in the engine, and water in the oil.<br />As others said, closed cooling is a big plus.<br />My 88 4.3 Cobra was originally a lake boat from the midwest, it has been in the salt here probably for about 5 seasons, the motor is original, the outdrive has had a few bearings and the shift cable changed. I just changed the manifolds this year. No idea how many hours are on it! Still runs well, going to keep it as long as I can get parts and service on the OMC drive.
 

garycinn

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 7, 2003
Messages
479
Re: Talk to me about longevity on engine and I/O package

Great info everyone. I guess in a year or two I should look to replace the bellows and shift cable. I did the stern drive impeller last fall. I'll probably do the plugs this fall when I do the big W.<br /><br />I didn't mention that it is a trailered boat used on fresh water lakes only. It is also raw water cooled. I put the drive down every time I store it so it is easier on the bellows. I run it at WOT once or twice an outing for a minute or two. I am on a trend to run up 80 to 100 hours a year -- April to October.<br /><br />Thanks again.
 
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