Why do I/O's have short engine life?

[jkust]

Re: Why do I/O's have short engine life?

I know this is unrelated to the post, but i have a 99 AC zr 600 efi, with over 6k miles on the engine, never had a rebuild or any serious engine work, knock on wood.

I've got the same exact sled but only 1700 miles. So little snow in the past 10 years, so few miles each season. I agree 105 hp out of an engine my young kids could pick up is really amazing.

 

[Adirondack]

Re: Why do I/O's have short engine life?

It's all about maintainance, and reasonable usage. Non stop WOT will kill it quick. I have a 1971 Browning With a 3.0 pre alpha drive. Bought it in 76. Freshened up the original motor in 86. Not because it was running bad, but because I thought it was time. Still runs every weekend, and sits moored all sumer. The original motor is one thing, it's been refreshed but it is still the original drive. NEVER REPLACED A JOINT. Lubed them every fall.

Replaced the wood as needed all along, but this is her last season. I think she's just too rotted, and water soaked inside. All of a sudden it seems to weigh 1000 pounds more. LOL either that or I'm 35 years older and the winch is more like work.

 

[Adirondack]

Re: Why do I/O's have short engine life?

When I read Loco's post, my blood pressure started to go up and I knew that I had to raise the BS flag. It looks like several of you guys beat me to it.

posted by Loco,


Dude! Get real .

LOL I don't know about the new fangled motors these days, but I'm an old drag race guy, and trust me. A marine engine was never on my shopping list.

I did however like the truck engines. ....Oh wait.

 

[Flukinicehole]

Re: Why do I/O's have short engine life?

I dont know..I got a 1970 LT1 350 in my 1989 24ft. walk around. My outdrive had a problem recently but the engine runs great. I laugh at some of the stuff I read on here...it is really sorry to give advice if you have no idea what your talking about. Right LOCO?

 

[sethjon]

Re: Why do I/O's have short engine life?

I'm looking at 10-15 year old runabouts and I'm amazed at how many have new or rebuilt engines, usually a 4.3L v6.

Given that in a car, that same engine should last 100,000 miles, or 1500 hours, easily (with only minor maintenance) why do these engines typically last less than 500 hours in a boat? Is it the high rpms and rapid acceleration that ski boat engines are exposed to?

Dave

Many people beat the motor all the time. If they would have gotten a small 8 they wouldn't have the problems. Also, many people like to go as fast as possible on the water and the RPMs are sky high. Cars rarely go over 4K. Used more moderately they last a long time.