Hi, Juan, If the previous owner was good to it, and you change the oil regularly, and keep the fuel clean, you'll probably get another 1000 hours out of it. On my boat, the datarecorder indicates that I put about 30 hours a season on it. I'll die of old age before my engine wears out.
One thing I do while the boat is blocked over winter is that I lock the compression release open, and crank the engine until the oil pressure alarm goes off. I do this every couple of weeks. Then I charge the battteries to keep them topped off. This keeps the bearing surfaces covered with oil. Also, change the heat exchanger zinc every year. You also need to order the engine owner's manual, service manual, and parts manual. These can be obtained from http://www.marinedieseldirect.com Good luck, Art Herrick #5468 Sea Change ----- Original Message ----- From: Juan Yusti To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:18 AM Subject: catalina27-talk: Universal M18 Hi Fellow Sailors: I'm the proud new owner of "Frolic" (C27, 84, #5703. SR,IB); and I have some questions about her Universal M18 engine. It has 1120 hours, starts promptly, sounds and run strong, but being just absolutely "green" about the sailing world, I would like to know what is a reasonable life span for this engine? when should we prepare to rebuilt? what are the early indications that engine needs help? etc. All info would be very much appreciated. We just started going out and we can't wait for the weekend to sail again !!!! Best regards to all, Juan C. Yusti ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Need to know now? Get instant answers with Windows Live Messenger. IM on your terms.
