Engine Hour Question

[Roniszoro]

I am looking at a possible purchase of a 37 year old boat that has 3550 hours on its original Universal engine. How scared should I be? If I am able to do an oil analysis that comes out OK, what are the risks? If it didn't come out OK, I'd walk.

Thank you for your thoughts/input.

[psk125]

Oil analysis may not tell you much if the oil & filters have been changed regularly - or recently. We had a 1982 raw-water cooled engine in our last boat. There was no hour meter (they're not always accurate anyway) so we simply tried to keep on top of it with oil, belts, hoses, zincs, filters, etc. replaced as needed. It ran fine for the 24 years we had the boat, and should probably go on for another good while if the new owner continues proper maintenance.

[sandy stone]

With an engine that old, I think the care it has received is far more important than the number of operating hours.

[shimari]

Originally Posted by sandy stone

With an engine that old, I think the care it has received is far more important than the number of operating hours.

+1 - the instructor of my diesel engine class always liked to say "Diesel engines don't die. They're murdered!"