2000 Mercruiser 7.4 with 900 hours

[majoma]

I am looking at a boat with the original 7.4 Mercruisers with about 900 hours. The boat is a V drive and fresh water cooled.
It looks like the seller took good care of them but I am concerned about the high hours.
Should I be concerned? Can a mechanic verify that there is no water damage due to water ingestion?
I appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Thanks

 

[mquiet]

I would get engine survey and they can bore scope it. Hours are a relative item. If the price is right and the engine is good...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LG111]

Regardless of hours have an oil analysis done. If taken care of and never run hard for long periods gas engines have a long life ahead. 900 in my book is low for the year and on a good average for annual use. I have 800 hours and firmly believe she'll be running great at 3000.

 

[El Capitan]

I'm going to follow this thread. I'm looking at several 300 WE and 340 EC' and DA's. All in late 1980's vintage. Engine hours range considerably from 600 to 1200. I'm having trouble not focusing on hours but more if maintenance was done but hours on an engine can be like ticking clocks I've been told.

 

[RollerCoastr]

Hour meters tell you as much about an engine as your zodiac sign tells others about your personality. FWIW, my 7.4's have 50% more hours than the ones you're considering.

 

[Bob & Sue]

Agree with all the above especially an engine oil analysis before spending the money for an engine survey, you can get it done for around $30. I sold a 99 270DA with 1495 hours on it a couple months ago prior to listing it I had an oil analysis done & compression check to make sure I wouldn't have any surprises during the sale. I also had new anodes, outdrive oil, outdrive painted and new prop installed.

I did all the maintenance for 6 years with all records and log book from the original date of sale when new, if the seller can't produce records I'd be aware of it when making an offer.

Our boat sold in 3 days for full price to the first person that looked at it.

Here's a link to Blackstone Labs their kit is free you don't pay till you send in the oil for analysis. I just sent one in yesterday on a 60's muscle car I'm considering buying.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php

 

[El Capitan]

Agree with all the above especially an engine oil analysis before spending the money for an engine survey, you can get it done for around $30. I sold a 99 270DA with 1495 hours on it a couple months ago prior to listing it I had an oil analysis done & compression check to make sure I wouldn't have any surprises during the sale. I also had new anodes, outdrive oil, outdrive painted and new prop installed.

I did all the maintenance for 6 years with all records and log book from the original date of sale when new, if the seller can't produce records I'd be aware of it when making an offer.

Our boat sold in 3 days for full price to the first person that looked at it.

Here's a link to Blackstone Labs their kit is free you don't pay till you send in the oil for analysis. I just sent one in yesterday on a 60's muscle car I'm considering buying.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php

Thank you! Just ordered my kit.

 

[majoma]

Thanks for the comments. I like the suggestion of doing the oil analysis before the actual survey.