What would you do with a (pretty) good running 29 Year old Diesel?

[Emmalina]

My 1978 Perkins still runs like a dream but then it does get the love it needs Guess about 15000 hours but I pull the injectors every couple of years and bought my own pop tester ages ago. Only thing that goes is the injector nozzles and I can still get them at 15euro each.

[hjohnson]

The 1GM10 in my Ericson 27 is coming up on its 40th birthday (it was installed in 1983). Still runs, but the compression is finally starting to go. It’s getting harder and harder to start, especially in the winter. The reality is that we’re probably going to repower in a couple of years, and will likely replace it with a 2 cylinder Beta.

[sv_isara]

Originally Posted by Wotname

^^ often but not always. Depends on how many times it has already been re-used and how it was last applied.

What make/model engine?

4JH2e, from 1993.

Great suggestions all, thank you!

I'm hoping to keep this engine as long as possible. Really cool to hear about how high of hours/age some people have on their engines!

[Halifax Sailor]

Originally Posted by sv_sharky

Hey all, how's it going!

I just sailed down from Portland to the SF Bay. Long story short, despite bringing tons of fuel filters, my fuel line clogged and I had to run my 4JH2e out of a jerry can!

Anyway, other than that she motored for probably 70, 80+ hours fantastically (other than being lumpy when cold).

But stories aside...if you had an engine that ran pretty/totally well, 29 years old, what would you do to make it last as long as possible?

3400 hours. Regular Oil changes, Regular fuel cleaner treatment, seafoam treatment (helped cold startup a little bit), new fuel lines , new hoses, coolant flush are all on tap. Mixing elbow, heat exchanger look pristine. Engine mounts have hardly any rust. Anything else that you'd suggest? Head gasket? Don't touch anything?

Yours is just a baby. My yanmar is a 1978, just replaced the head gasket and new valves. Runs like brand new. I change the oil twice a season, about 50 hours per change. Flush with fresh water before the antifreeze at haulout. And a soft pat and a nice kiss helps!!

[boatpoker]

Didn't see where the OP mentioned what engine he had but I'd also check what the manual says about the lifespan of the timing belt/chain.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Didn't see where the OP mentioned what engine he had but I'd also check what the manual says about the lifespan of the timing belt/chain.

In the initial post, he said "4JH2e"

No such thing as a timng chain/belt on one of those (it uses timing gears)