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2000+ hours on 1991 454s... what now

S

slauder

Regular Contributor
These engines are well maintained carbureted.Never really got hot. Always had elbows and risers done at appropriate time. Always had oil changes at the end of the season before she winterizes. I always selected high zinc oils originally delo 400, then Rotella with a zinc additive, now I use Lucas hot rod oil. I've put all hours on above 600. The last compression test was good. I can't remember the specs, but all cylinders were within three or four psi.

People have warned me that I may have problems ahead of me. They seem to run fine. I think I hear a very slight tapping from the top on my CCW.I have used Blackstone oil analysis which does show some metals indicating wear.

Since my set up is CCW port engine with transmission, it gets a little bit limited in choices as I am currently retired and would like to stay that way.

Suggestions. help me manage my expectations. Is it possible they keep running without looking at the top? Do I freshen up the top without looking at the bottom? buy a complete pair of Crusaders with tranny on eBay and rebuild them in my garage?
 
FWIW, I put over 3000 hours on mine before we did the full rebuild...used Mobil1 full synthetic with annual changes.

I would say if they are running well and you haven't been hard on them the last 1400 hours, they will likely keep going.

A leakdown test could help you get a decent assessment on the top end's condition...

As far a rebuilding, age is a big factor, especially regarding the bolt-ons...I'd give consideration to a factory rebuilt (full warranty) package with the gears. Nothing worse than going thru the full rebuild and then having the bolt-ons start failing...

You might also call Blackstone and get them to review your test history and ask if they'd give your a life remaining estimate...
 
Interesting you used full synthetic. All I remember was everyone saying thatthe flat tapit required lots of zinc. However it looks like the synthetic was working just fine for you.
makomark said:
FWIW, I put over 3000 hours on mine before we did the full rebuild...used Mobil1 full synthetic with annual changes.

I would say if they are running well and you haven't been hard on them the last 1400 hours, they will likely keep going.

A leakdown test could help you get a decent assessment on the top end's condition...

As far a rebuilding, age is a big factor, especially regarding the bolt-ons...I'd give consideration to a factory rebuilt (full warranty) package with the gears. Nothing worse than going thru the full rebuild and then having the bolt-ons start failing...

You might also call Blackstone and get them to review your test history and ask if they'd give your a life remaining estimate...
Click to expand...
Interesting full synthetic
 
The bad part is Mobil has gone crazy with the variants of Mobil1 full synthetic available today...I think I looked it up ~ 1990 and the flavor we used was about 800 ppm ZDDP... I just took a peek and saw they now have a 20W-50 V-twin version that has 1750 ppm ZDDP...

My gut says a lot of the "need for ZDDP" is marketing hype when they started changing the baseline of additives used to address the emissions cluster. I have the stock grind camshafts and standard springs (OEM specs) and think they are pretty mild so I don't see the need to add anything to the baseline M1 jug.

The boat is relatively light (30') so the big blocks don't have a hard life...nominal cruise is 3000-3200, keeping the secondaries closed...
 
Seems like our boats are very similar. I have an old 1991 Tiara 3100 open. It's rather light and I also cruise at 3150 rpm secondaries closed. I'll see about performing a leak down test this spring.
 
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