BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - engine hour expectation of ford lehman marine engines

Mike Ditty

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne B

On Tue, 26 Apr 2011 02:43:31 +0100, Capt. Ray Allen
wrote:

Some time ago one of your members asked "what is a realistic engine life
for a Ford Lehman diesel engine". I am in the same position as the
original posting as I am looking at several Grand Banks 42's with 3 to
4000 hours. What is a good number for expected engine life. Thanks
Capt.Allen

I hear numbers like 10,000 hours plus with good mainenance but it
varies a great deal depending on usage and maintenance. The engine
has a reputation for being reliable but a bit quirky, not the least of
which is a requirement to change the oil on the injection pump every
50 hours.

Generally speaking if a diesel engine starts well, runs with minimal
exhaust smoke, and is not using a lot of oil, it probably has a decent
amount of life left in it.

Take a look at this post from the Trawler Group archives for some good
information on Lehmans:

http://lists.samurai.com/pipermail/t...st/121142.html

The leading expert on Lehman diesels is Bob Smith at American Diesel:

http://www.amerdsl.com/

I own a grand banks 42 (1981) this boat has about 7500 hours on the engines.
The engines have been used and maintained very good.
Never over heated or abused. The boat has had only 2 owners, me and one other. These engines run perfectly.
I run ar 16 to 1700 RPM, they use very little oil.
These engines are amazing and very fuel efficient
The boat has never sat unused for a long period of time
I would be very wrooied about a boat this old that has very low engine hours!