"It's all in maintenance". We may differ slightly on that position. You
will find that an engine built for auto use has a much different camshaft
than does one built for marine use. It is understandable if you visualize
the difference in acceleration in each application. Automotive cams do not
provide good marine performance. I have proven that several times with Chev
350's auto engines placed directly into marine applications (I/O).

Don Dando


"Steve Morrisby" wrote in message
...
Thanks to everyone for those links to other suppliers and for your
comments. They were all well noted!.

Yesterday I talked to my car mechanic about continuous duty engines. He
said
they did not really exist but likened it to aero engines which are
required
to run for long periods at a time without missing a beat.

"Yes" he said "they are built to exacting specifications and components
are
replaced after a recorded period long before they fail."
"What about old VW and Subaru engines which are used in home builds" I
asked
"They are usually rebuilt or modified by dedicated and highly competent
amateurs and maintained to a very high standard" the mechanic replied.

So. A continuous duty engine is one that is well built (ie almost any new
engine) and maintained to a high standard (hey I do that to my car
already).

It's all in the maintenance!.

Steve

"Contiuous Duty" Sure they exist. Go check out John Deere's line of
marine diesels. They have them available in various duty ratings,
including continuous. And you bet it's all in the maintenance... give
them clean fuel and air, and keep the oil clean and they'll run damm
near forever.

Ah aren't good news groups great!. I have learnt more on this subject over
the past weeks than I ever would have at a trade show or from a series of
manufacturers sales brochures (and they are very good sources of
information)

I kinna guessed there was a little more to the subject of marine engines,
but not how much. There is now no doubt in my mind that to do anything but
buy one from a reputable source would be a big mistake.

Again thanks for all your input

Steve