Just curious. I have two 454/330's in my '94 Sunsation. Just bought the boat last November. One engine shows 500 hours...the other shows 600 hours. Owner claimed closer to 400 on each due to leaving the ignition on several times.

Assuming normal wear and tear, what would be the expected life out of these before major rebuilding is needed?

Is there anything that should be done now (cost effectively) to maintain/extend their life?

You out there Kaama??? I know you're the man when it comes to these motors!

These motors can go along time. Chaning the oil often is the single most important thing for these engines. My 330's don't have oil coolers so I really watch my oil temps and try not to run WFO for more than a few mins. I have seen 1200hrs on 330's more that once. Mine had 800 on them when the boat sank.

I have a 454 EFI 330horse in my boat. Last i checked had 700hrs 2 seasons ago. It runs great. Shooting for 1200 hrs. Only have had normal maintenence done.

The big killer of these motors are, leaking exhaust riser gaskets, and bad impellers causing over heating. Take care of both with proper maintaince, and they will live a VERY long time.


Darrell.

keep a eye on the valve springs.the 330motors did not have big cams,but 400 hrs on springs you are getting close to replacement time.my 330 in my pachanga had 389hrs and was in need of springs.i guess in a fish boat,or family boat you could go more....but on a performance boat you know at some point and time wheather you or the last owner has run her hard.a small price to pay,verse,s a whole motor.

Hmmm...just outta more curiosity, any ideas on a ballpark reasonable price to get valve springs replaced if I decided to do that?

Like I have said many times, I got 1600 hours on a 454 / 330 (1987) and it was still running strong when I pulled it. I later sold it to a guy with an express cruiser who needed a cheap engine. I lost track of the guy, but he was still going strong 3 years later on that engine. I changed the oil once per season, and used either M1 or Amsoil in it. One year I went over 200 hours, so I changed the oil at about the 100 hour mark since it was mid summer. I can tell you that I dont run the engine at WOT all the time, actually more like 3000-3500 cruise.

I cant see it being much over 4-5 hours to pull the exhaust and do the spring change. You figure pull all the manifolds and riser to inspect, plugs, valve covers, do a leakdown and compression test before going to far,valve train, air, r&r spring and shim, do all 16, lube and re-install valve train after inspecting, adjust valves, valve covers back on, new manifold gaskets install exhaust, hoses and clamps, plugs, maybe cap and rotor, do a once over, start it ck for leaks and go boating. Maybe less..and this on a single engine boat with room to work. Twins hard to get to 8 or a shade over.