I am in the process of buying a box stock '98 38 Fever with HP500 carb power. The motors have 450+/- hrs on them. They are stock as can be- and have had a leak down test done and show no issues. I have heard 250hrs is a top end on these things. I do not want to walk into a $3500 a side problem . . . anyone experienced HP500 kids out there that can give me the skinny?

If they havent been done its way overdue,,,,,,,heads need to be pulled and gone through,,,, and time for a head gasket inspection

I am shocked that this has not been done yet- the current owner has every receipt from day one (is the 2nd of 3 Fountains he has custom ordered over the years- a 35, this boat and his current 42). I am looking at $4K to have the heads done . . . which is not what I want to hear . . . .

I actually am to,,,, I didnt want to make you panic,,, but I wouldnt run it until its done,,,, I just finished one last week with 420 hours ,,,,, it had 7 broken springs ,,,, corroded valve stems and 2 blown head gaskets.

Great motors,,, just need a little care,,,, This job was right at 4k,,, but was a worst case scenario.

Dont let anyone talk you into changing springs with the heads on the motor,,,, head haskets need to be checked as do the guides and seats.

i did my springs over 300 hours ago but whats wrong with the head gaskets? talked to another 98 500 hp owner over the weekend with 250 hours he said was stock nothing done to it.

I have 400 hrs on mine and have only did springs at 260 hrs they both still run strong with no issues, i do change oil and filter every 20 hrs with royal purple. maybe its time to pull heads and go thru them, what about the bottom end on these motors any real worries at 400 hrs.

not always,,,,, BUT ,,, more times then not,,, the head gaskets are failing at 300-400 hours or so,,,,,for the couple extra bucks,,, its worth pulling them to see whats going on,,, check the guides,,, and also the seats with the new oxygenated fuels.