himself

I have a 502 carburated, with aluminum elderbrock heads. Has 150 hrs, wondering if its time to check and or replace valve springs and retainers hear a lot of the blue motors needing this. Just wondering is mine is the same or not?? Thanks in Advanced...

Griff

What are the cam specs???????? Cam lift and the quality of valve springs used will determine a lot.

himself

Not sure, bought it new from dereberry performance marine in 2002. Been a great motor just not sure if its time to start checking things b4 there's issues. Was advertised as 502/500 horse...

JaayTeee

Like Griff said.

And where do you typically run the engine ?

If it spends alot of time at the upper rpm ranges
it will need attention sooner.

I would hope though, at 150 hrs. they should still be ok.

Griff

Probably a slightly modified GM crate engine then. I would think you are ok for at least another 50hrs. The Merc 500HP's generally start needing springs around 200-250hrs. The carbed 500's used bad springs so some of them had issues earlier.

himself

Griff and JaayTee... thanks for the advice. I run it between 3800 to 4600 rpms mostly... with some bursts to 5400 rpms. its a great motor, just been reading lots of threads about valve spring failures at 150 or more hours, granted its the blue motors but wasn't sure. thanks again.