Coming up on 300hrs on pair of 525efi engines in my 2007 Baja 35 Outlaw. Will do all the fluids, filters, etc ofcourse, but MercRacing recommends a Compression Test at this time.

This is going above my paygrade so will have to hire out. Ideas on cost for this job with hard to reach plugs on side x side engines? I do have new OEM plugs that I'll be sure are gapped to spec to go back in. Any pointers on getting the job done in such tight space besides 6' foot long arms, etc lol.

TIA,
Ian

You should do more than a compression test........there are many threads on needing valve job, lifters, and possible rocker arms if yours have not had any of this work done

Lots of threads on the topics with mixed feedback.

some say do springs and that’s it…

others say spring, lifters, rockers, push rods, and valve job.

im a proponent of the latter…if you are already in there might as well replace everything.

Thanks guys, yep have lurked all over many of those subject threads. I will say mine are babied motors, was hoping to be in that camp that MercRacing talks about where folks have 850 hrs and never cracked them open.

Friend has a 2002 or so 500efi, almost 600hrs, never cracked open and to be honest he had no idea of the lube change for the mechanical fuel pump every 25hrs. So thats original fluid in there for him. FWIW....

850 hrs ? maybe on the black motors, I know of some who have broke lifters and rocker arms @ 200-250 hours............guess its like a box of chocolates

I would have them do leak down test as opposed to a compression test. It gives more info about engine health.
If the leakdown is good, I'd leave them alone for 100-150hrs.
Plugging them into a scanner will also tell you how many hours they have been run in 500rpm increments.

Probably looking at 2ish hrs labor per engine for leakdowns and plug changes

Ya that sounds like a good idea, maybe overkill but perhaps do both tests. Now to find someone solid in the greater Central TX area to do the service. Hmmm.

I have the Smartcraft Screen, here's what its showing for hours by range increment.

82% of all hours run are below 3500 RPM...

With only 120hrs above 2000rpms and only 8 hrs over 4200rpms, those engines should still be rock solid. Those engines have had an easy life. Personally, I wouldn't even bother with comp tests or leak downs.

Too kind Griff, thank you...since I already bought the plugs, feel like I at least should do Comp Test and install the new ones, lol.

Have to get to the magic 300 hrs first though, haha!.