2001-02 32' convertible engines

[socal66]

I'm interested in a 2001-02 32' convertible. My research suggests that the Marine Power conversion engines have a history of problems. Without going into all the details, apparantly the blocks they use, small and big, have overlapping valves, which when converted for marine use, allow water-moisture in and corrode the valves. resulting in failure. From what I've read Marine Power, to date, has not addressed this as have other engine manufacturers. It seems like almost each owner(salt water) I've talked to with these engines has had to replace atleast one. Other than looking for one with diesels, which I believe was the only choice starting in 2003, does any one have any opinions on this concern.

[Esquire]

I would stay away from Marine Power like the plague. I have heard the same thing with regards their water ingestion, and MPs refusal to fix the design problem. I beleive the best gas marine engine is Crusader, without a doubt. I have a 2000 360 C with 8.2 crusaders. Good engines with a very good customer support system. Had an issue with rough idle, Crusader had me send in the ECMs on both engines, they reprogrammed them this spring, and it appears to have fixed the problems. All free of charge even though the engines a WAY out of factory warranty. Can't beat that.

[socal66]

One article indicated this problem only occured on big blocks. Another that it only occured on engines without (enclosed) fresh water cooling. I don't believe either is correct. I'd like to know if Marine Power has, as of 2001, made any modifications to prevent the problem as other manufacturers have. Others made a modification to trap the condensation and prevent it from making its' way to the valves, and exhaust it overboard. Any additional info would be appreciated before I cross boats with these engines off my potential buy list.

[TexasTee]

I've owned my 97 model 32 C for 4 years. It has Marine Power 454's that have about 700 hrs each & have never been touched other than regular maintenance. My experience with thes engines has been nothing but great.

[Esquire]

Well, that just goes to show that personal experience can always top "what someone else said". I recall that at least one Luhrs owner had a nightmare with MP engines that routinely failed and were replaced without the injestion issue being fixed. Apparently Luhrs stepped up and help the owners replace them with Yanmar engines. There is also a very good article written by David Pascoe, a marine surveyor about comparing marine gas engines where he compared Marine Power, Mercruiser, and Crusader. Just google his name and you should get to his site. That might give you some more information that would help.

[dnkstarr]

My wife and I had a 320 open with 454 Marine Power engines. It did have a closed loop cooling system. When we sold the boat a year ago it had in excess of 2500 hours on the engines. When I purchased the boat it had around 600 hours on it. Both engines were still running strong and good when we sold her. I did use MP customer service a couple of times with good results.
One thing I did with these engines is replace the Risers and Manfolds every two years regardless of condition. And also a compression check every year to keep a close check on the engines. And of course the normal stuff.
A good engine survey is always a option as well.