Detroit 60 series 825 Hp research/issues/

[Toolate]

I have a friend considering the purchase of a 48 Sportfish express which has twin 825hp rated Detroit 60 series engines- 1700hrs on one and 2800+ on the other. 2003 Vintage dont know S/N’s. I have read a number of posts online in various forums back in ‘03-05 regarding concerns for their longevity in installations over say 500 hp and also some commentary on faulty aftercoolers backflooding (and severely damaging) engines as well as some rumors/discussion about exhaust manifold issues.

Can anyone offer a little advise on these engines and what to look for? Big bucks for the boat and he could use a little help if you have a minute. Looks like one of the engines was rebuilt or replaced at some point so has me thinking…

Thank you!

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[Toolate]

This is good news (I think) and will obviusly have to do some research on the boat. Can anyone recommend a surveyor to look them over if he decides to go ahead with it?

[Tony Athens]

My direct experience with this engine goes back to 2003. We’ve done at least 6 since and all have been 100% long term high annual hours engines .. My 1st pair in the pics are pushing 30,000 hours and have been very good over all.. Yes, Detroit has had “growing pains” but they have also stepped up to the plate well beyond the warranty period expired…………

But with all that said, these have all been engines rated at 600 HP or less,,..

Now to your “friend” and these early 825 HP rated 13 yr old engines.. That would scare me IF these engines have run in a “planing hull”, have run much of their cruising time in the planing mode and the GPH on each engine exceeded 25 GPH when on plane.. .. I would consider that the upper limit for cruising for this vintage of the Series 60..Just because the engine can burn over 40 GPH per engine, does not mean it should be asked to do that.

So, IMO, it’s a true world class base engine ( the engine kicked Cummins ass in the truck market in the early to mid 90’s) , but like any of them, it all comes you to the nut behind that wheel as to how the are set up, and how they have been maintained & operated..

As to rebuild costs should you go there –Genuine Parts cost are like any MTU/German engine ( beyond crazy) and labor would not be far behind unless you find and “oldie but goodie” mechanic that does not work for a Detroit distributor.. ..

Not sure if my input here will help or hinder..

Tony

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