In a message dated 9/24/07 12:00:49 AM, Rob writes: > This has been a fascinating thread and I hesitate to digress from the core > issue but there must be some out there who, like me, have trawler style > hulls which are run at hull speed (7kts for 1.2) but are powered by big > gasoline engines. We run our two 454 Crusaders at 1,400 to 1,600 rpm to > achieve 1.2 to 1.34 or 7 to 7.8 kts. What might the long term effect to the > life of the engine be? Should we be regularly running at WOT to "clean it > out?" We get 6 gph at 7.5 kts, and are hoping for 3,000 hours out of the big > Chevys. > > I have never seen a case where a gasoline engine was injured by running it slowly and under light load provided: 1. The thermostat and cooling system permit the engine to get up to normal operating temperature. 2. Oil is changed regularly according to the manufacturers recommendations. 3. The engine is not run too lean. 4. The air cleaner is serviced regularly. Most gasoline engines die of neglect rather than overuse. If you are kind to your engines, you should get 3000 hours without trouble. Larry Z ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com