Advice on Ford 351 HO Efi

[Phillipkol]

I am looking at purchasing a 1996 Jet Boat with a Fuel injected Ford Redline 351 that has about 175 hours. It has a Hamilton jet pump.

i heard that Redline is out of business and that Ford Marine 351s are no longer made. Will I have trouble getting parts, service and repair in future years?

[fishkisser]

I believe there are still a lot of parts to be had for your motor ...
And in 700 hours or so you might be ready for an upgrade or remotor anyway ...:twocents:

[Green Machine]

Best motor I ever had in my old Thunder Jet.

Green Machine

[Okie]

I believe there are still a lot of parts to be had for your motor ...
And in 700 hours or so you might be ready for an upgrade or remotor anyway ...:twocents:


The 351 engine is good for more than 3000 hours before it would need to be replaced and it could last much longer than that with proper care.

Good Luck;

[fishkisser]

The 351 engine is good for more than 3000 hours before it would need to be replaced and it could last much longer than that with proper care.

Good Luck;

All marine motors have longevity in varying degrees , but it is the user who restricts that...
It being a used Motor I err to the low side , if it lasts longer so much the better ...:twocents:

[Okie]

All marine motors have longevity in varying degrees , but it is the user who restricts that...
It being a used Motor I err to the low side , if it lasts longer so much the better ...:twocents:


I have a 351 engine and don't sell it short. It will go and go and go.

Any engine will go bad with lack of care and abuse.

Good Luck;

[Okie]

If you are doubtfull about the engines condition, take a compression gaiuge and measure each cylinder. With these numbers I can tell you the condition of the engine and how long it will last. This is the scientific way to do it.

Then it would be how much rpm you operate at and how you maintain the engine as to how long it will last.

The engine will go much longer than most people think. I have never really seen a boat engine that was worn out. Most went bad from neglect and poor maintenance, before they wore out.

Good luck;

[Halfhooked]

Ford Small block V-8's are wonderful motors. like anything else, how well you take care of it and perform routine sevice will go a long way to how long it goes. I have a friend with an older jet boat and he has over 1200 hrs on his. BUT, he changes oil every 20hrs and is a little anal on his maintenance. maybe over maintains it?


At any rate, its a small block ford- lots of hard parts available. ALMOST as many as small block chevys.

I would be more concerned about marine specific parts like manifolds and such, but at one time, ford marine motors were just about as prevelent as chevs so i dont know if id sweat it too bad.

The car/truck 5.8L 351's have been known to do 150K miles and more.......i think youve got a winner if you maintain it. my .02

[WaterDog]

Redline Marine is still in business. They are in Lewiston ID. I'll send you the contact info via PM.

[Okie]

You can still buy parts for some antique cars so you'll be able to buy parts for the 351 efi engine for many years to come. It's a excellent engine and will last you a long time if treated properly. "Some of the parts are interchangeable with other models of ford V8 engines so they will be available for many years.

Good Luck;

[MattPark]

I own and have the factory service manuals for that engine. 90% of the parts are Ford OEM, I've never had a problem getting any part from any of the marine companies that use that engine.

[Green Machine]

I would rather have a well maintained motor with high hours than a motor that has sat around with virtually no hours. The hardest thing for a boat motor is to sit. Even harder on them is to barely get them warm and then shut them down. You see this a lot from guys who anchor fish.........fish five days a week and yet only have 100 hours on the main motor at the end of the year. Run them, maintain them, and they will last at least 2,000 hours in my opinion.

Green Machine