Ananda:
The chainplates are nearly impossible to inspect, but the good aspect is that few have failed. Some have failed and this is usually due to leaking saltwater into and under the plate covers up on the teak cap rails. Again, down below its hard to inspect without cutting the liner. There are photos up on
IPphotos.com (search "chainplates" in there)
As for an engine with 3000+ hrs, I would have a cylinder compression test done on each one and that will tell you how clo9se you are to rebuild. Some of these run 5000+ hrs, others need rebuilt in 2000 hrs. So find out from your compression test.
Hayden
