Thay are rated really low on power, but make a ton of torque.
I was talking to one old-timer. He said the governor can safely be turned up to 4K rpm w/o any ill effects. That would bring the power rating way up. These were made to run all day, every day and last for 10 years in the process. A true industrial engine.
I know an old truck mechanic, he said that the V6s are almost indestructable and capable of high RPMs. What holds true to the V6, can usually be applied to the V12.
He also said that even if water gets into the engine, it usually doesn't damage the cylinders. The blocks have a high content of nickel, making the cylinders really durable.
These guys can (and have countless times) take an old Poppin' Johnny that's been sitting in a field for 50+ years, break the engine free, bring it back to life and it'll continue to run for a long time. Old iron is really durable.
