Give up on outaded Diesel or mount new outboard????

[Bigjer40]

Just bought a 1984 Hunter 27 with a Westerbeke 10 Two engine that was very neglected. I have discovered that alot of the parts for this engine are obsolete and not available thru parts stores. All the hoses need replaced, etc. etc. etc.

Is it an option to add outboard mount and put a brand new outboard on her

I know I need to replace all engine hoses (coolilng hoses). Most likely need to replace salt water pump because rebuild kits are no longer available ($375). Wondering if I should just take all the hoses off and label them and take them to a hose shop or if I need to get special marine hoses?????

The engine compartment is so small I can barely fit in it. The previous owners have made some strange mod's and seems like a major project.

I don't even know if the outboard is possible, but I am thinking about it. I should also add that I have a wheel and not a tiller.

Thanks,
JB

 

[Sail123]

Somethings you only get one chance to get it right. You could fool with the engine and end up spending a lot more money. I just purchased a 1976 sailboat with a diesel engine, Yanmar YSM 8. I will not so much as look at it, she goes to a dry dock marina and gets a full service going over. They could easily spot stuff I would miss.

 

[Manny]

Are you really sure you cant find parts?
My friend has an Oday with what I am pretty sure is a 10-2 in it and he has absolutely no problem getting parts. He just picks up the phone and calls Westerbeke directly and in a few days he has what he needs at his doorstep.
Actually the ease of getting parts and the reliability of that little engine is a couple of the reasons I would go with a westerbeke if I decided to finally repower.
That being said, i have an outboard on my 27 and it's fine. The two main issues are that it definitely messes up the lines of the boat, and in big waves it pops out of the water (so I keep an eye on the forecasts).

M

 

[Bill1565]

I'm with Manny. Westerbeke parts are widely available thru Westerbeke distributors. Here in Florida RB Grove is a master distributor and Tom Piper is a very helpful guy. Downside of that is that parts are expensive, no Autozone or Napa prices.

Outboard is certainly and option, but it's going to be UGLY and not work well in waves. Will also destroy any resale value. Might as well mount a room A/C in the compainway.

 

[Bigjer40]

Loud and clear! Thanks! Just frustrating to see $800 dollar alternators and $1100 starters etc. But, I was warned about how spendy the sailing life is my main Westerbeke dealer over here kind of acts like I am bothering them when I ask for parts on my "ancient and outdated motor". Maybe I start looking on line. I do know the raw water rebuild kit is no longer available. Have to buy a new model.

 

[kloudie1]

Bigjer, ya need to cultivate a gear headed friend (beer and sailing time has been known to work with me) or mechanic who knows the interchanges so that the $800 alternator becomes a $150 one .. Most alternators can be rebuilt by a good shop for $100 or so.. those are usually options to a brand neew unit.. Same with the starter mostly can be rebuilt for a lot less and there are usually alternates available at lower prices.. I don't know that particular engine, but I suspect it is a "marinized" stationary or small tractor engine from Kubota .. The trick is finding the interchange.. Best of luck.. and do not convert to outboard unless the biggest wave you're ever going to see is less than one foot.. Welcome Aboard and have fun !!

EDIT: The diesel is most likely a Mitsubishi made tractor engine.. not kubota..

 

[Bigjer40]

Bigjer, ya need to cultivate a gear headed friend (beer and sailing time has been known to work with me) or mechanic who knows the interchanges so that the $800 alternator becomes a $150 one .. Most alternators can be rebuilt by a good shop for $100 or so.. those are usually options to a brand neew unit.. Same with the starter mostly can be rebuilt for a lot less and there are usually alternates available at lower prices.. I don't know that particular engine, but I suspect it is a "marinized" stationary or small tractor engine from Kubota .. The trick is finding the interchange.. Best of luck.. and do not convert to outboard unless the biggest wave you're ever going to see is less than one foot.. Welcome Aboard and have fun !!

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I am sure that once it stops raining, I can fix some leaks, and make some friends down at the dock, I will have a completely different outlook Right now I just bought a boat that is sopping wet and I cant run the engine because water or coolant is leaking onto the altenator. I just need some sun and time off work to solve all of that!

Cheers!

 

[Merlin Clark]

A bearing shop can hook you up with seals that will fit your pump and flat gaskets can be cut out of auto parts store gasket material with an exacto knife using the body or cover as a template. A little permatex will help the seal.

If your local parts place doesn't carry impellers I'm sure they can be found online.

I'd stick with the diesel.

 

[Bigjer40]

A bearing shop can hook you up with seals that will fit your pump and flat gaskets can be cut out of auto parts store gasket material with an exacto knife using the body or cover as a template. A little permatex will help the seal.

If your local parts place doesn't carry impellers I'm sure they can be found online.

I'd stick with the diesel.

Thanks, I actually have an impeller kit, but it's the pump rebuild kit that is no longer available. Flipping the backing plate isn't an option, it is scored on the outside pretty bad so it looks like the previous owner already flipped it. I don't think it is leaking from the backing plate, I think it is the weep ports by the seals. I am pretty sure I need a rebuild or new pump. And I will replace all the hoses while I am at it.

Thanks for the post. I agree with everyone else on keeping diesel, I was just a bit frustrated last night after crawling in the engine compartment

 

[Benny17441]

It is possible to add an outboard to the boat and many have added a 15HP to the h27. Remote controls are a must and it will not interfere with the boat's steering. Now having said that you must be advised that while the setup works adequately well in protected waters it does not work that well in large swells found in coastal waters or offshore. The boat's pitch motion in waves of 3 to 5 feet will cause the propeller to come out of the water at intervals thus loosing propulsion. Another drawback is the type of fuel. You will need to carry and store gasoline which is much more flamable and explosive than diesel. From what you indicate it seems the diesel engine is running so perhaps it may be worth while to have a good mechanic look at it and see what it would need to get it up to a reliable good working condition. If it can be done for under $2,000 I think you will be ahead of the game as an outboard conversion with a 15HP engine will run you around $3,000.

 

[MrUnix]

I had an H27 and don't think I would want to put an outboard on it. I know some have though. But it seems to me that it would cost much less to fix the diesel and have a nice reliable engine. How much do you think it will set you back to reinforce the transom, install a new motor mount, cable it for remote control and purchase a new outboard?

If you can do the work yourself, it will be even less. Hoses are pretty simple. Rebuilding/replacing a water pump is a bit more work, but still pretty easy.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Bigjer40]

"Another drawback is the type of fuel. You will need to carry and store gasoline which is much more flamable and explosive than diesel."

Great Point! Didn't even cross my mind!

 

[Bigjer40]

I had an H27 and don't think I would want to put an outboard on it. I know some have though. But it seems to me that it would cost much less to fix the diesel and have a nice reliable engine. How much do you think it will set you back to reinforce the transom, install a new motor mount, cable it for remote control and purchase a new outboard?

If you can do the work yourself, it will be even less. Hoses are pretty simple. Rebuilding/replacing a water pump is a bit more work, but still pretty easy.

Cheers,
Brad

Yeah I agree, its just that this diesel looks like the original dinasour that came from the factory and when I call Westerbeke dealers for parts they have to knock off dust and cobwebs to find the catalog to find out which part has replaced the original part and which part has since replaced the replaced part etc. etc. etc. Then they have to figure out what bracket I need to use the third generation part and if they can even find the bracket. Once I get the bracket, I get to cram my 6'2" 250 lbs body into a hole the size of a watermelon to try and fix it. I realized the cost of the initial set up of outboard, but compared it to the rest of the oem Westerbeke replacements ($800 altenator, $1100, etc. etc.) and just got hysterical for a second. But that is where you all come in and slap some sense in to me :cussing:

Im done complaining, I have a boat!!!!!!!!!!!! I will figure out a way to get the diesel in tip top shape or pay someone to do it.

Thanks all,
JB

 

[Dan Johnson]

BigJer...

"Ancient" and "antiquated" coming from a dealer sounds like FUD factors (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) being used to lead you down the "replacement" path. As pointed out, Westy parts should still be readily available and guys with diesel knowledge shouldn't be too hard to "waylay" with a pizza and beer lure...

 

[amcmahon]

Hey JB, I feel your pain - after 4 years of fighting my 10Two (water pump, fuel pump, leaking fuel lines, exhaust mixing elbow,etc.) the trans went. I got lucky and found a guy in Florida ( a Yanmar dealer) who sold me an new Yanmar YM15 for $5,411 delivered to NC. Installed it myself while boat was on a mooring. Yanmar mechanic came out and certified. I had dealer add a port in the cooling system so I could connect a hot water heater. So I probably have the only h27 with hot and cold water and then converted the sink faucet to one with a 6 ft hose so I can take a hot shower on deck.
Every sailor has his/her own plan. I use my boat a lot - already have over 2,000 hours on 5 year old engine. It starts immediately, no water or oil under and lots of power for strong currents around here. What worked for me may not be right for you but I went out 2 days ago for a few hours of PURE PLEASURE! Be patient. Tony

 

[Bigjer40]

"Ancient" and "antiquated" coming from a dealer sounds like FUD factors (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) being used to lead you down the "replacement" path. As pointed out, Westy parts should still be readily available and guys with diesel knowledge shouldn't be too hard to "waylay" with a pizza and beer lure...

hooray for pizza and beer! Seriously tho, try and find a sea water pump rebuild kit for a W 10Two. Or a complete pump for that motor. I found one in Canada but they can't ship to the US west coast. This isn't one dealer, this is on the internet and many retailers. I really dont want to scammed on ebay. I will figure it out tho, not gonna do the outbaoard

 

[Stu Jackson]

Pumps:

www.depcopump.com

 

[shipwreck66]

With the exception of a couple oddball British models, ALL diesel engines, regardless of make, model, size, ethnicity, race or origin are rebuildable. If you've been talking to Marine dealers, start talking to their farm implement equivalents, Komatsu, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Caterpiller, etc. someone has the parts to rebuild that engine, and for a fraction of the price.

 

[Bigjer40]

With the exception of a couple oddball British models, ALL diesel engines, regardless of make, model, size, ethnicity, race or origin are rebuildable. If you've been talking to Marine dealers, start talking to their farm implement equivalents, Komatsu, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Caterpiller, etc. someone has the parts to rebuild that engine, and for a fraction of the price.

Sweet Thanks!!!!

 

[centerline]

With the exception of a couple oddball British models, ALL diesel engines, regardless of make, model, size, ethnicity, race or origin are rebuildable. If you've been talking to Marine dealers, start talking to their farm implement equivalents, Komatsu, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Caterpiller, etc. someone has the parts to rebuild that engine, and for a fraction of the price.

I agree with the above post..... there are a few companies around that specialize in supplying parts and support for the industrial type engines. you just havent found one yet. keep asking different places and you will find a dependable source to supply you with all you need at a fair price..
once you get your little westerbeke diesel back into proper shape, you will be very happy you kept it rather than switching to an outboard. they are very reliable with very little maintenance to keep them that way.... and old means nothing.... if it isn't wore out and used up, you have a good solid base to build on....