1985 Cat 27 Universal 12

[John]

I am looking at a 1985 Catalina 27 with a Universal 12 diesel inboard.It appears that the engine is leaking oil into the bilge, although i dont know at what rate its leaking.Has anyone had this prob?If so what is the cause.Is this a good engine?

 

[Roger]

12?

John,Lots of us have the Universal 5411, also called the M15 (if I remember right),an 11 horse, two cylinder, raw water-cooled antique workhorse. I don't think I have heard before of a '12', but maybe I missed something (I often do).The 5411 is a very sturdy engine, simple, strong enough for a 27, but not real powerful (some are in C30's- a stretch). I have not heard of oil leaks. Raw water cooling does cause problems, of course, as the rather expensive manifold can get blocked up. It also has to be starved to stop: it has no cut off switch (except compression release- which you only should use in emergencies). But they seem to keep running, and running, and... And that makes me happy.RogerC27 #5012 (1982)Cape Cod

 

[Rick Smith]

Universal

John,I have an 1985 27, hull 5901, with a Universal. The engine is rock solid and according to the mechanics I have talked to is the best small marine diesel. As to the oil leak, unless it is coming from the filter housing, you may have a big problem. Definately have a mechanical survey before you buy the boat.

 

[Steve W.]

a few other possiblities

John, a couple of common places to check for oil leaks on that engine include the gasket where the dipstick enters the oil pan and the oil pan drain plug/hose. On mine, the transmission loves to squirt trans fluid out of the vent hole on the dipstick and when mixed with bilge crud, it looks like engine oil. The oil pan may be rusted through or the pan gasket is failing. Good Luck.

 

[Bernard Dry]

Too Much Oil?

Another possibility is too much oil.The first time the dip stick is pulled out,it looks like the level is low. However, after cleaning the dip stick stick and rechecking the level, it shows a more accuratereading.If the engine is over filled with oil, it canwind up in the bilge.

 

[Tom]

Universal '12'

'12' might denote the Universal M-12 or follow-on M2-12 from the mid 1990s. Both fresh-water cooled 11hp versions of the raw-water cooled 5411.If an M-12 or 2-12, it's a good engine especially with the fresh-water cooling. Alot of history behind the "Universal Atomic Diesel' as the early 11hp diesel was called.

 

[Bill]

oil pan leak

I purchased an 84 c27 last spring with a universal m-12 which is a 14 HP engine. It is cooled with a raw water heat exchanger and coolant loop. In my case the oil pan was rusted to the point of being perforated resulting in a very slow leak. I was told the engine needed to be pulled to replace the pan and was quoted a large figure to do the work. Catalina tech support confirmed that the engine would need to be pulled as well. Fortunately I attempted to remove the pan myself and it came off and out with no problem. I ordered replacement parts, pan, gasket, dipstick tube, and gasket and did the job myself. I won't lie, it was a pain in the butt but the point is don't let anyone tell you you need to pull the engine to do this. If it turns out your problem is the same I would be glad to supply the parts info.Good luck and oh yeah, I think it's a great engine!