I'm advised by my mechanic that the Universal M12 inboard diesel in my boat has seen way better days and that it's time for a replacement. It is currently inoperable. Can anyone recommend a replacement make & model? Can anyone comment on the value of removing the existing engine and rebuilding it?
272LE Engine Replacement
- Thread starter fhujber
- Start date
-
- Tags
- 272 272le oday oday 272le
I agree with Les about the Beta - I'd look at this; https://www.betamarinenc.com/engine/beta-14-a4-replacement/
- and rebuilding. The M-12 is based on a Kubota Z-400 engine.
- and rebuilding. The M-12 is based on a Kubota Z-400 engine.
Another question. The Universal Diesel is the OEM engine, and if this is the first rebuild, that means 20, 25, years of service. That might be the textbook definition of reliable. What would be the better "option" for the day you sell the boat to move upto a ODay 30/31 or 34/35? A 272 with a rebuilt OEM engine, or the Beta engine. I've heard good things about the Beta, but it is a "change". I like Corvettes, but hate customized Corvette, and seldom, if ever, are they worth more money. Wouldn't the same thinking apply to the 272?
I don't know what the used boat market is like in your area but I know that you never get back what you put in if you have to pay someone else to do the work. If you can rebuild the engine yourself you should do it otherwise I think you'll get a dime back for every dollar you spend. Depends on how much you like your boat!
If you can find a used Z400 tractor engine it's a simple job to transfer all the "Marine" parts from the old to the new. That's the bell housing and gear, the water cooled exhaust manifold and HX, and the raw water pump. Paint the new one Universal Bronze and no one will ever know it's not original. I'm now doing that with an M25. Used engine off eBay for $1200 and done deal.
For a thirty-year-old boat, it's in pretty good shape excluding the engine. Hull is solid and free of bubbles, stress cracks are minimal and small, standing rigging looks clean. The outboard solution had been suggested, but somehow doesn't feel right when I consider why I selected a 272LE in the first place. A well-regarded mechanic nearby has offered to go through the engine with me in his shop and determine if it can be fixed. (He thinks it can.) If so, he'll guide me through the repairs. If not, I'll be looking for a replacement inboard, preferably new.
Our O'day 272 LE was delivered to Wichita from the factory in Ma. and still has the original 10 hp.engine manufactured in Massachusetts by Westerbeke a.10 hp...We purchased the boat in 1986 or 85 directly from the O'day dealer in Wichita.....aside from changing the oil, the engine has required no repairs......I did have an issue with the gages in the stern of the cockpit but it was easy to fix and the Westerbeke folks were very willing to help with any questions or concerns.....Good luck to you.......Patrick in Wichita..