2QM15 should I upgrade

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Kevin

I need some advise. I have a 2qm15 in my hunter 33 1979. Unknown hours but I am sure quite a bit. Runs great always starts quickly. Reverse gear was rebuilt about 5 years ago. Its always had a distinctive whine noise in forward gear. Had to pull the trans yesterday to fix a minor problem with the dampener plate. Before I new what the problem was I called around to try and find a kbw10 gear and found out they are very rare. Some parts are discontinued and very expensive to fix . One guy actually said about 3000 if you had to replace all the hard parts. Should I consider selling this 2qm while it is in good running condition and upgrade to a 2gm or keep it and take a chance that everything will stay together? Also does anyone know of any sources for used kbw10 gearboxes or parts. Just curious what others out there think. Kevin
 
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Ed Schenck

Excellent question.

Except for the tranny part I could change your question to "2QM20" and pose exactly the same one. Mine is a 1979 H37C also with unknown hours and runs like a top. You probably have the same concern about the weight/horsepower ratio. My situation is a little different in that the 3GM replacement is almost the same horsepower. The 2QM20 is an honest 20. But the boat displaces over 18000#. Somewhat related is a question I asked of Torresen Marine. "Should I replace my two-blade folding with a three-blade fixed for a planned trip where there is a lot of current?" Ike Torresen responded that it would help very little, more horses is what I need. I have been mulling this over for five years now. If I only continue to day/weekend sail in Lake Erie I will keep the 2QM20. If I really do leave the lakes as I plan then I will most likely replace with a Bukh diesel. Not much help with your question I am afraid.
 
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Steve Weinstein

Definitely!!!

My '81 h33 came with the original 2QM15 with a SenDur Heat Exchanger converting it to fresh water cooling. Constant overheat problems which were never solved. I eventually sold the disassembled engine on Ebay for $700 but could probably have gotten about $2,000 if it were running fine. I bought a new (this was in 2001) 2GM20 and haven't looked back. 75 Lbs lighter, 6 more hp (up from 12 hp to 18 hp) and at least 50% quieter. Not to mention about 6" shorter, lengthwise.
 
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Pete

engine swap?

Kevin,If I read you post correctly the reason you want to switch engines is because of a tranmission.IMO if you are happy with the current engine and it is in good shape and you are satisified with its performance (as to how it runs the boat)why not think about getting a different model tranmission(if possible)AFTER the current one dies.You may have to do some redesigning of the shaft etc.but you would most likely have to do with a power swap anyway.The current tranmisssion could last years and only whine but still be operative and reliable.Since you engine is a older model the resale will be nil so you will have a major expense to do a power change why not wait and do it when you have to instead of now? In most cases you will not recoup your cost on resale as most buyers don't want to pay for a new engine(it will add to resale but won't equal cost)Your 23 year old engine with above average hours (1oo per year X 23 is 2300 hours) is still got alot of life in it. these engine can go 5000 to 8000 hours with regular care.So maybe my point is ask yourself how long will you keep this boat and how important it is to you and how you use the boat.A new 2 or 3 gm Yanmar (w/trans) will cost between $5500 and $6500 plus installing.You could go years sending less with a trans swap and in a worse case you will do the power swap if and when needed.Just another side of the issue to think about!
 
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David

2 QM upgrade

I keep thinking that I will upgrade from my 2QM 20 but everytime I get close to a new engine purchase I talk myself out of it as the current engine keeps going and going and going........
 
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J. Tesoriero

The transmission can be rebuilt

I recently had the KBW10 transmission on my 2QM15 rebuilt at Mack Boring in NJ. The engine runs great and with the correct prop configuration my boat performs well under power.
 
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Bob

How much for the rebuild?

How much for the tranny rebuild from Mac Boring? What was the extent of the rebuild? My KBW10 is just starting to slip in forward and I'm considering a rebuild soon.
 
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Kevin

Bob

It was about 700 for the rebuild. Thats a basic rebuild assuming all your gears are OK.
 
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Kevin

Decision made on my upgrade one more question

Decision is made, I have purchased a 2gm20f and am going to sell my trusty 2qm15. Any Ideas what I should get for it?
 
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Pete

what would you pay?

Kevin, there is not a good rule as to what used engines are worth,however think about what you would pay for it if you wanted it.Take into account no/bad? trans and age/condition of engine. The problem is most people would do what you did and replace it with a new/newer engine model. You might what to try e bay or could you trade it in on your new engine?Try and find out what a rebuilt cost and try for half of that cost. You could also list it here on HOW in gear for sale section.Just some thoughts Good Luck !
 
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Bob

Remove the transmission?

How did you remove the transmission from your 2QM15. I have a 78 Hunter with the same engine and transmission. It appears to me that the engine must be removed from the engine compartment before the trans can be taken off. The rear eng mounts attach directly to the bell housing. Am I missing something or is there an easier way? I'm also very interested in how well the 2GM20 goes in.
 
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kevin hostler

Bob

Had to take off prop shaft take off motor mount nuts.Remove exhaust hose. Pick up the rear of engine and block it up and remove transmission. On the 33 I can do it from the cockpit storage area. Its a little tight but I had it off in about 1.5 hours.
 
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