I recently put an offer on a 1995 Catalina 320 but after the mechanical and sea trial I found that the wind gauge was not working(although the anemometer spun) and the mechanic sent the following notes.
ENGINE INSPECTION/SURVEY
Catalina - Perkins Engine
1. First impression: overpowering diesel smell
2. The engine has numerous leaks: throttle shaft, valve cover and others.
3. The mounts are at the top of their studs and do not hold the engine well.
4. Fuel is leaking from the Racor filter.
5. The oil absorbs under the engine are loaded with oil and coolant.
6. The heat exchanger and expansion tank show recent work. The heat exchanger has studs that are too long so washers were added to take up the length, but some studs are loose.
7. The cooling system is dirty.
8. The bolts for the circulation pump are too long.
9. The PSS shaft seal is dirty and needs cleaning.
10. The starter is rusted, probably from some of the water leaks.
11. The anti-siphon loop is not properly installed.
12. The exhaust system design allows far too much back pressure.
13. At idle the engine shakes very badly.
14. The crankcase pressure is above average.
15. The oil in the engine smells like soot; the engine has often been overloaded and may have missed a few oil changes.
16. The transmission shifts well into forward and reverse but the engine shook so much that leaving it in idle was questionable.
17. The engine is not in very good condition and needs a lot of work. But I question the merit because the engine has been overloaded most of its life which likely has caused abnormal cylinder and valve wear. A new engine installation would cost from 15 to 20 thousand dollars.
The boat ran well in the sea trial but did shake tremendously at a slow idle. I trust my mechanic but I am wondering if I am going to need repower the boat or pass on this Catalina. I would appreciate any input in the next couple days. I am deciding how much to reduce my offer.
Ken
PS If any one has had any experience repowering a 320 I would also appreciate any insights. Thanks
ENGINE INSPECTION/SURVEY
Catalina - Perkins Engine
1. First impression: overpowering diesel smell
2. The engine has numerous leaks: throttle shaft, valve cover and others.
3. The mounts are at the top of their studs and do not hold the engine well.
4. Fuel is leaking from the Racor filter.
5. The oil absorbs under the engine are loaded with oil and coolant.
6. The heat exchanger and expansion tank show recent work. The heat exchanger has studs that are too long so washers were added to take up the length, but some studs are loose.
7. The cooling system is dirty.
8. The bolts for the circulation pump are too long.
9. The PSS shaft seal is dirty and needs cleaning.
10. The starter is rusted, probably from some of the water leaks.
11. The anti-siphon loop is not properly installed.
12. The exhaust system design allows far too much back pressure.
13. At idle the engine shakes very badly.
14. The crankcase pressure is above average.
15. The oil in the engine smells like soot; the engine has often been overloaded and may have missed a few oil changes.
16. The transmission shifts well into forward and reverse but the engine shook so much that leaving it in idle was questionable.
17. The engine is not in very good condition and needs a lot of work. But I question the merit because the engine has been overloaded most of its life which likely has caused abnormal cylinder and valve wear. A new engine installation would cost from 15 to 20 thousand dollars.
The boat ran well in the sea trial but did shake tremendously at a slow idle. I trust my mechanic but I am wondering if I am going to need repower the boat or pass on this Catalina. I would appreciate any input in the next couple days. I am deciding how much to reduce my offer.
Ken
PS If any one has had any experience repowering a 320 I would also appreciate any insights. Thanks