Repower Beneteau First 405

[Doug Sandercott]

I am in the process of either repowering my Beneteau First 405, or having the Perkins 1407 rebuilt (for the second time). I'd like to discuss this with anyone else that has done a similar project. especially in a Beneteau First 405

 

[larry w]

repower or rebuild

Doug; Why do you need a second rebuild? What happpened to the engine? My ten-year old Perkins, with 1500 hours, is still going strong and I expect it to last at least another 8500 hours, if not more.

 

[danknoxsf]

agree with Doug

Doug--I agree with Larry. That engine should petty much be good for 10 years or so between rebuilds. Did something "fail" on it? What makes you think you need a rebuild?--Dan

 

[Doug Sandercott]

Repower

Thanks for the reply .The previous owner blew the head gasket, so he took the engine out and had it rebuilt , using many of the old parts. They told him at the time that it didn't need rings? I think this might be my main problem, and I need to replace the rings. This wekend I'm having a compression test done, and taking a oil sample to a local Caterpillar dealer for an oil analysis. Apparently this can give some insite into the state of the engine. I also loose some oil from various seals, but I think the majority of the oil is being burned, by the sloppy rings. I think.

 

[Doug Sandercott]

repower or rebuild

Thanks for the reply. The engine has over 4000 hours. Your question is also mine. The rebuild was done by the previous owner, less than 600 hours ago, and when I bought the boat I thought this was a good thing, and hoped for 2000 or so hours before any work. During the survey the compression test was good. Another good sign. The real issue is the amount of oil it's using. (1 litre every 10 hours) Some is leaking through seals, and I'm told that sometimes is a issue with Perkins issue, but not enough of a problem to rebuild over. I think the majority of the loss is that I'm burning oil. The previous owner when he rebuilt, did not put new rings in, and I'm thinking that is the problem. The interesting thing is that the engine starts well, and seems to have good power. If I want I can easily do 7 knots under moter. (I don't do this but I can). I'm heading south next year, down the ICW. with lots of motoring, so I am not real confortable putting a litre of oil in every day. I figure I'd probably get halfway down to Florida, and need major work, so I'd rather make sure all is well before I leave.Thanks Doug