Uh-oh, looks like I need a new motor

Ed Schenck · Dec 12, 2005

No good alternatives.

There are less expensive engines but that only reduces the cost from $11k to 9 or $10 k. Some of the choices are Bukh, Vetus, Universal, and Westerbeke. There is always the DIY option, maybe with help from some diesel friends.Bukh: Related LinkVetus: http://www.vetus.com/frame-cat.htm

Ross · Dec 12, 2005

Go to

Boat diesel and check that site. there is a lot of knowledge there.I installed my engine when I replaced the Atomic Four. But my place for the engine was easy access and I have mill wright experience.

Rob19574 · Dec 12, 2005

Try a rebuild

I would look into getting it rebuilt...try another shop. I rebuilt my '78 Yanmar and it works great for about 1/4 price!Rob

don954 · Dec 12, 2005

check ebay

i have seen several rebuilt 20-30 hp marine motors there with sell prices less than 3k$.

OldCat · Dec 12, 2005

Give this link a try . . .

You could try the link below, it is a site called diesel engine trader for used and rebuilt diesel engines. They have marine listings.

tom h · Dec 12, 2005

I don't get it

Ran into a problem once. Had to convince women they could assemble a chipper-shredder and commercial walk behind lawn mower. I asked them if they could bake a cake, froma recipe. They all said yes. I showed them the recipe for building the units. No problema after that.$4000 to take out and install a motor? Are you nuts? It's a diesel. Do you hire a crew to sail yoiur boat while you just sit there? Course not. Now is your chance to tinker. You can take the motor out in pieces (just label everything and use zip lock backs for the pieces parts.) Yoiu can rebuild the motor for ???? whatever the rod costs, plus the gaskets and such. Once the motor is out (You might get away with doing it on the boat), disassemble it. Run into problems? Call and ask any truck mechanic or truck service writer. The library would be a good place to start to find a manual on the motor. Get a torque wrench, some tools, and have a blast. Believe me, it isn't rocket science, if you have the recipe. But first, take 3/4 cup of flour (the white stuff that plugs your intestines), chop up and add 3/4 cup of pecans, add 4 teaspoons diced butter(its measured on the stick, just cut it on the line....and make sure you peel the paper off before using), add 3 oz crumbled blue cheese. Mix till it form a dough. Roll into a 2" roll Refrigerate overnite. Take out and slice into 1/4 inch slices, lay on cookie sheet, and bake at 950 degrees for three days. Naw, you bake it at 325 for 30 minutes or so. Then get a cold one or twelve, and pnder the problem. You just made crackers, how hard can it be to make a motor? Or replace it (even easier as someone else made the motor). Don't be a woos, go for it. The hardest thing you ever did was probably asking your wife to marry you. This is a piece of cookie compared to that.

patrick · Dec 12, 2005

tom h, is that how they do it in cleveland??

and why do you say oh after cleveland? Is it thats what you do after you say something excitin?Can you really cook crackers on a cookie sheet?If I cook it on the engine, how long does it go for? The library didn't know...Shaick and baike, and I hailpd...

Ross · Dec 12, 2005

There are

alot of machine shops the specialize in engine rebuilds. You strip the engine of everything that isn't piston, cylinder head, crankshaft, connecting rod, valve train. As before label everything. even take pictures. Cylinders can be sleeved. crankshafts can be ground, cylinder heads can be completely refurbished. All of the bolt on stuff can be replaced. Injection pumps can be overhauled. I don't know the rate at which you earn money but what you don't spend you don't have to earn.Yes patrick you can bake crackers on a cookie sheet and if you like a sprinkle of sesame seed is nice.

Larry Wilson · Dec 12, 2005

Worn out engine

As to rebuilding, unless you do a total rebuild, you still have a nearly forty year old engine, and unless you have ALOT of time, and mechanical inclination, it ain't quite like baking crackers. Used engines are used...you already have a used engine, and it broke. If you repower, bite the bullet, and buy new. At least you have a warranty if something goes wrong. You might consider the Beta engine line. Parts are less expensive, and more often available. I can put you in touch with a distributor on the west coast of Florida if you'd like, who can give you a quote. If he can't be competitive, or supply the right engine for your needs, he'll say so.E mail me at Radicalcy(at)Yahoo.comLarry Wilson

Capn Dave · Dec 12, 2005

How does one spin

a rod. Bearings yes rods no. You can bend the crap out of them, you can even break them, spin one? I don't think so. All you really have to do is replace the bearings and mabey grind the crank (worst case senaro.I spun a bearing on a Perkins in Chili. No dammage to the crank. We just replaced the bearings. I did all of them, the engine ran fine for 6 years, and I think it's still going. I sold the boat.Fair WindsCap'n DaveI sail therefore I ARRRRRRRRRRRR

higgs · Dec 12, 2005

I like Tom and Ross

Do it yourself. One of the reasons installation of a yanmar is so much is probably due to the modifications that will need to be done for the new engine. By rebuilding - you just pull and reinstall - align the shaft, connect the wire harness and go sailing. I went throught this with an atomic 4 - thought about going diesel. I did the right thing. I pulled the engine myself - had a machine shop put the short block together - bolted on the ancilliaries and dropped the engine back in all for under $1k - I did have to replace any major parts. I was amazed at how easy installing the engine was. From the time I pulled up to my boat with the rebuild to running and on the move was 3 hours.

Landsend · Dec 12, 2005

If your not the handy type

What some guys call easy as baking, to an unhandy person might as well be brain surgery. I'm presuming that you only got one quote and it's very high. Try getting other quotes. I also presume that the price includes a new transmission? You live in Florida, you should be able to find a better diesel mechanic or boatyard to do the repair or replacement more reasonably priced.Good luck.

BarryL · Dec 12, 2005

Gee Tom, do you go to the Doctor?

Hey Tom,Why go to the doctor when you have a health problem? You can certainly look up everything you need in a medical book, right?Maybe there is a reason that a good diesel mechanic has a whole lot of tools, and a whole lot of experience, and, just perhaps, been to a whole lot of school.I do have some engine rebuilding experience. I'm not a mechanic. There is no way I would suggest to a casual person that they could teardown, diagnose, and rebuild a diesel engine. Maybe a lawnmower engine, but not a diesl that is going to cost big $$ to repair after they screw it up.Do you have any idea what the condition of the orignal poster's engine is in? Motors don't just spin bearing's for no reason. I would think that this motor, considering that it's old, probably has a few other problems, besides just the bearing.Barry

kendall · Dec 12, 2005

old engines

You can rebuild a diesel as easily as a gasser, torgues are tighter, and the parts are heavier. other than that the same theories come into play. I'd say tear into it, and look for other damage, then make your decision based on that, if the bearing spun it's because of an oiling issue, whick -could- cause other problems. Last 4 popper diesel I rebuilt cost approximately $1200 total, including crank turning, rings,rods and mains, gaskets, and cam bearings. Sorry to all the proponents of the new engine off the bat, but a spun bearing is not reason for a new engine, unless you have a new one sitting there. And, if I were to have the choice, I'd rather have an older engine than some of the newer ones.Ken.

jk kudera · Dec 12, 2005

What everyone has overlooked

is the fact that sonofasailor has a 1970's diesel engine, probably in a 1970's hull! There is no doubt in my mind that the replacement of his diesel with new will not be the correct thing to do. A rebuild is best, but first take inventory of what you now have, how many other up grades need to be done? Will a rebuild of the engine allow you several more years on the water with little in necessary repairs? Would using the money for the new engine,(assuming you have it) allow a down payment on a newer boat? Take some time, make the right choice.

Tom Mendenhall · Dec 12, 2005

Don't worry

Hey Sonof,Ask yourself these questions;1) What are your financial limitations?2) How much motoring do you do per year?3) How long do you plan to keep the boat?4) What is the boat worth?(I ask myself these several times per year on a business level as a contractor with dozens of construction equipment diesel engines)If you plan to keep the boat indefinitely, and motor a LOT (that's the key), it's worth buying the new engine and consider installing yourself. New engine technology makes for smoother, quieter, cleaner burning, more power and more fuel efficient operations. When you install yourself it also helps you down the road tremendously with future troubleshooting and maintenance when you're out there by yourself.If you generally only motor to get in and out of docking/mooring and are fortunate enough to sail most of the time, take the Volvo out and either rebuild it yourself, or have a shop do it, and reinstall. It's realy not nearly as daunting as you fear. Just jump in!Hope this helps.Regards,TM

Landsend · Dec 12, 2005

I remember "Sonof" from prior posts

You we're compalining about money in another forum...maybe it's time to find a less expensivesport. Could it be you days of sailing on this boat have ended? Could be time for a new boat.Ultimate cheapest solution...put a used outboard on the back, but quit the complaining about money.

Capt Jim24025 · Dec 12, 2005

Have you looked at electric?

I'll qualify this by saying I don't know anything about these electric motors.A few months ago, there was a guy on eBay bragging about the electric motor he had on his 30+ ft boat. It sounded interesting, so I did some research. You can Google "EP Electric motors".He had a 15 hp motor (I'm sure they come larger), connected to his prop shaft and golf cart type batteries. The motor doubles as a generator, so when you are sailing the prop turns the generator to recharge the batteries (OK for cruising, bad for racing). The whole setup with transmission, engine, and controls was less than $1000. I don't know what the batteries cost. I guess the weight of the batteries (very heavy) would offset the weight of the diesel engine you are taking out.Does anyone else have any experience or information about these? I guess the advantage of these would be a super-quiet motor and no exhaust fumes.Good luck,Capt Jim

tom h · Dec 12, 2005

thanks

Some very intelligent replies. As for being a doctor from reading, why yes, I am. Who do you think you are going to call in the middle of the ocean that makes boat calls? You better ead and become aware of the medical things necessary to survive.I too got the spun a rod. But what interested me is the Perkins repair shop in my neighborhood. I went over there a few times to spend time to see how they do things, talk to the mechanics about the wear and tear on a Perkins Diesel, and things like how many hours they get before they need a rebuild. I was told they run forever, which is a saying, not reality. I also wanted to check on the cost of parts as I have a Perkins 4-107. A sailor should not be afraid to do anything, from being a doctor to being a mechanic. I'm not saying you will be one from reading. But not trying? It isn't in my book.I like the idea Tom Mendenhall posted. Everything depends. You got some great advice here, now what are you going to do?

Uh-oh, looks like I need a new motor

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tom h

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tom h