I often read about Catalina owners on this forum discussing the pro's and con's, problems and issues, etc. of the Universal 11 and 25XP, but little about the M-18. The M-18 was apparently the step up option over the 11, but was only available for a few years before the 25XP came on the scene. The M-18 is the two cylinder 14 horse model. If you are an M-18 owner, or have had any experience with this model can you please provide your opinion(s) with this engine relative to dependability, repair issues, maintenance, etc. Your feedback will be appreciated, and the M-18 community will get the benefit. Regards Bob 1988 CAT-30
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Seems fine
Hello, I have that engine in my Newport. This is my first year with the boat (and any diesel engine) but it seems to be a fine engine. Mine is an 86, starts and runs great, no problems at all. The regulator on the alternator went bad, but that has nothing to do with the engine. Anyway, it starts right up, idles fine, makes good power, doesn't smoke, and is very efficient. It is a little loud, but my boat does not have any sound insulation. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Barry
Hello, I have that engine in my Newport. This is my first year with the boat (and any diesel engine) but it seems to be a fine engine. Mine is an 86, starts and runs great, no problems at all. The regulator on the alternator went bad, but that has nothing to do with the engine. Anyway, it starts right up, idles fine, makes good power, doesn't smoke, and is very efficient. It is a little loud, but my boat does not have any sound insulation. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Barry
Universal M-18
I've got an M-18 in my 84 C27. It's been a great engine, and has given me no trouble since I purchased the boat in 1999. The M-18 always starts easily, idles smoothly, and offers good power (plenty for my C27, even in coastal/tidal conditions). It's also very economical--it'll burn between 1/4 and 1/2 gallon per hour, depending on your throttle setting and cruise speed. I change the oil in mine twice per year: once in the fall, after haulout, and once during the summer, about mid-season. This is overkill, as I only typically put 50 hours on it in a year. I also change the fuel filters (primary Racor, and secondary on the engine) once per year. The engine is a bit noisy, but my boat lacks sound insulation, and I don't think the M-18 is any louder than other two cylinder diesels. Randy
I've got an M-18 in my 84 C27. It's been a great engine, and has given me no trouble since I purchased the boat in 1999. The M-18 always starts easily, idles smoothly, and offers good power (plenty for my C27, even in coastal/tidal conditions). It's also very economical--it'll burn between 1/4 and 1/2 gallon per hour, depending on your throttle setting and cruise speed. I change the oil in mine twice per year: once in the fall, after haulout, and once during the summer, about mid-season. This is overkill, as I only typically put 50 hours on it in a year. I also change the fuel filters (primary Racor, and secondary on the engine) once per year. The engine is a bit noisy, but my boat lacks sound insulation, and I don't think the M-18 is any louder than other two cylinder diesels. Randy
Tough Engine
I have 84 Catalina30 with M-18. Due to what turned out to be an unrelated problem, I rebuilt the engine last winter. It then had about 800 hours on it. there was almost no wear apparent in the engine. No ridge in the cylinder and no apparent wear on any internal component. Everything in effect was Ok. Rings were replaced but they really didn't need it,as well as the connecting rod bearings,also were really ok but since I had gone this far, I replaced them. I agree the engine is loud and sound deadening really didn't seem to help but I think it's a tough engine. Had the same engine in small industrial tractor that ran for many years without problems.
I have 84 Catalina30 with M-18. Due to what turned out to be an unrelated problem, I rebuilt the engine last winter. It then had about 800 hours on it. there was almost no wear apparent in the engine. No ridge in the cylinder and no apparent wear on any internal component. Everything in effect was Ok. Rings were replaced but they really didn't need it,as well as the connecting rod bearings,also were really ok but since I had gone this far, I replaced them. I agree the engine is loud and sound deadening really didn't seem to help but I think it's a tough engine. Had the same engine in small industrial tractor that ran for many years without problems.
Consensus Is Its Loud
I appreciate the responses. So far so good with mine, but I am in agreement that it is a bit noisy and sound insulation is not going to do that much. Thanks Bob C-30 '88
I appreciate the responses. So far so good with mine, but I am in agreement that it is a bit noisy and sound insulation is not going to do that much. Thanks Bob C-30 '88
M-18
I have over 1250 hours on mine and it runs great. Glow plugs allow it to start immediately, even in cold weather. Self bleeding fuel system is also a big plus. Highly recommended.
I have over 1250 hours on mine and it runs great. Glow plugs allow it to start immediately, even in cold weather. Self bleeding fuel system is also a big plus. Highly recommended.
1986 M-18, 1100 hours...
and it has never failed to start, uses no oil, never smokes, is very reliable and runs great. Replaced the injectors at 1,000 hours and saw an improvement in cold starting, top end rpm and idle. Not a big difference, but enough to justify the effort. Switching to Shell Rotella 15w40 from 30W also helped with cool morning starts, just sems to turn over a little faster. I change the oil twice a yr, run at 2400 rpm and make sure it runs at least 30 minutes under load at 2000 rpm minimum every time I start it. Very easy to work on. Don't forget the filter in the bottom of the electric fuel pump. Steve W.
and it has never failed to start, uses no oil, never smokes, is very reliable and runs great. Replaced the injectors at 1,000 hours and saw an improvement in cold starting, top end rpm and idle. Not a big difference, but enough to justify the effort. Switching to Shell Rotella 15w40 from 30W also helped with cool morning starts, just sems to turn over a little faster. I change the oil twice a yr, run at 2400 rpm and make sure it runs at least 30 minutes under load at 2000 rpm minimum every time I start it. Very easy to work on. Don't forget the filter in the bottom of the electric fuel pump. Steve W.
M-18 1988 C-30
I am in agreement with other responses that the M-18 is a trouble free engine. We have not serviced engine at all except for all filter replacements fuel and oil at end of season. We have been very happy with trouble free operation.
I am in agreement with other responses that the M-18 is a trouble free engine. We have not serviced engine at all except for all filter replacements fuel and oil at end of season. We have been very happy with trouble free operation.
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