Universal M18/14h.p. Question

[Paul]

Next week I'm having my mechanic check out a C 27 with the Universal 14hp diesel. Are there special tools or adapters necessary to work on this engine? Or will ordinary tools be sufficient for a routine check up? Thanks for any input...

 

[Gordon S.]

Checking Universal M18

My 27 was surveyed this Spring. No disassembly was performed by the surveyor. We warmed up the engine after insuring a good start on the glow plugs. After warmup he ran engine at top speed moored to the dock and watched for over temperature, also any emmissions fom exhaust, such as oil, smoke. Did same in reverse. Then surveyor took out stethoscope probe and listened carefully to upper engine (valves) and lower (bearings), also transmission, while under load. Then checked for unusual engine vibration (mounts) and any whipping in shaft line (misalignment). Checked for leakage of coolant, cracked hoses, and v-belt. That was about it. Engine passed. Looked at oil stick but explained that diesel lube oil gets black very quickly. Being nervous type I changed the oil afterwards but after two trips it was black again. Guess he was right. Engine has run great all season except for diesel soot on transom for which there seems to be no cure except periodic cleaning of hull. See a prior post.Good Luck.

 

[Steve W]

heat exchanger

I have the same engine in a 1986 Newport 28 MK II and it does not need any special tools that I know of. It is metric. By the way, I have found it to be a great engine, plenty of power, very responsive, never smokes, starts instantly, uses no oil, and burns hardly any fuel. Make sure you look hard at the heat exchanger...they are almost too small for the engine when the water temp is above 80 and the ambient temperature is above 90...the engine will run hot about 2300 rpm in those conditions. Many owners have upgraded to a larger heat exchanger if they live in warmer climates like here in Florida. There is a zinc pencil screwed into the bottom of the exchanger on the port side. Remove it and see if any zinc is left...good indication of how well the engine was maintained. The engine is a converted Kubota tractor engine, also used on Onan generators. I am very pleased with mine after 1,000 hours. Email me at jibehome@prodigy.net if you have any more questions. Good Luck