Rebuild or Repower?

[PollyCD30]

We need to replace the transmission on our Cape Dory 30. We pulled the engine and found much rust on our original 1984 Universal diesel. The engine runs well, but it seems like a good time to clean her up. We need new engine mounts, a new muffler, a new oil pan, needs wire brushing and painting, and who knows what else is ready to go.

Any thoughts on repowering vs. rebuilding the diesel?

If repowering, any thoughts on which is the best diesel - Volvo, Westerbeke, Yanmar, Universal, Beta or another?

If rebuilding - any thoughts on where to have it done? The boat is in Maine.

Thanks, Dave

[seajunkie]

Where you unhappy with the performance or noise/vibration of the Universal in the past? Unless you weren't happy with the performance I would freshen up the Universal and save some $$.

[Kilgore]

A new motor would possibly be cleaner, emissions wise, if that matters to you.

[Joe CD MS 300]

I faced the rebuild / repower decision last fall after dicovering a bad cylinder on my Westerbeke-46. Went to the Hanson Marine class last November to get a little more informed. Wound up going with a new Westerbeke-55. The cost of the new was about 33% more. That doesn't include the reconfiguration of motor mounts, exhaust, alternator etc to accommodate the new engine. That can add considerable to the cost of a repower. Another important consideration was the continued availability of parts for a discontinued engine.

Other than the unexpected cost of the repower there were no problems and totally satisfied with my yard who did the work, Johanson Boatworks Rockland, ME. I did have a problem with my old Sea Frost compressor which might have kicked because of the somewhat higher RPM's of the new engine. That caused a little excitement as the smoke made me think we had a fire in the engine compartment.

Good luck with whatever way you go.

Joe

[Steve Laume]

I have the same set up as you on my CD-30. This spring I noticed slippage in my transmission when put in foreward gear. I asked the Univeral rep at the Mystic Wooden Boat show what I could expect and what my best options would be.

This is from a very knowledgeable guy that would love to sell a new engine. What he told me was that I should change the fluid, not push it too hard and I could probably make it through the season.

So far it has been sound advice. We did a two week cruise, although we couldn't make full cruising speed under power and it added some degree of stress, we did just fine.

The other advice was that I should move the engine to the cabin sole, replace the oil pan gasket, motor mounts and heat exchanger. I have already done all new hoses but that was an additional suggestion. He discounted any rebuild if the engine was starting and running well.

I might also pull the starter and have it gone over. I painted the engine in place a couple of years ago but it could use it again and I could get at the back side a lot easier. The oil pan was a concern as I once saw an engine in our local shop that was only there because the pan had failed and the engine seized.

Raven is coming home to sit in front of my shop this winter so I will have everything I need to work on her. The trans rebuild I will have done but I think I can handle the rest. There will be a significant amount of labor involved but I have more time than money.

This will give me a chance to clean up the engine compartment. Add some more sound dampening, install that hose to the oil drain plug and a few other little bits in there.

An ounce of prevention and if it ain't broke will be blended in my treatment of this situation. I have absolutely no complaints with the way the universal engine preforms.

I figure doing what I have in mind will be much less than $2000.00. If the engine ever does need to be rebuilt at least I will know how to take it out, Steve.

[Paul D.]

I may be facing the same issue in a year or two. My '82 Universal 24 runs well but I wonder at the vibration and transmission so if I pull it I reckon I should clean up, soundproof, re mount etc. Parts availability is a concern and I would ask around about that. The Kubota design is very sound but the marinized parts are what get hard to find.



If I went new, which cost may prevent, I would go Yanmar or Beta as I think any new motor replacement would require new mounts.

All the best,
Paul

[marka]

I had the YSM-8 in our 27 rebuilt about 7 years ago. At the time it was the right decision.

If I had a major engine failure today, I'd repower and do the installation myself. The availability of spare parts, the prospect of a lighter, quieter, smoother running engine would dominate my thinking. A big chunk of the repower cost is labor so I would take that on myself

[trapper]

We plan to repower Saga (25D) this winter. Her 1gm needs work. It smokes, dirtys her stern and leaks oil. I am sure Ben could fix it if he pulled it out.

I purchased a 2gm to replace it--but we talked and the 2 gm, even rebuilt, is going to be a used engine. We are selling the old ones (1 and 2 gm) and purchasing a new one. We are keeping Saga. Ben is still able to do the work himself so I think it is the right decision for us.

If you are not going to keep the boat, then I am not sure it would be worth it.