diesel life

[Stan Wheatley]

I recently have looked at two CD 28s, one '78 and one '79, both with original Volvo diesels. As the asking prices plus the cost of repowering would be an order of magnitude more than the finished products would be worth, I am curious what is a normal useful life for one of these motors assuming average care (neither of these boats is in stellar condition)? Is there anything in particular my mechanic should be looking for?

Thanks much.



smw@capecod.net

[Larry DeMers]

Stan,

The Volvo MD7A/B should be able to get 4-5000 hrs. between major overhauls, understanding that the engine must have had it's oil changed at least twice every year, or at around 100 hrs. max. The engine new will be hitting in the $7-9k range, and $4-5k range to rebuild entirely.
The mechanic and you, should try to start the beast cold (do not let the seller start the engine ahead of time.."to warm it up" (and also cover up any cold starting problems). It should crank easily, and each cylinder should sound the same as it gets compressed. It should start from cold, in 3-5 sec. if really top notch, and certainly within 30 sec. of cranking if worn. My 5 yrs. since major overhaul / rebuilt engine starts in 2-3 sec..or the first compression stroke..at 15 deg. out. I have to advance the throttle as it cranks however.

Have the mechanic do a wet compression test of both cylinders. This will determine the compression of each cylinder. They should be very close to each other, and above 100 lbs. Check the oil for grittiness (indicating too long betweeen oil changes) by rubbing a small sample of oil between two fingers. It should be slippery, and free from any grit at all. This is unburned carbon byproducts that you feel if it is gritty. Change the oil sooner in the future.

Good Luck!

Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30

I recently have looked at two CD 28s, one '78 and one '79, both with original Volvo diesels. As the asking prices plus the cost of repowering would be an order of magnitude more than the finished products would be worth, I am curious what is a normal useful life for one of these motors assuming average care (neither of these boats is in stellar condition)? Is there anything in particular my mechanic should be looking for?

Thanks much.

demers@sgi.com

[David B.]

I recently have looked at two CD 28s, one '78 and one '79, both with original Volvo diesels. As the asking prices plus the cost of repowering would be an order of magnitude more than the finished products would be worth, I am curious what is a normal useful life for one of these motors assuming average care (neither of these boats is in stellar condition)? Is there anything in particular my mechanic should be looking for?

Thanks much.

I would concur with all that was written in the other reply and add checking the condition of the fuel tank, hoses, filters, etc. I also have a 79 28 cutter that the previous owner informed me was rebuilt 5 years ago. I am unfortauntely having to put her up for sale. She has been described by others as the cleanest they have looked at recently. If interested E-mail me. I tried to e-mail you but it kept coming back.



dbcfc@aol.com