Diesel Engine Survey Question

[Joel]

I'm on the cusp of buying a boat and have a question regarding how to assess the diesel's condition. One marine surveyor I spoke with said that the engine oil analysis ($75 if done separately) that he has done will uncover anything that a diesel mechanic's inspection would. Specifically, he claimed that there's nothing the mechanic would find that the engine oil analysis wouldn't, and that the mechanic might easily miss something that the engine oil analysis wouldn't. He cited compression problems, crossflow between the oil and coolant systems, excessive overheating, excessive ring or cylinder wear, and others I don't recall as all leaving evidence in the oil.

Other than, say, a visual inspection of the belts, which even I could do, can this be true?

As always, thanks,

Joel
Pokey II
'73 Ty #549 (still for sale)
Bayside, NY



bondy_joelNOSPAM@hotmail.com

[Warren Kaplan]

I'm on the cusp of buying a boat and have a question regarding how to assess the diesel's condition. One marine surveyor I spoke with said that the engine oil analysis ($75 if done separately) that he has done will uncover anything that a diesel mechanic's inspection would. Specifically, he claimed that there's nothing the mechanic would find that the engine oil analysis wouldn't, and that the mechanic might easily miss something that the engine oil analysis wouldn't. He cited compression problems, crossflow between the oil and coolant systems, excessive overheating, excessive ring or cylinder wear, and others I don't recall as all leaving evidence in the oil.

Other than, say, a visual inspection of the belts, which even I could do, can this be true?

As always, thanks,

Joel
Pokey II
'73 Ty #549 (still for sale)
Bayside, NY

Joel,
I'm no mechanical whiz and I would feel very uncomfortable assessing a used diesel engine without a qualified diesel mechanic looking at it. Unless you yourself really are experienced with engines, I would suggest you get an expert opinion. Just a thought here. If you are going to plunk down "big bucks" to buy a boat, you might consider doing both. Have a mechanic look at your engine AND have an oil analysis. Sort of a belt and suspenders approach. I'm in the medical field and while "lab tests" are invaluable sometimes, a GOOD physical examination is a must to get started. If I had to pick one or the other, I'd let a good mechanic give the the diesel a physical exam.

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27
Oyster Bay Harbor, NY



Setsail728@aol.com

[Reed Erskine]

Warren's absolutely right. The oil analysis won't tell you if the prop's too big, or the engine is out of alignment, or if the raw water pump shaft seal is leaking. One of the basic tests of an engine is to sea-trial it at its top rated RPM's for a few minutes. If the running temp increases, or it fails to reach rated RPM's this could indicate some potential problems. Good oil analyses can be had independently for a lot less than $75. For $12.50 TEK-5 Inc., P.O.Box 700, 4 Central CT. EXT., Derry, NH 03038, will send you a bellows kit to draw a sample from crankcase thru dipstick tube, and send you a thorough analysis. Remember, oil must have been used for at least 10hrs in engine prior to sampling, and engine must be warmed up so sample oil has been thoroughly circulated. Tek-5 phone number is 603-434-4108.

Good Luck, Reed



rerskwin@netscape.net

[Ken Cave]

A good mechanic is worth their weight in gold when inspecting an engine. I tried to purchase a CD 25 with a Yanmar in Anacortes, and the engine looked great (the boat was a mess). I had my mechanic look at at, and he took pictures of the severe rust that was on the oil pan and in the back of the engine-something I had not spotted before, nor did my surveyor.

He also noticed that the transmission fluid was about half full, and probably had not been changed since the boat was new (l983) Now this transmission only takes a few ounces!

Do both!! The extra money is well spent when purchasing a boat-because installing a new engine is mighty expensive!!

Ken Cave
CD 28 #227
Anacortes, WA.



bcave@whidbey.net

[Jon]

Joel,

What if he just changed the oil yesterday, in anticipation of the survey? What would the oil analysis show then?


Jon
CD25 Sovereign

[Boyd]

HI Joel...

An oil anlaysis is only one tool to measure the preformance and condition of the engine.

Use it with a good mechanics inspection, compression test, and sea trial and you will have a pretty good picture of the engines condition. Dont let someone talk you out of getting all the information possible before you buy the thing. A good oil anlaysis can tell a lot about an engine.

Boyd
s/v Tern
CD 30 MkII
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

I'm on the cusp of buying a boat and have a question regarding how to assess the diesel's condition. One marine surveyor I spoke with said that the engine oil analysis ($75 if done separately) that he has done will uncover anything that a diesel mechanic's inspection would. Specifically, he claimed that there's nothing the mechanic would find that the engine oil analysis wouldn't, and that the mechanic might easily miss something that the engine oil analysis wouldn't. He cited compression problems, crossflow between the oil and coolant systems, excessive overheating, excessive ring or cylinder wear, and others I don't recall as all leaving evidence in the oil.

Other than, say, a visual inspection of the belts, which even I could do, can this be true?

As always, thanks,

Joel
Pokey II
'73 Ty #549 (still for sale)
Bayside, NY

Boyd@wbta.cc