Need diesel for Alberg 30

[Wewe]

I'm new but I'm sure that y'all have heard this one.
I want to replace my Atomic 4 with a diesel (prefer kabota account tractor parts are easy to find ). Any help would be nice.
Prefer 20 to 25 hp. Also I found a 21 hp kabota that has low hrs. What does it takE to make this work ( eXaust , transmission one to one or gear Reduction 2 to 1 )?
Thanks

[jameswilson29]

eBay is your friend. Be prepared to drive a long distance to cart the engine home.

[nickmerc]

What is wrong with your A4? I have found mine to be an excellent engine and very easy to work on. Depending on the condition of yours it may be substantially less expensive to repair/upgrade/replace in kind.

I know of an Alberg 35 where the A4 is more than adequate. This boat was cruised from Annapolis to the Carribean and back.

[PorFin]

Wewe,

I'd recommend that you do careful research and evaluate the entire cost/benefit relationship before you commit to this project. Best to do your research now before you start spending money.

Repowering is a pretty significant job, and there's a lot more to it than just dropping in a new engine. In addition to the engine itself, you also need to think about all of the associated components/systems. Even if you go with a "drop in" replacement for the A4, you may need to adjust your engine beds to accommodate the new block and the drive line. You should also look at your raw water cooling circuit, exhaust system, fuel supply & return, prop shaft & coupler, transmission, prop, etc.

Take a look at this thread.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by Wewe

I'm new but I'm sure that y'all have heard this one.
I want to replace my Atomic 4 with a diesel (prefer kabota account tractor parts are easy to find ). Any help would be nice.
Prefer 20 to 25 hp. Also I found a 21 hp kabota that has low hrs. What does it takE to make this work ( eXaust , transmission one to one or gear Reduction 2 to 1 )?
Thanks

Recommend finding a used Universal 5421 or 5424 with Hurth transmission. You do see them for sale. This way you get the whole marinisation kit. (or M25 which is the later version)

You could still use the Kubota block you found, with the old marinisation kit. It's going to be easier than locating all the parts separately.

You didn't say what your budget is, but a brand new Beta Marine will cost $8K to $10K but it's a more modern engine with better fuel economy.

[Wewe]

Thanks for all the advice as I am brand new to all of this. I have been working on the atomic 4 for 2 days and finally got her to run. It actually runs great in the harbor but to look at this rusty pile of a motor just scares me to think that I'll have to trust this. I think that I will try her tomorrow for first time but it does look real rough. Had 2 spark plugs that broke off that I had to easy out but did manage to get them out. I couldn't believe just how good it runs. I still want diesel so any help would be great. Thanks.

[CalebD]

First of all, congrats on getting your old A4 running. They are hard to kill. Mine is from 1967 and still ticking along. The A4 was the first widely used Universal engine in boats back in the day. There are still quite a few of them running and in operation.

Actually, if you research it fine enough you may find that most Universal and I think Yanmar diesels are made with Kubota blocks but 'marinized' parts which are all re-branded.
I helped a friend find 3 new glow plugs for his 5434 Universal engine lately. The place that sold 'Universal' glow plugs wanted $80+ per glow plug. I did some cross referencing and found the same plugs for $8+ per plug from a Kubota dealer. Total savings: $205; total markup by Torreson: 100%.
I forget which Kubota engines are 'drop in' replacements for the A4 but they do make them at Beta Marine: Beta Marine US Ltd. Distributors for Kubota based marine diesel engines and generators for sailboats, yachts and trawler boats.

[jameswilson29]

Originally Posted by PorFin

I'd recommend that you do careful research and evaluate the entire cost/benefit relationship before you commit to this project. Best to do your research now before you start spending money.

Repowering is a pretty significant job, and there's a lot more to it than just dropping in a new engine.

This is good advice. While the Alberg 30 is a great boat, if you are seriously considering re-powering with a brand new diesel, you might be better off financially in the long run by selling your Alberg 30 and simply buying another sailboat with a recently installed diesel.

It is still a buyer's market and there is some classic plastic out there with relatively new diesels in them.

Personally, I would find a used diesel instead of installing a brand new diesel in a 40 year old boat. I doubt you will ever recover your investment in a new engine.

[nickmerc]

In case you decide to keep working on your A4 look at the Moyer Marine site. Lots of excellent information there and tons of support from forum members and Moyer himself.

As mentioned above, a repower is an expensive endeavor. You may want to think hard about what other projects you can spend that money on. My A4 has been running great since 1974. There has never been an issue with it. Just do some more research before you drop that kind of cash.

[Wewe]

I would love to find a quality used diesel setup.
I am sure the A bomb will go till next spring but if I could find used D motor.
Thanks for all the great advice. If any one can tell me where to look further please do.