I just received a quote to rebuild the Atomic 4 motor on my 1979 C&C 34. I was shocked at the $6,640 price tag for this job and I asked them to hold off on the repairs while I consider alternative options.
During haul-out this season, it was noticed by the yard crew that the motor was creating knocking sound and I ordered the engine be pulled from the boat for inspection. A few weeks later I received a diagnosis of the problem...here is what they said:
"There was a bad connecting rod that was causing the banging. Also the cylinders are worn out and need to be bored out and larger pistons & rings installed. Along with a bad exhaust valves, bearings and valve guides."
They are suggesting a total engine rebuild. I am concerned that the value of the boat does not warrant such an investment and was hoping to get some feedback from the SailNet community.
The engine needs some work, I understand that, but is a rebuild my best option? I plan on selling the boat in about 3 years for an upgrade, but I can't use/sell the boat with a compromised engine.
Questions:
-Do I ask them to repair the connecting rods and handle the minor repairs myself?
-Do a full rebuild?
-Go all in and do a diesel swap? (hoping that I can extract 50% value when I sell)
-Look online for rebuild motor and have yard install?
Any insight, thoughts, words of wisdom, etc... would be appreciated. Thanks for reading!
-Chris
During haul-out this season, it was noticed by the yard crew that the motor was creating knocking sound and I ordered the engine be pulled from the boat for inspection. A few weeks later I received a diagnosis of the problem...here is what they said:
"There was a bad connecting rod that was causing the banging. Also the cylinders are worn out and need to be bored out and larger pistons & rings installed. Along with a bad exhaust valves, bearings and valve guides."
They are suggesting a total engine rebuild. I am concerned that the value of the boat does not warrant such an investment and was hoping to get some feedback from the SailNet community.
The engine needs some work, I understand that, but is a rebuild my best option? I plan on selling the boat in about 3 years for an upgrade, but I can't use/sell the boat with a compromised engine.
Questions:
-Do I ask them to repair the connecting rods and handle the minor repairs myself?
-Do a full rebuild?
-Go all in and do a diesel swap? (hoping that I can extract 50% value when I sell)
-Look online for rebuild motor and have yard install?
Any insight, thoughts, words of wisdom, etc... would be appreciated. Thanks for reading!
-Chris