[DanOMahony]

Question on refurbished diesel engine - Alameda, CA

Relatively new to sailing. Bought a boat - a 1980 Catalina 30 - with two friends. The engine is totaled - a pump or hose broke and sprayed sea water all over it and it's corroded.

I'm trying to figure out a way to get a refurbished engine, but seems like most mechanics only sell new engines if you want them to install it.

Anyone have advice? I am in Alameda, CA.

-Dan

 

[deniseO30]

welcome "aboard" Dan!

it's the inside of the engine that you may want worry about. the outside can be bead blasted clean Is it the universal 5411?

 

[gamayun]

I had a lot of rust on mine from a leaky water pump. Don't ditch it until you get some good advice. It doesn't take that much to clean it up, change the belts and impellers, change the oil and filters, etc., and see what happens!

Oh, hey, welcome! I just noticed where you're located. My boat's at Treasure Island. You might want to give Hans a call at List Marine. They also provide a class in diesel engine basics. You could sign up for one -- really great info.

 

[MedSailor]

Re: Question on refurbished diesel engine - Alameda, CA

Diesel engines eat exterior rudt for breakfast. Unless there is another major issue your engine is probably fine.

1980 Catalana. That's a volvo right?

 

[TQA]

Hmmm 1980 Catalina 30 with running diesel is worth 10K maybe 12 if spiffy.

What is a bew Beta 14 now 6k with about 4 k to fit it if you are lucky.

Solution sell existing Catalina and buy one with a running engine.

Alternatively bolt an OB to the stern.

 

[DanOMahony]

It's the universal 5411, yah. A mechanic looked at let me know it was totaled, but maybe a second opinion wouldn't hurt.

 

[DanOMahony]

Thanks - that's a great idea, I'll give Hans a buzz on the class, and checking out the engine.

 

[MarkSF]

Something doesn't make sense. An engine doesn't get written off by being sprayed with seawater for a short while. If it was for a period of years, maybe.

You should be able to get a refurbished engine - keep your eyes open in the usual places. Ebay?

The 5411 is based on the Kubota Z500 engine, so another option would be to get a rebuilt one of those, and transfer the marinisation parts over.

 

[JimsCAL]

If you are replacing the engine, consider getting a larger engine. The Cat 30 with the 5411 was really underpowered. Look for a used or rebuilt engine if you are looking to keep costs down. Look for a model that has been used in the Cat 30.

 

[kd3pc]

2nd opinion and repair/replace what went wrong with your current engine...some thing does not add up, that it is "totaled"....

Your are right, most mechanics/yards are not going to risk their time and money on a rebuild/refurb when the margin and warranty of a new engine may be at risk. $6-10K at least, so I would even get a third opinion before I lay out that kind of money on a +30 year old boat

 

[ericirvine]

Dan,

I bought a Bristol 29.9 with a Universal 5416 that had a similar story - raw water pump leak ignored or not noticed leading to saltwater inside crankcase. Mechanic told PO that engine was toast, $12K plus to replace.

I rebuilt the engine completely for a little under $3K, I did all the dis-assembly and re-assembly and had a machine shop do the cleaning and machining. Parts came mostly from Kubota dealer.

You can look ad some older posts of mine for more details and contact me directly with questions.

Best of luck

 

[lillia28]

check dieselenginetrader.com. They often have overhauled engines for sale. That being said, the beta engine line is usually competitivly priced, and has a 2 year warranty, or did when I was looking. You might luck out and find a "take out", but all the ones I looked at had no documentation of any kind. A couple of guys got insulted when i asked to see the engine run. I deided on the Beta, not much more money, but a lot of piece of mind, but then lost the boat in a hurricane. My new boat has a good running engine, so all my research went to waste. Good Luck. Cat 30's are nice boats, but as indicated it may be easier and less expensive to find a boat with a better engine. As far as I can tell, its still a buyers market.
Lou

 

[davidpm]

It's the universal 5411, yah. A mechanic looked at let me know it was totaled, but maybe a second opinion wouldn't hurt.

I would ask what specifically made him come to that conclusion?

On the other hand it is totally understandable why a pro doesn't want to get involved with that motor.

 

[jameswilson29]

Check eBay motors - buy "This Old Boat" by Don Casey and replace the engine yourself. You should be able to find a operable used diesel for about $2K.