[Maine_bill]

I know that early 1980 universal 5424 parts are VERY HARD ( if not impossible) to find....exhaust manifolds etc
Will I run into the same situation with say 1984 - 1985 Universal 5416 diesels... Are parts readily available???

Thanks
Bill

 

[sugarbird]

What kind of parts are you having a hard time finding? My mid-80's Universal 5444 is based on a Kubota V1902 tractor engine, and everything but the "marinization" parts (exhaust manifold a biggy) seem to be obtainable with a little scratching around on the internet, once I cracked the Universal/Kubota conversion. Kubota Parts, Kubota Tractors Parts & Head - Buy KB USA seems to have a good selection of aftermarket Kubota parts.

 

[Maine_bill]

Sugar bird
I am familiar with the kabota/ universal parts compatibility issues... But just wondering if parts for the 5416 is as sketchy as the 5424
I passed up an older boat because of the exhaust manifold "POSSIBLY" having to be replaced in the near future..
I don't wNt the expense of re powering
Thanks
Bill

 

[sugarbird]

In that case if I was you I think I'd try searching the internet and calling a couple of the known Universal sources and asking about availability & price of specific parts (like exhaust manifolds). Sadly, the guy who buys "the last one" may report no problems, and the next guy who wants one will report it's impossible to find. I'm hoping I don't have to face that kind of issue anytime soon, but I think a lot of the marinization stuff can be repaired with welding, fabricated or MacGyvered.

 

[MarkSF]

I suspect the situation with 5416 parts is EXACTLY the same as the one with 5424 parts.

 

[ericirvine]

Bill,

Having recently rebuilt my 5416 I can tell you that all the engine block parts are readily available from Kubota and are pretty inexpensive.

I also replaced the OEM raw water pump from Sherwood with one by Oberdorfer, mainly because it was half the price and parts are easy to get for Oberdorfer.

I chose to rebuild my starter motor and alternator rather than replace, and the local shop that did the work had no problems getting rebuild parts. I also saw replacements easily available on eBay.

I don't know about getting Universal-specific parts (like the exhaust manifold), but you might try contacting Westerbeke directly and asking them.

HTH,

Eric

 

[MarkSF]

Eric,

I just changed the raw water pump from Sherwood to Oberdorfer too. Trans Pacific Distributors over here sells them for $215.

I got a bit sick of the Sherwood only lasting 2 years between rebuilds - well, we'll see if the Oberdorfer is any better.

I did rebuild the Sherwood with parts from Marine Parts Source, so I can use it as a spare.

 

[jimgo]

I have a 5416 which we just had to have some work done on. Parts for my particular repair weren't TOO hard to find. I'm not sure about the exhaust manifold.

 

[ericirvine]

Mark,

A leaking raw water pump (Sherwood), caused serious internal damage to my engine before I bought her.

I had an Oberdorfer on a previous boat engine (A4) and never had an ounce of trouble in the 8 years I owned her. I'm hoping for similar 'luck' with this one.


Eric

Eric,

I just changed the raw water pump from Sherwood to Oberdorfer too. Trans Pacific Distributors over here sells them for $215.

I got a bit sick of the Sherwood only lasting 2 years between rebuilds - well, we'll see if the Oberdorfer is any better.

I did rebuild the Sherwood with parts from Marine Parts Source, so I can use it as a spare.