Diesel Overhaul Cost

[Genome]

Hi
Looking at buying a used Carver Voyager with twin diesels(Volvo D12C A MP) with 1300 hours.Anyone know when the overhauls need to be done and how much it would cost?
Thanks much
Genome.

[David M]

I think it is better to buy a remanufactured engine over rebuilding one onboard. With a remanufactured engine you know it was professionally rebuilt plus you get the warranty. You might even consider replacing the old diesel with a new tier two diesel. Tier two diesels are computer controlled which allows them to burn much cleaner plus they are a little more efficient. Some are even quieter.

1300 hours is pretty low if it was a well maintained diesel. A well built diesel that has been well maintained can last as much as 10,000 hours. The key word though is "well maintained".

For a diesel what this means is frequent oil changes...every 250 to 300 hours or once a year, whichever comes first. You will also need super clean, moisture free fuel. A good primary filtration system can do this such as what Racor manufactures.

The other factor in how long a diesel lasts is how it is operated. Probably the worst thing you can do is run a diesel under large loads at low RPM's or no load at low RPM's. Some people think this is the economical way to run a Diesel...nonsense! A low RPM high load situation occurs when your diesel is over propped which means the propeller has too much pitch. Don't run your diesel around at 800 or so RPM all the time...rev it up! Burn out the carbon. Diesels love to be run at higher RPM's. If your diesel cannot reach its governed maximum speed then you are slowly killing it.

[Badsanta]

If you are concerned about the engines I would include an engine survey before you buy. That is in addition to the normal boat survey. If you want a price call a rebuilding company and tell them what size and type engine you have. It will always be more as you have to figure removal and install but it will give you more info.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Badsanta

If you are concerned about the engines I would include an engine survey before you buy. That is in addition to the normal boat survey. If you want a price call a rebuilding company and tell them what size and type engine you have. It will always be more as you have to figure removal and install but it will give you more info.

That's good advice.

My Volvo has about 2900 hours on it and shows no signs of trouble.

[FSMike]

After you research the cost of rebuilding the Volvos, you might want to look into the price of new Yanmars (or anything else besides a Volvo).

[scallywag]

How old are the engines? Check to see if parts are available for a rebuild.