Kubota

[Marksman]

I looked at the Universal conversion before I bought the Beta, I decided the Beta was done better, and was less expensive.

[redcobra]

Originally Posted by Stede

Ut oh....The Kubota adapted diesel aboard the boat I'm looking at is a light blue. From what I've read here, that indicates it's a "Universal" adaption. I've read one good, and one bad opinion here concerning the Universal adaption. How could a company named "Universal" be bad? The name just means the engine can be used on other planets and stuff, doesn't it?

Could be Nanni which is also light blue.
Nanni Blue here
http://www.nannidiesel.com/index.php...emid=6&lang=en

[Maxs]

On a Universal, the manifold says UNIVERSAL in big letters on the side ... Do you have a pic of the engine???

[tartansail]

Originally Posted by Stede

Ut oh....The Kubota adapted diesel aboard the boat I'm looking at is a light blue. From what I've read here, that indicates it's a "Universal" adaption. I've read one good, and one bad opinion here concerning the Universal adaption. How could a company named "Universal" be bad? The name just means the engine can be used on other planets and stuff, doesn't it?

I'll add a positive comment to Universal though it's not a recommendation over the Beta's since I have no experience with them. I had a Universal M4-30 on the prior boat and have an M50 on the current one. The M4-30 had about 1000 hours on the clock when sold and had no issues (not that I would have expected any). The M50 has 1800 hours. No receipts for anything beyond routine maintenance when I purchased and has been fine this year.

[sailingaway221]

I have 2 Beta engines... 3 years and they run perfect! No issues.

[osirissail]

The BetaMarine / Kubota used for gensets is white.

[HopeFloats]

Hiya,

Has anyone bought a refurbished engine or is it recommended to always buy new.

I am considering a Beta 20 replacement for a Westerly Centaur.

Ta!

[sanjuanman]

The Kubota in our boat is green with no oil change pump.... anyone know who provides this conversion?

[shakey doug]

Try Witchard marine [wm] Mona vale Sydney.

[ryderstk]

Not all Universal Engines are bad.... I have a Universal 5424, which uses the Kubota D1011 block.... This boat had been neglected and the Engine had sat unstarted for 7 years on a mooring in Tampa Bay... She even took on water up to the top of the Oil pan... All I did was replace the impellers, heat exchanger and all hoses. Drained the fuel tank, Polished and Cleaned the fuel tank, and changed all the fuel filters, hoses and electric pump. THEN after bleeding and bleeding and bleeding the fuel lines, she runs like a top..... I bought her this past April.... Today, I just completed my second run of 30+ miles entirely on Diesel power, Just to make sure that all is well with the world. Although we live to sail, it's nice to know that when you hit that starter button, things are going to spring to life....

SO..... I think Universal Diesels are very good indeed.....

S/v Island Fever

[sanjuanman]

Originally Posted by shakey doug

Try Witchard marine [wm] Mona vale Sydney.

THANK YOU!!!!

That is exactly the motor!

[Maxs]

It's easy, if you what to know the kubota model, just take out the oil dipstick. The model is marked on the tip. The 5424 was made from 79 to 83, then, after few changes it was renamed M30, which is the kubota D1101, but the dipstick on my 5424 says D1100, which makes some sense to me..very heavy duty engines...
Mine is 30 years old has lots of hours, Never been overhauled yet, and is about time. the only disadvantage is the size and weight...is huge and heavy for only 24hp compared to newer models.,
So, after checking the classifieds, I found a great deal, so I'm going to replace it with a 40hp yanmar that is smaller and 40lbs lighter!!

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by sanjuanman

The Kubota in our boat is green with no oil change pump.... anyone know who provides this conversion?

I have one from wichard marine of Sydney Australia, green and a very frugal fuel efficient motor that I cannot fault.

[katyacht83]

Any views or information on this one? (30hp) but no more information
https://www.facebook.com/10004027121...132077387/?d=n
Thanks

[scherzoja]

It could be Universal M-25
Hard to tell, but it looks like a 3 cyl
It has an after-market alternator bracket (red cirle). The factory alt attachment point on the aluminum gear case (green circle) is known to fail, causing loss of engine oil.

See Maine Sail write up on this issue:
https://pbase.com/mainecruising/univ...rnator_bracket