Universal Diesel projects

[Rippy]

Well, I probably have put off checking the valve clearance too long and the electrical fuel pump looks like the original on our Universal 24 hp motor (model 5424, 1985 vintage). Motor runs well and kicks over well, but we have had the boat for several years and I know that I need to get busy on some preventative maintenance items. The issue is that the shop manual for this motor really stinks! Compared to our previous Perkins shop manual and the Yanmar manual, this manual lacks a ton of detail.

For checking the valve clearance, the manual states to check them cold and check the timing through a opening on the fly wheel cover. Located the fly wheel cover so now to find TDC on each of the 3 cylinders. Any tips before I dig in? The intimidating item is the adjustment of the decompression release for each valve after the clearance adjustment.

Probably should go ahead and pull the injectors and send them off for service although the engine appears to run just fine. Any thoughts?

Any comments are appreciated. Has anyone worked on this specific engine?
Cheers,
Roger Rippy
SV Tin Cup

[GordMay]

http://www.capedory.org/manuals/Univ...nersManual.pdf

[Rippy]

Thanks a lot Gord.
Regards,
Roger Rippy
SV Tin Cup

[capt lar]

Roger - I ordered from Torrensen Marine all three Universal manuals - Owner's, Service and Parts List. Do you have 'em all ?

Larry

[Rippy]

Yes we have them all; thanks Larry. The owner's manual was on the boat and I purchased the service and parts manual from the same place as you did. I guess we were hoping that the owners/service manual would have more detail; such as you might find in a full-blown shop manual. We had a great shop manual for our Perkins and the Yanmar one was not too bad either. Oh well........
Thanks again,
Roger Rippy
SV Tin Cup

[irwinsailor]

You can't hold me to this but I think the Universal is built on a Kubota diesel. My Beta is, and the shop manual that I received with it was from Kubota.

[never monday]

Universals are built on Kubota engines.
The Westerbeke/Universal manuals leave a bit to be desired but are adequate for the average owner. If you feel your above average and need things like torque specs and bearing clearances get the Kubota engine manual.
To do this on the port side of the block there is a letter and number cast in the block. Take this to any Kubota dealer and order the manual. The 25 should be on the
XX 900 something block

[Rippy]

Thanks Pat, that was extremely helpful. Saw your shop pictures online; hope your business does well. We hope to be at Brunswick, GA by middle of April; I will have to see where Buford is. Was stationed in Albany, GA for three years and enjoyed ourselves. Thanks again.
Roger Rippy
SV Tin Cup