Westerbeke 4-91. Information

[Transpac 67]

I am considering purchasing a Yankee 38. It came with a Westerbeke 4-91. From what I read this means 4 cylinder and 91 cubic inches. The boat has been parked for a very long time and I presume it is because of the engine. I understand that this engine is no longer being made.
Can anyone tell me where I can get the information and or help to rebuild this engine or recommend a suitable replacement?
The boat is in the Seattle area. I am a fairly capable mechanic with tools and experience but would not want to do the rebuild myself.
Thanks in advance.

[GordMay]

Manual ➥ http://www.carpcoastalmarine.com/gra...ech_Manual.pdf

Parts ➥ http://www.richardanderson.net/TechS...rts%20List.pdf

➥ Westerbeke 4.91 manual

[Transpac 67]

GordMay...Thanks for the links. I will now have some winter reading. This website has captured my interest. I hope to contribute but the level of positive reinforcement by folks wanting to help is very refreshing.
Smooth seas..

[fallingeggs]

Hello! I have a Westerbeke 33, built between 81 and 83.

My experience and research tells me that original Westerbeke parts are very expensive and, in most cases, a rebuild would cost between half and 3/4 of the price of a new engine.

I have shelled out some cash on maintaining the cooling system (water pump, exhaust manifold, heat exchanger) and some other tid bits, but I'll never rebuild her. I'll spend $12k on a new engine before $6k on a rebuild kit from Westerbeke. Personnel preference.

Remember that Westerbeke only marine-ized the engines. If you can find the original maker of the block, you could, in theory, rebuild it for much, much cheaper. But that is no easy task. I have gotten close to finding the maker of my W-33, but can't find the parts online. And not many tractor shops in NYC to ask for assistance.

On your question about a replacement, Google around for people with your boat and that have replaced. Appears the Kabuta / Beta have near direct replacements for my W-33.


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[CS Cruiser]

Westerbeke 4-91 W30 are built on British Leyland blocks, the W33 is Mitsubishi
Parts from ASAP SUPPLIES U.K. Same block as BMC 1500

[CS Cruiser]

BMC 1.5 Leyland 1500 Diesel

[Transpac 67]

Gentlemen. Thank you all for the info and links to the manuals. I have them down loaded for further study.

Does anyone know if the Catalina 38 used the same power train?
If so I will piggy back on their information/forums.

[sanibel sailor]

On this side of the water, complete rebuild kit is $1100

Parts for 154 | 4/25 | 9/16 Mini Tractors NORTH AMERICA

[sanibel sailor]

also the same engine (gas version) used in 1956-1962 Nash Metropolitans. Some non-diesel/non-marine parts available thru auto parts store or Metropolitan Complete Auto Parts & Accessories Inventory | Metropolitan Pit Stop

[Spookster999]

Sorry for my dated response. I just rebuilt my w30, I spent about $900 in parts (bearings, rings, gaskets, pistons, a couple valves), I sent the block out to have it machined and re sleeved due to significant damage for another $900. The engine runs great, they are pretty simple and very rebuild able. I bought the parts from leylandnuffieldtractorparts.com. They are a small family tractor supply house in Wisconsin, very helpful.

John
78 Cal 34

[fallingeggs]

John,

$900 in parts is a steal.

Did the supplier help you out converting the Westerbeke part numbers to whatever the block started off as? If not, how did you do it?

Did the supplier know you were working on a Westerbeke? I have read that tractor supply shops aren't "licensed" to deal with marine-ized versions of diesels.


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[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, John.