Perkins 4.99 buying old diesel

[Oldsailor27]

Good day,
I am looking to buy Perkins 4.99 with transmission and control panel to put in my Alberg 37 1975
It has 1500 hrs on it. As per seller engine is running well. Transmission need servicing. Nothing particular about transmission though.
Please advise if it’s something to consider provided low budget.
Seller is asking for 300$ delivery is 200$
I am new to diesel world so need your opinion.
Thank you in advance

[psk125]

It seems these engines were used in London Taxis back in the '70's, and in lots of boats - some even bigger than yours. It is no longer made, however, so that is something to be aware of. Where will you get a replacement part if something that is more than 50 years old breaks? What sort of 'servicing' does the transmission need? Our neighbor ran a transmission repair service. His five bedroom four bath house had water views out the front and a pool in the back... Transmission 'service' can be expensive. And after it's fixed, it will stil be old. While an engine like this one may be capable and suitable for your boat, you may need to add new fuel tanks, fuel lines, an exhaust system and mounts - as you would for a brand new engine. $300 sounds like a bargain for a power plant that might work, but a suitable fully refurbished engine would likely cost ten times that. There must be a reason this one is so cheap, and finding out what that reason is may be very expensive.

[GordMay]

That's an old [± 60 years] engine.
The 4.99 was first launched by Perkins in 1958, this 1.6 litre 4 cylinder engine was fitted in cars, boats and commercial vehicles, including the Ford Thames 400E. In the mid 1960's it was upgraded to become the 4.107, and later the classic 4.108, which continued in production until the 1980's.

You might want to do an on-line search, to see which [if any] parts are still available.

Workshop Manual for Perkins 4.108 4.107 and 4.99 Diesel Engines
➥ http://www.atlantisbolivia.org/p1983uk.pdf

[longjonsilver]

An old engine, but very reliable and used all over the world still. You might pay up for a new engine with all kinds of razzle dazzle computers and turboz but not get the reliability from a good running old Perkins. Try here:

https://www.parts4engines.com/perkins-4-99/

jn

[longjonsilver]

N then social media groups:

https://mewe.com/group/5ff9f67d1793d1625b5fa68d

https://www.facebook.com/groups/217775585702772

https://www.facebook.com/groups/611483832301373

Compare that to all the bitching and moaning you hear about Yanmar and Volvo parts prices.

jon

But wait there is more:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3867827883273537

You people with older Volvo engines up to 30 hp? Those are also engines built by the Japanese and you can use Perkins Perama engine parts.

[Oldsailor27]

Thank you for all your reply. It looks like the engine can be rebuild with kits available on line. Transmission might be a problem as I cannot fine any replacement transmissions available at the moment and not sure is the original one can be rebuild. So I will do some more research on the transmission before pulling the plug.
Thanks again.

[mabowers]

Originally Posted by Oldsailor27

Thank you for all your reply. It looks like the engine can be rebuild with kits available on line. Transmission might be a problem as I cannot fine any replacement transmissions available at the moment and not sure is the original one can be rebuild. So I will do some more research on the transmission before pulling the plug.
Thanks again.

What is the make & model of the original transmission? You may want to look at Trans Atlantic Diesels https://www.tadiesels.com/ . They carry a wide range of ZF Hurth & Velvet Drive, as well as Perkins parts.

[psk125]

Is it a transmission for a vehicle or for a boat? That would make a difference, no?

[Oldsailor27]

Thank you.
I will definitely check with Atlantic diesel.
Transmission is “Parsons”.
I believe it’s original one. Given the age it must be almost gone.

[mabowers]

Originally Posted by Oldsailor27

Thank you.
I will definitely check with Atlantic diesel.
Transmission is “Parsons”.
I believe it’s original one. Given the age it must be almost gone.

They claim to still support them https://www.parsonsmathwaymarine.co.uk/index.htm

[Oldsailor27]

Wow, thank you so much. I will definitely get in touch with them!
Much appreciated

[longjonsilver]

Glad to help someone keep an old Perkins running. A Perkins (Shibaura) engine in a boat is a plus as far as i am concerned.