Ford Lehmans - Help a Rookie Out...?

[tangle]

I will be new to cruising just as soon as I can but for now I am looking at a trawler with 30 year old twin Ford Lehman 80hp with 5000 hours on them. I find some small rumors on the net that as they are no longer made there is a parts crunch existing. Is that true? Is there no aftermarket supplier of replacement parts? Should I avoid these engines or not...? I read another net scribbles that say they can get 20000 plus hours on them. Then the question is, if they can be rebuilt can you give a ballpark figure of cost to have someone do that or alternately cost of re powering with twin 120S of a current production model engine. I know this could vary wildly but I am game ...

[promax]

You need to call American Diesel in virgina they are The lehman supply shop

[tangle]

thanks..good info and have sent them an email but was hoping some unbiased experienced users could let me know how they are faring with their FL`s specifically answering my questions

[GordMay]

See also Bomac Marine for Ford Lehman parts
➥ Bomac Marine- Ford Lehman Engines, Parts, Tanks, Phaser Generators and Service

Parts List
A ➥ http://www.kp44.org/ftp/FordLehmanBa...Appendix_A.pdf
B ➥ http://www.kp44.org/ftp/FordLehmanMa...Appendix_B.pdf

Operators’ Manual ➥ http://www.kp44.org/ftp/FordLehmanOperatorsManual.pdf

[doug86]

Originally Posted by tangle

I find some small rumors on the net that as they are no longer made there is a parts crunch existing. Is that true?

completely false. As previous post said, American Diesel not only has all the parts, they still make a brand new 135hp Ford Lehman.

Ford Lehmans have a well deserved reputation as one of the most reliable, easy to maintain marine diesels every produced. I love mine. The Ford parts are still available, and most diesel shops can repair injector pumps and injectors.

What internet forums have you been reading?
doug

[Chief Engineer]

I have worked on a number of Fords...some Marized by Lehman some by an outfit in Italy.....The engines are British-built Industrial Diesels...There is a ton of parts available....as far as rebuilding goes...it is difficult to give a firm price....depending on the location, they can be rebuilt in frame or they can be pulled. Without knowing the layout of the boat....it is impossible to give an estimate on that.

[Boracay]

If considering buying a boat with it can be a good idea to physically view the exact model number (and even the serial number) of it's engine and to cross check that against known engines.

Then check if manuals, parts, specifications and rebuild facilities are readily available.

The same may go for the transmission.

An engine that cannot be fixed can't even be used as a mooring these days.