Head gasket blown

[shadowdancer]

I have an older 1981 westerbeke w-58. The head gasket failed. Was wondering if repairing it is ok or should I get a remanfactured engine or new one. Engine has always started right away have no idea how many hours. Looking for options, can attach the hoses and probably most of the work. Need. Help getting old engine out and getting new engine in.

[Compass790]

It's a lot easier/ cheaper to replace a head gasket if the engine is in basically sound condition.
I would take the head off for a start. If you are not mechanically inclined & can't do the work yourself the equation becomes more difficult but still worth paying a mechanic to replace head gasket if thats it's only problem

[Compass790]

It's a lot easier/ cheaper to replace a head gasket if the engine is in basically sound condition.
I would take the head off for a start. If you are not mechanically inclined & can't do the work yourself the equation becomes more difficult but still worth paying a mechanic to replace head gasket if thats it's only problem

[Nicholson58]

I agree with all of the experts above as long as the lower end, compression is OK. I suggest that once the head is off:

Do a valve job.
Service the injectors.
Check all push rods to make sure they are straight.
Set the valve spring loading.
Replace the head bolts.
Get a spare gasket kit.

These are all simple things for a diesel mechanic and are small incrementals once the head is off.

This is not the end, just fix it. We have Westerbeke 6 115 Hp main and Westerbeke 12.5 Kw (75Hp) 4 cyl generator. Both 1984. They run very well.

[Compass790]

Sorry about the double post!
Borrowed a bit of skipmacs post from another thread. You'll probably find a Perkins headgasket ( or any Perkins parts ) is a lot cheaper than a Westerbeke.Hope that helps

" Exactly what I did when I had starter problems with my Westerbeke W58 (before I figured out it is a Perkins 4.154 painted red). They wanted similar money for a new starter but the local auto starter/alternator shop identified the starter and a replacement but was able to rebuild mine for a fraction"

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by Compass790

Sorry about the double post!
Borrowed a bit of skipmacs post from another thread. You'll probably find a Perkins headgasket ( or any Perkins parts ) is a lot cheaper than a Westerbeke.Hope that helps

" Exactly what I did when I had starter problems with my Westerbeke W58 (before I figured out it is a Perkins 4.154 painted red). They wanted similar money for a new starter but the local auto starter/alternator shop identified the starter and a replacement but was able to rebuild mine for a fraction"

Cool. I found out our 1984 Westerbekes are both British Leyland. Parts cost a lot less and there are graveyards of recycle parts.

[shadowdancer]

A rebuilt is over 7000 a new engine is 14000. I have a mechanic that wii take off the head and see what’s going on.hope it’s just a gasket.
Thanks for all the imput
Rock

[Compass790]

Originally Posted by shadowdancer

A rebuilt is over 7000 a new engine is 14000. I have a mechanic that wii take off the head and see what’s going on.hope it’s just a gasket.
Thanks for all the imput
Rock

Please report back with what the mechanic says he finds. I'd agree largely with nicholson58 suggestions in post#4 though I wouldn't bother to replace head bolts.
If you are there when the head is removed take pictures of what the mechanic says is wrong. I hope he checks the head & block for flatness