Perkins 4108 compatibility

[jockster1059]

Hi to everyone!


I have a 35' timber yawl with an early (1972) Perkins 4108 + PRM hydraulic gearbox. The engine starts and runs fine but I thought it would be handy to have some spare parts, so I bought a 1986 model 4108 (Hirth gearbox) with a cracked block. However, on delivery (I know, I should have done my homework ) it is quite a different configuration to the early model.


My question is, are the engine blocks the same, and which parts are interchangeable? (ie starter motor, injector pump, alternator, Bowman heat exchanger as opposed to the old transverse HE)


Any info woul;d be much appreciated, as I will sell it on if I can't use it.


Cheers, Jim (Tasmania, Australia)

[rbk]

All block parts should be compatible. The heat exchanges can be but may require some modifications and/or some new plumbing but not impossible. I’d stick with your current configuration and save or sell the bowman. Looks like you have the front header tank and remote heat exchanger? This is a much better config imo as you can install almost any off the shelf hx, if that’s what you’ve got.

[rbk]

Forget what I said. You’ve got a really old/different model or a 4107 and not a 4108. Starters on the wrong side, lots of different parts in different places. You sure it’s even a Perkins?

[mvweebles]

Originally Posted by rbk

Forget what I said. You’ve got a really old/different model or a 4107 and not a 4108. Starters on the wrong side, lots of different parts in different places. You sure it’s even a Perkins?

I once had a 1972 Willard 30 Trawler with a 4.107. Looked like the picture of the pallet engine, not the installed engine (which OP states is a 1972 4. 108). I sort of agree with rbk - original engine is the right color, and the air filter housing is similar, but looks nothing like my old 4.107. That said, my understanding is Perkins were made all over and have some variability.

If this were US, I'd drop a note to transatlantic diesel (TAD Diesel) in Maryland. Good folks.

Peter

[jockster1059]

Originally Posted by rbk

All block parts should be compatible. The heat exchanges can be but may require some modifications and/or some new plumbing but not impossible. I’d stick with your current configuration and save or sell the bowman. Looks like you have the front header tank and remote heat exchanger? This is a much better config imo as you can install almost any off the shelf hx, if that’s what you’ve got.

Thanks, the current (transverse) heat exchanger incorporates the header tank as well (the raw water flows through the tubes that are located in the header tank)....

[jockster1059]

Originally Posted by rbk

Forget what I said. You’ve got a really old/different model or a 4107 and not a 4108. Starters on the wrong side, lots of different parts in different places. You sure it’s even a Perkins?

Yes, definitely a 4108 but the old configuration...

[carlosproa]

That does not look like a 4-108 at all. Look for the serial number and check with your local dealer. Perkins were basically marinetized tractor engines. Everything in the picture is backwards.

This quote is from an old boat group no longer active:

To Identify a Perkins Engine , On the Early models 4.99 and 4.107 the engine number is located just aft of the tappet cover (on the lift pump end ) , stamped vertically The First numeral will be 7 e.g. (700666 ) for a 4.99 . Or 71 prefix for a 4.107
This could be obscured if a C.A.V fuel filter is fitted prior to the manual lift pump
After about 1975 +/- the late model engines, the number is found on-the block , on top edge of the injector pump housing interface on the block. In this case the prefix will start with 99 , for a 4.99 engine . 107 , for a 4.107 ,& 108 , for a 4.108 engine Further this may also be followed by a letter U (e.g 108U9200 ) The suppliers of parts are . American Diesels or Your local caterpillar agent .

[carlosproa]

[Lepke]

I have a 1972 4108 generator, starter & alternator on the same side as installed engine. Air intake on the other side and a different tank.
Check your serial numbers. What I have on Perkins:

[jockster1059]

Thanks everyone for the input... it (the installed engine) could well be a 4.107, it was installed in 1972. I'll check the SN next time I'm on the boat (150 miles away) Cheers Jim

[pdxsailordiver]

4-107 has four weep holes in the block, on the injector side.
Water drips are the O rings for the wet liners leaking.