Rebuild, then needs rocker arms?

[massnspace]

Hello

I am considering an offer on an older sailboat.

Volvo MD30A had a FULL rebuild recently (2021).

But now I am told the boat is having work done on the motor. New Rocker arms, valves, valve springs and various gaskets.

This does not seem normal. Why would there be a need for all those too end parts if the motor was recently rebuilt? Is this an indication of other problems?

Thanks for any advice….

[skipperpete]

Well, it would be unusual to be replacing rocker arms UNLESS there was a problem, mechanics usually don’t work on healthy engines. clearly it wasn’t a full rebuild and 3 years after the fact I suspect they weren’t waiting for parts to arrive and postponed the top overhaul till they did so the owner could use the boat. Just ask the broker, owner or mechanic, check the receipts to find out how far the “rebuild” went.

[deblen]

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...um-242026.html

[FPNC]

A full rebuild in 2021 and then more work in 2024 means that something was done improperly in 2021 or the rebuild was not full in 2021. The term "rebuild" is tossed around with utter disregard to what the word actually means. Most likely and the best outcome you could hope for is that the bottom end and pistons were redone in 2021 and now they are getting to the upper end. Regardless, anything they tell you about the engine cannot be taken at faith.

[Leadfree]

Is this the boat that you posted about having termite issues?

Brotha, how many red flags do you need until you walk?

[massnspace]

Originally Posted by Leadfree

Is this the boat that you posted about having termite issues?

Brotha, how many red flags do you need until you walk?

Different boat.

[massnspace]

Originally Posted by FPNC

A full rebuild in 2021 and then more work in 2024 means that something was done improperly in 2021 or the rebuild was not full in 2021. The term "rebuild" is tossed around with utter disregard to what the word actually means. Most likely and the best outcome you could hope for is that the bottom end and pistons were redone in 2021 and now they are getting to the upper end. Regardless, anything they tell you about the engine cannot be taken at faith.

I fully agree. Different people use that word freely.

So I asked asked for documentation and pics. They are “working” on getting docs, and below are the pics I was sent. (I should have posted them with the original question).

Had I NOT gotten these I would have been less interested in the boat. But to my eye it looks like a competent job….

The only flag I see in the pics is the condition of the bell housing (I think it is called) for the transmission, last photo. Appears pitted. Why would that be?

[massnspace]

Originally Posted by deblen

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...um-242026.html

I did already find (and read) that thread, but thanks anyways for your efforts.

[massnspace]

Originally Posted by skipperpete

Well, it would be unusual to be replacing rocker arms UNLESS there was a problem, mechanics usually don’t work on healthy engines. clearly it wasn’t a full rebuild and 3 years after the fact I suspect they weren’t waiting for parts to arrive and postponed the top overhaul till they did so the owner could use the boat. Just ask the broker, owner or mechanic, check the receipts to find out how far the “rebuild” went.

Hello

Yes, I asked, and they insisted it was a FULL rebuild originally. I did receive pictures, you can see (I added them to another previous reply in this thread). Given the pics, I would find it hard to believe they didn’t refurbish/replace the rocker arms and valves, but then again, maybe they were in a hurry on a Friday afternoon….