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Old 12-03-2023, 06:34   #1
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VW Pathfinder opinions

Hello

I am considering purchasing a boat with a 1981 Pathfinder diesel motor. Has been rebuilt 1700 hours ago.

I used to own a VW Rabbit diesel with, I think, this exact same motor. I blew it out on a Michigan highway in the mid-80s.

But what about this marinized version? Is it good? Parts?

Any opinions welcome.

David
Seattle
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Old 12-03-2023, 06:53   #2
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Re: VW Pathfinder opinions

The long block is the same. The marinization parts and age are the issue.
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Old 15-03-2023, 05:29   #3
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Re: VW Pathfinder opinions

The first thing i'd do is try to contact Pathfinder Marine and ask about marinization replacement parts. Good luck. Be prepared to replace the timing belt soon. That belt will not last in a boat as long as it lasts in a car. Failure is catastrophic to the engine.
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Old 01-04-2023, 23:12   #4
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Re: VW Pathfinder opinions

Quote:
Originally Posted by massnspace View Post
Hello

I am considering purchasing a boat with a 1981 Pathfinder diesel motor. Has been rebuilt 1700 hours ago.

I used to own a VW Rabbit diesel with, I think, this exact same motor. I blew it out on a Michigan highway in the mid-80s.

But what about this marinized version? Is it good? Parts?

Any opinions welcome.

David
Seattle
I have a Pathfinder 1.5 diesel in my 1981 Islander Freeport 36, and it's been a good motor. I replaced the head gasket on my 1.5 Pathfinder about a year ago, and I found everything I needed at VW parts houses that deal in more vintage VW engines. It has a timing belt that should be replaced at 1000 engine hours, but it's not to difficult to do. You should have the manual that goes with that engine (not just the Owner's Manual), as it will tell you a lot about the engine and maintaining it. The only marinized part I can think of on the engine is the heat exchanger, and the tube stack in the heat exchanger is still available or could be resoldered by a good radiator shop that can work on heat exchangers. Finding a mechanic that understands or can work on this engine might be a little difficult, so you should plan on doing some of maintenance work yourself, but with the manual and the help of some Youtube videos, you'll find you can do the work.
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Old 02-04-2023, 20:22   #5
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Re: VW Pathfinder opinions

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Originally Posted by roryboy View Post
The first thing i'd do is try to contact Pathfinder Marine and ask about marinization replacement parts. Good luck. Be prepared to replace the timing belt soon. That belt will not last in a boat as long as it lasts in a car. Failure is catastrophic to the engine.
Pathfinder Marine is no longer in business that I know of.
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