Quote:
Originally Posted by massnspace
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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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.