Westerbeke w50 Repower, Rebuild, or tweak?

[dschultz]

Greetings,

I am looking at a Tartan 37 for purchase. It seems to start and run OK, except for a fair amount of smoke, and what seems like piston slap. CO says engine has apx 2000 hours. My questions is: can this be solved be perhaps fixing something simple, like injection timing? Failing that, next comes the old question rebuild or replace? If, as the truckers say, "inframe rebuild kits" are available, or a simple glaze breaking/re-ring would work, this isn't too bad. However, from what I understand, the base manufacturer, BMC, is out of business, and parts may be tough to come by. Replacement may also be difficult, as, from what I understand, the geometry of the exit shaft is unique, requiring engine bed modifications. There's a fellow named Ray Durkee who documented his "replace" project on the Tartan Owners' website. Looks like he gave up on maintaining the W50. Any suggestions much appreciated. Thx.