Repowering my Morgan 33 Pilothouse

[btompkins]

Hello!

Sloop Jenn B's Perkins 4.180 seems to be in need of replacement/rebuild.

I'm a pretty good mechanic but never worked on an engine this big before.

My plan so far is to have the engine removed, and delivered to my garage so I can rebuild it over the winter.

I need a sanity check on this idea.

Has anyone attempted a rebuild on this engine?

Should I leave this to the professionals?

Should I repower altogether?

Should I just attempt a fix (leaky rear main seal and now overheating)?

I'm in the Hampton Roads area, so if anyone has any local specific knowledge this would be helpful as well!

Thanks in advance!

[kenbo]

I assume you meant Perkins 4.108. Yes many have either rebuilt or have had rebuilt. Parts are readily available (Parts4engines) and there is an upgrade on that rear seal. Best way to go in my opinion, save a ton of work and money over repowering. Plus you will learn everything about your engine. Good Luck!

[btompkins]

Oops it's a Perkins 4.108!

[psk125]

Rebuild sounds like the way to go. If you're already familiar with the necessary steps on smaller units it shouldn't be too big a learning curve. Rebuilding the engine also means you avoid the hassle of rebuilding the engine beds and mounts for a new motor.

[Cheechako]

I'd find out what someone will charge to rebuild the block and head before deciding to do it your self. Then you will know if it's worth it.
We have a member here who has rebuilt them for decades, you might ask him.

[btompkins]

I talked to a shop and they said budget 8K!

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by btompkins

I talked to a shop and they said budget 8K!

Hmmm...
It depends on what that shop meant, and what you need, like: Re-use your existing injection pump? etc. They are expensive.
I guess it depends on the condition of your engine. The crank may be good or it may need one etc.
Hopefully someone here will remember our member's name that rebuilds them... having a brain fart on it.
It's easy to forget this is a small engine. 4 cylinder, 1/3 the displacement of a basic Chevy V8. There used to be rebuild kits out there not very much $.

Or there's the basic overhaul; engine runs fine, but smokes etc. Just give it a valve job and rings and bearings. That doesn't get done much now days but years ago it was common with cars anyway.

Marine engines often don't get near the hours on them cars might. Keep digging and find out some more. You could always get it to your shop and see what the crank looks like and how much ridge in the cylinders. Then decide.

Frankly if I had to go with a new crank, rods, injection pump etc, i'd just repower with a new engine or buy a rebuilt 4-108 out there. They turn up on Ebay once in a while.
https://www.dieselenginetrader.com/e...ns/4_108/20137 ?

[kenbo]

The Perkins expert is oldcal46skipper. I think 8k is high but thats just my opinion. I believe any good engine machine shop could do the following:

Measure the crankshaft to see if you need to grind it to fit oversized main and connecting rod bearings.

Regrind the crank if necessary.

Check the block deck for flatness and mill if necessary.

Check the head for flatness and mill if necessary.

Remove and replace cylinder liners.

Press in new valve guides.

Doesn't sound like $8k to me. $2 - 2.5K sounds about right.

Complete overhaul kit about $700.

New Bowman PE180 manicooler if necessary about $1000.

New motor mounts say $200.

Owner does all disassembly and assembly.

[kenbo]

Originally Posted by btompkins

I talked to a shop and they said budget 8K!

There are thousands of 4.108s banging around the UK. Check these suppliers to get an idea what parts cost for these engines.

ASAP Supplies
Parts4engines
Lansing Marine

All provide good support for questions.

[Ray-Dianna]

RE-BUILD! You will need $8k-10K for a reputable shop to rebuild. If the engine wasn’t knocking you likely won’t need to do much to the block ie;align boring, squaring the block/head surfaces, grind crank etc.You can order a complete engine re-build kit for $678+shipping(CDN) so less in US$. You will need to send out the head for rebuilding, cost will depend on needed repairs. $400-$600. I occasionally see rebuilt engines for sale, but who knows what was done during rebuild, not a reputable company.
Search for Parts4Engines, they are a British company but will ship any where.
Several good YouTubes on how to rebuild. Search rebuild Perkins 4-108
The Perkins engine has been around longer than most modern engine manufacturers have been in business. Started in 1938 or close by. My 4-108m has 7692 hrs on it. Try to get a modern engine to last that long. They leak,stink and are noisy but will run for ever. Modern engine, you loose 12 volt power engine is dead. Good Luck.

[Scaramanga F25]

A rear engine seal can be removed and replaced in the engine room on that engine. Detach transmission and raise rear of engine from the engine bed and re & re.

[DreaminFred]

I had a bid to repower from my 4-108 to a new Yanmar for 12k.

For comparison.

[oldcal46skipper]

We have rebuilt over 200 Perkins 4.108's + other like sized engines. Currently we are booked up until Feb. 2021. We always try to help fellow sailor/cruisers. We are in Pensacola, FL. WE believe in the Golden Rule. PM if we can help.
Tom

[misssherry]

Did you see this in the Forum's classifieds?

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...el-241726.html

[Cruiser2B]

I see you are in Norfolk...Trans Atlantic diesel is right up the road in Hayes, VA..plenty of Perkins factory parts on the shelf less than 40 min away.