I've been reading the old posts relative to rebuilding and or replacing the Westerbeke. I have decided to have Southern Diesel rebuild my engine. (rings are stuck on two cylinders) It appears to me that the galley cabinet must me removed to get the block out. Can anyone shed any light on the subject. I also read that having the injectors and pump rebuilt was a must. Can someone shed more light on that subject. I don't want to spend money needlessly, but I will if there is good reason. Pay me now or pay me later comes to mind. What about the fuel tank. Is is likely to leak down the road? Should I have an aluminum tank built? Is there a source for a out of the box tank that will fit. So many questions, so little time.
THanks in advance for your opinions.
bnowlin48 sailing Island Jade on Galveston Bay, TX
Hi
I took the engine out off my 365 just buy removing the side panels in side the kitchen unit,that side there is only the engine mount bolt to get to,I found it best to remove the battries and squat down low in the port locker to undo the fuel line,starter cable,I made a lifting bar to get the engine out,looked like a "U" on it's side with a shackle welded to the ends, made it out off 4in box steel,one end goes over the bridge deck and is lifted by the crane/gantry and the other fits tightly over the rocker cover and connects to the two lifting points,I just welded on two large washers on the steel box in the right place and used shackle's,
this way you can lift the engine two In's of the bed and swing it back and out,when the engine is clear drop it down on the floor and then you can do a straight lift up and out,
I have also got an engine out by removing the gear box tilt the engine forward slide a plank of wood under the sump coverd in 3/4 plastic bags rock it back on to the plank and it will slide down the plank and out,
I would not rebuild the pump if it is OK don't touch it,i have seen more give trouble after a "good rebuild",injectors are worth having cleaned and checked,replacing all the seals in the engine and sump gasket is a must as thy go hard in time.
why are the rings "stuck" was it left for a long time ?
if not ,when the pistons are out check for "tamperd bore" measure top and bottom of the bore's might need a quick hone
have fun ocean pilgrim
The last time I pulled the engine I also replaced the fuel tank.Florida Marine tanks 305-620-9030 .I had them make the tank of heaver material.The total price was 529.00 plus shipping. Allen
Thanks graemek,
Island Jade left the dock twice in 5 years before we bought her and one of the two she came in on the hip of TowBoat US. She was hard to start when we bought her in May and has been getting worse since. Southern Diesel pulled the head and checked the valves for leakage and found some, but not a lot. When he poured transmission fluid on top of the cylinders, it leaked out of two immediately. All this after a compression check showed two cylinders out of spec and one really low. I tend to agree about the pump rebuild. All indications are that it was performing as expected. I think I'll have the injectors sent in. We ordered the full rebuild list. Rings, pistons, sleeves, inserts, bearings, gaskets etc. Parts came to just less than $1,000.
Incommunicado,
Was the new tank stainless or aluminum? Would you do the same again? Is plastic a viable option for fuel?
bnowlin48
Bowline48,The tank is aluminum and yes I would do it again.Just a though while you have the engine out make an oil drip pan in the engine bed.I also have a perkins an they will leak oil, what a mess it makes in the bilge.I just replaced the rear main seal so while I had the tranny out engine raised I made one. Would have easier doing it with engine out. Allen
My Westerbeke 4108 is being removed today to be replaced by a completely rebuilt Perkins 4108 bought from my mechanic for a shamefully low price. The mechanic removed all of the cabinetry under the sink and anything on the "dog house" that can be screwed off, and did everything else with a little yoga from both lockers. Using the boom, well padded and supported by the main halliard. Thats as far as we got yesterday. Today I'll take photos of the process and post them here (assuming I can figure out how that's done!)
Mark