How about a little "Diesel 101" from the experts?

[Dave S]

Since there is likely oil burners involved in a lot of future boat purchases by CSR members, how about some thoughts on the different engines? You know, the good, the bad, and the ugly amongst the many choices available today.

On CSR we hear a lot about Cat and Cummins but so far no one has offered any opinions that I remember about Volvo. I guess MAN's are top of the line right?

Frank, Gary, and all you other Diesel fanatics out there, how about sharing your experiences and giving some advice to us novices? :thumbsup:

 

[SR400DB]

We have almost 600 hours on our cummins 6cta's and I can't say enough good things about them. Very trustworthy and bulletproof engines. I do oil changes and impellers every 6 mos, zincs and racors every 4. As a side note, I have also run a boat with QSM 11's on a 48' Sportfish. Other than some vibration on that boat, the QSM'S also have been very reliable (755 hours in 3 years, all offshore, as far south as Los Suenos). I know that Gary has posted in detail on the QSM'S and is more qualified than I am in this area. My only complaint with cummins is the high pricing for some OEM parts, but if you shop around and use most of Gary's sources that problem can be dealt with.

 

[tobnpr]

You're going to find that Cat and Cummins dominate the market at least partially because of serviceability and dealer network.
If I had a quality Volvo service facility nearby I'd consider them, but for most that's not the case.
Same with Man, very limited dealer network, and from what I've heard their parts pricing is borderline outrageous. Some of them used to be referred to as mangrenades because they had a tendency to blow up, but I read the new common rails are more reliable.

All hearsay from me- but I believe there's a 560 owner on here that has a boat with Mans.

 

[ImpulseIII]

470 hours on at 3126's and nary a problem. Now watch....after posting one of the freaking engines will throw a rod !

 

[mrsrobinson]

You're going to find that Cat and Cummins dominate the market at least partially because of serviceability and dealer network.
If I had a quality Volvo service facility nearby I'd consider them, but for most that's not the case.
Same with Man, very limited dealer network, and from what I've heard their parts pricing is borderline outrageous. Some of them used to be referred to as mangrenades because they had a tendency to blow up, but I read the new common rails are more reliable.

All hearsay from me- but I believe there's a 560 owner on here that has a boat with Mans.

This is what we have heard. The Volvos are good engines (Heck, we own 2 Volvo cars) but getting certified service can be a challenge. I also hear they can be a bear to work on yourself and parts are expensive.

For example, on our Volvo cars the top water hoses look to be plastic. I want to flush the cooling system myself (done this on previous cars) but honestly I cannot even figure out where to start. So it's off to the dealer, another $500.

 

[mrsrobinson]

470 hours on at 3126's and nary a problem. Now watch....after posting one of the freaking engines will throw a rod !

What, thrown rod? OK, I will give you $50K for her today, as is! ;-)

 

[PMvdb395DA]

I think we all find our own engines perfect.
I also think there are almost no bad diesel engines any more... (In Sea ray's)

Peter

 

[ImpulseIII]

$50K down and how do you want to structure the payments...I'll finance.

 

[mrsrobinson]

$50K down and how do you want to structure the payments...I'll finance.

Same as cash financing for 40 years

 

[Mr Salt]

In the marina where I am, its largely fishing, there are a lot of MANs, Caterpillars, MTUs (Detroit's)and a few Yanmars. I have not heard of any Volvos Each engine manufacturer has had problems over the years so it is important to check on the model if you are looking at a used boat. Caterpillar's main strength is its dealer network, if you have a problem with a Cat you can get it fixed quickly, almost anywhere. I understand that is not necessarily true with MAN. I have heard that turbos on MANs run about $15,000 and they do fail. MTU's and Yanmars have generally had good reviews on the docks. Our service department is an authorized Cat dealer and that makes life easy, also Viking uses a lot of MANs and MTUs. Since Vikings are manufactured not far from here service on those engines is easy. So where you do your boating is also important.

Mr Salt
2001 540 CPMY
Caterpillar C-12s
Cape May, NJ

 

[SEEG]

boatdiesel.com The articles are worth the price of admission;$25.00. More info than on more brands than anyone needs. Read the articles and threads on proper engine loading.