BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - Engines

wrote:
I got the engine for $2000 "as is" and it turned out to be in good
shape although I expected it to be worse.
When I sold the 1 GM, I really didnt know what it was worth and didnt
want oto hassle with people getting it and then for one reason or
another being unhappy so I advetised it on the internet for $450. My
phone rang like crazy and a guy drove all the way from New Orleans (450
miles) to get it.
Maybe I just got lucky.
We also have no diesel repair places nearby so I expected to have to
sorta "shade tree" it . Its only a diesel, not rocket science. (Gawd,
how many times have I said stuff like that and been wrong)

My story:

I picked up a used 3GM30 for $2700 USD. It had about 500
hours on it and I got to see it running in the boat with my
mechanic present. It ran well.

The owner said he was selling it because it didn't develop
enough power for the boat and had already ordered the next
size up Yanmar.

My mechanic asks the owner what RPM he runs it at? "Oh,
about 22-2300 RPM. I don't like to stress the engine". My
mechanic replies, "But with these engines you have to run
them at closer to 3000 RPM to develop enough power". I'm
ready to STRANGLE my guy so he doesn't screw the deal up.

I installled it this summer, on a catamaran that had only
outboards. It took about a week of part time effort (lots
of other projects on the go at the same time) to get it in,
including shaft installation and all engine auxiliary
services like fuel/cooling/exhaust, etc.

I'm fairly handy but it's not rocket science. If your
average boatyard guy can do it, why can't you?

Evan Gatehouse