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Old 09-19-2018, 04:04 PM   #1
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Which Diesel Is Easier To Maintain?

Between a Cat 3208 and a Detroit 6-71 which diesel is the better choice in a 30 year old boat?
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Old 09-19-2018, 05:57 PM   #2
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A few more details please. Start with vessel, HP/Model and then go from there.
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Old 09-19-2018, 06:38 PM   #3
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This is not a good comparison. Both engines came in different HP configurations. If I needed 375 hp I would pick the 3208. If I only needed 220 hp I would pick the 671. If noise is an issue I would pick the 3208. If I needed a 20,000 hour engine I would pick the 671.

This tit for tat argument could go on for ever between these two engines. Maintenance cost between these two engines is going to come down to luck.
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Old 09-19-2018, 06:48 PM   #4
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What kind of access do you have to the engine(s)
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Old 09-19-2018, 06:54 PM   #5
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“Easier to maintain”

There we go again. Putting getting out of work at the top of the list.
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Old 09-19-2018, 08:16 PM   #6
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What kind of access do you have to the engine(s)

Good point.

Easier access means easier maintenance.
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Old 09-19-2018, 09:14 PM   #7
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Easier may be mostly re how easy it is to obtain parts.
DD would get the nod then.
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Old 09-19-2018, 09:52 PM   #8
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6' 5" headroom and walk around engine.
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Old 09-19-2018, 10:11 PM   #9
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6' 5" headroom and walk around engine.
OK, now you are just rubbing it in...
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Old 09-20-2018, 12:10 AM   #10
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I have 3208 naturals 210 hp. I’m not going to wear them out, so hours are irrelevant. As already said lifespan won’t be hours based and will come down to luck and what decides to break. 3208 is fewer moving pieces, simple, and very easy to maintain. I had a head off this winter, simple business. A Detroit is a more complex beast, but if I did have to do a rebuild, I’d rather have a Detroit. More infinitely rebuildable, especially in place. That’s where the cat would fall down. Cat or Detroit parts are plentiful and easy to get. I can order anything online and have it ready to pick up or shipped to me before Friday.

I wouldn’t kick either out of bed for eating crackers.

I think Detroit’s are easier too because you never have to change the oil, just wipe underneath daily and add a little more oil. Never owned one, just admired from afar.
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Old 09-20-2018, 01:48 AM   #11
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Perhaps an engine which has easy top, left-side and right-side access.
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Old 09-20-2018, 05:47 AM   #12
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Which Diesel Is Easier To Maintain?


Its easier to adjust the valves on a Detroit 6-71 .Cat injector pump's are a bugger to set up. So id say Detroit 6-71
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Old 09-20-2018, 05:57 AM   #13
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Gotta laugh at some of the comments from the very experienced wise older heads...…….
Ghost quoted - " I think Detroit’s are easier too because you never have to change the oil, just wipe underneath daily and add a little more oil. "
LoL
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Old 09-20-2018, 06:26 AM   #14
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Good point.

Easier access means easier maintenance.
And easier maintenance (in all forms) can be construed as better maintenance all around including clean up.

And some is still personal.... I would rater have complicated maintenance that is easy to get to thsn more simple maintenancd that is a bear to get to.

Like many have posted...they take raw water pumps off (because its easier) and change the impeller on a bench. Probably resulting in a better overall job.
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Old 09-21-2018, 03:42 PM   #15
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6' 5" headroom and walk around engine.
Agreed
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Old 09-28-2018, 02:27 PM   #16
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The 6-71 is by far the simpler and more reliable engine, in my opinion. However, they are noisier and prone to leaking oil. Cat parts are just plain expensive, whereas 6-71 parts are not. The 6-71 is a two stroke diesel with tube fed injectors, so no bleeding necessary when changing filters, whereas the Cat is a four stroke with a more complex fuel system that requires bleeding.

I would probably choose the 6-71 but it really depends on the boat and how you plan to use it.
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Old 09-28-2018, 04:12 PM   #17
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for a 37' hull, and having been around cats, i would pick a 471, 453, etc, or find a good used 4 cylinder cat...all those engines run forever! get the correct size injectors, for the job! i have a 40' round bottom skookum, have a volvo 70B, with 10,000+ hours, use #30 oil, they could have put a 471/453, smaller, more room in the engine room! 3208's are configured in a way to make them dificult to reach some things...clyde
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Old 09-28-2018, 05:32 PM   #18
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Between a Cat 3208 and a Detroit 6-71 which diesel is the better choice in a 30 year old boat?
Kitty Cat. We are big Detroit fans but can’t find parts for them anymore.
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Old 09-28-2018, 05:42 PM   #19
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as as talking to people that have cruised the world, detroit parts also are on tractors, trucks, etc...i still really like the cat straight 6`s, or 4`s...and yes parts for them are available from cat, and they are everywhere...clyde
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Old 09-28-2018, 11:17 PM   #20
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3208.. Welcome to old tech vs ancient tech.

6-71's belong in a museum.. They paved the way but let them rest.
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