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07-17-2017, 07:55 AM
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#1
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Guru
City: Fort Pierce
Vessel Name: Florita Ann
Vessel Model: 1982 Present
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,935
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Westerbeke partial cure
Many, if not most Westerbeke engines are Mitsubishi. Westerbeke guards their suppliers as a corporate secret so they can extort their end users. We owners of these products are not customers in Westerbeke's view from my bad experiences. Only the boat manufacturers and distributors are their customers.
I had to buy a head gasket for a 3 cylinder 5.0 diesel Genset. $211.00! I did a lot of research yesterday and found the Mitsubishi engine model (not In any of their literature) and found a tractor company that carries parts...$59.00 for same head gasket. Compact Tractor in PN 866-950-1050.
The general rule seems to be if the part has Westerbeke written on it divide the cost by 4 for what you SHOULD be paying at retail elsewhere.
Just thought ya'all might like to know.
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07-17-2017, 08:10 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
City: Northern Ontario
Vessel Name: Chickadee
Vessel Model: Pilgrim 40
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 169
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This is a fairly common issue, and not just with Westerbeke.
It would be a worthwhile project to come up with a list of alternative suppliers, complete with part numbers, for all of our engines. This list could then be added to by all forum members - would make a very useful "sticky"!
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07-17-2017, 09:13 AM
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#3
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Guru
City: Pender Harbour, BC
Vessel Name: Gwaii Haanas
Vessel Model: Custom Aluminum 52
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,791
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Onan mdje is also Kubota.
Northern Lights is IH-something-Shibauru
The very newest Onan are Chinese but then Perkins/ Shibauru are made in China too.
__________________
Don't believe everything that you think.
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07-18-2017, 05:03 AM
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#4
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Guru
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
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The easiest cross reference can frequently be done at NAPA.
Look up an item like oil or fuel filters , and in the cross reference and you may find the engine mfg.
Other uses,
In the past Volvo oil filters $18.00, Ford $3.50
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07-18-2017, 06:24 AM
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#5
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Guru
City: kemah
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,135
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My westerbeke has the Mitsubishi model number stamped on the block under/near the fuel pump. 4 cylinder 12KW.
I have to resleeve one cylinder and buy a rebuild kit for it. Cheapest I could find was $2500 for the kit, and 85 for the sleeve. Still, thats far cheaper than a replacement genny.
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07-18-2017, 07:29 AM
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#6
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Guru
City: Fort Pierce
Vessel Name: Florita Ann
Vessel Model: 1982 Present
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,935
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Was the "cheapest you could find" kit Mitsubishi or was it branded Westerbeke?
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07-18-2017, 07:38 AM
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#7
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Guru
City: Fort Pierce
Vessel Name: Florita Ann
Vessel Model: 1982 Present
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,935
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SlowGypsy
This is a fairly common issue, and not just with Westerbeke
It would be a worthwhile project to come up with a list of alternative suppliers, complete with part numbers, for all of our engines. This list could then be added to by all forum members - would make a very useful "sticky"!
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You are on to something. In fact a small mom and pop diesel parts supply company that already knows the business, has worked out the various supply chains could have a HUGE meatball right there.
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07-18-2017, 08:12 AM
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#8
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Guru
City: Fort Pierce
Vessel Name: Florita Ann
Vessel Model: 1982 Present
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,935
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SlowGypsy
This is a fairly common issue, and not just with Westerbeke
It would be a worthwhile project to come up with a list of alternative suppliers, complete with part numbers, for all of our engines. This list could then be added to by all forum members - would make a very useful "sticky"!
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You are on to something. In fact a small mom and pop diesel parts supply company that already knows the business, has worked out the various supply chains could have a HUGE meatball right there. The small engine marine world would beat a path to their door. Advertise on all the websites such as this.
FF had a wise suggestion. I wonder if NAPA or other parts suppliers such as NAPA goes into valves, Springs, push rods, connecting rods, pistons and so forth. Filters are one thing but while they cross Chevy gasket and rebuild kits it is another for a Shibauru or some such.
Yesterday I spoke to the parts guy, a friend, at a boat yard and I gave him the supplier info. He said that he hates to deal with Westerbeke and unless a customer insist they do not sell new Westerbeke gen sets. They are a dealer for Westerbeke and have to use their parts (contract I guess) for repairs. They are also dealers also for other Genset and main engine companies.
My distaste for Westerbeke goes deeper. As told on this forum last year I have a list of broken appointments with another dealer with no call, no cooperation from the distribution and the corporate office treated me as a PITA, even though I was, they are not supposed to teat an "End User" as such. This company was built by Daddy, now Jr inherited. Guess the rest of the story.
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07-19-2017, 06:21 AM
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#9
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Guru
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
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" I wonder if NAPA or other parts suppliers such as NAPA goes into valves, Springs, push rods, connecting rods, pistons and so forth."
Not usually , but knowing the OEM and sourcing parts from that brand will usually cut a re-painter like Volvo or Westerbeke parts bill by 1/2 or 2/3.
Best of all is a common engine like a Detroit , Cummins or Ford where parts suppliers have many choices on price and build quality.
Engines like Kubota or Yannmar are frequently used in the big truck reefer units , and entire running engines are cheap!! Although smaller HP , about 15-20 hp , 3 running engines for a grand isn't bad.
THe JD engine parts from a tractor source are wonderfully cheaper than from the marine folks.
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07-19-2017, 07:48 AM
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#10
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Guru
City: Fort Pierce
Vessel Name: Florita Ann
Vessel Model: 1982 Present
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,935
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Yep, FF, you are spot on.
I got the head off yesterday. The engine is a mess. It has had salt water in the crankcase and in the combustion chambers. The exhaust ports are clogged with wet black gunk. Tired of spending and throwing good money after bad. Thinking of new Phasor.
Your thoughts FF?
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07-19-2017, 09:55 AM
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#11
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Guru
City: Pender Harbour, BC
Vessel Name: Gwaii Haanas
Vessel Model: Custom Aluminum 52
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,791
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Northern Lights
__________________
Don't believe everything that you think.
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07-19-2017, 10:04 AM
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#12
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Technical Guru
City: Wilmington, NC
Vessel Name: Louisa
Vessel Model: Custom Built 38
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 6,194
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mule
Yep, FF, you are spot on.
I got the head off yesterday. The engine is a mess. It has had salt water in the crankcase and in the combustion chambers. The exhaust ports are clogged with wet black gunk. Tired of spending and throwing good money after bad. Thinking of new Phasor.
Your thoughts FF?
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We've got a few Phasors around here, folks like them. Way less money than NL.
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07-19-2017, 11:27 AM
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#13
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Guru
City: Pender Harbour, BC
Vessel Name: Gwaii Haanas
Vessel Model: Custom Aluminum 52
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,791
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How do prices compare?
__________________
Don't believe everything that you think.
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07-19-2017, 01:00 PM
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#14
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Technical Guru
City: Wilmington, NC
Vessel Name: Louisa
Vessel Model: Custom Built 38
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 6,194
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8kW Phasor about $9k, NL about $15k.
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07-21-2017, 05:37 AM
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#15
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Guru
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
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"Your thoughts FF"
Find out who built the engine for any brand you are contemplating and find the work around First.
Kubota , in an engine size that is common in lawn implements , or truck reefers would be first choice.
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07-21-2017, 06:48 AM
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#16
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Guru
City: Ft Pierce
Vessel Name: Sold
Vessel Model: Was an Albin/PSN 40
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 28,119
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Well, in a pinch I order from all the well known"fair" and "reasonable" and "knowledgable" experts and suppliers. I also order from discounted sources because money is ALWAYS a factor.
In my travels through pulling the engine head and repairing it, I learned some about who really new what....and where they make easy money.
Yesterday after breaking an injector retaining bolt, I ordered a couple from a well known supplier. I was in a rush, and after a couple hours of web searching and calls, broke down and paid $24 plus probably a few dollars for shipping for 2 bolts.
Now similar grade 8 bolts of similar sizes from suppliers are usually about 20 cents.
This was from a small, niche supplier.... not Westerbeke ... but a well beloved supplier.
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07-21-2017, 06:52 AM
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#17
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Guru
City: Fort Pierce
Vessel Name: Florita Ann
Vessel Model: 1982 Present
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,935
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I agree about the Kubota.
A few days ago I pulled the Mitsubishi (Westerbeke) head, as mentioned earlier, disassembled yesterday. Broken valve spring. Replacing all 6 valves, springs, seals. Needless to say, parts coming from Weaver Compact Tractor in Pennsylvania.
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07-21-2017, 10:15 AM
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#18
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Guru
City: Warwick, RI
Vessel Name: Susan Helena
Vessel Model: Albin40
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 523
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Not trying to go off topic, but what makes valve springs break? I share your dislike of Westerbeke. Needed a toggle switch for the control panel. I live a few miles from the company. Called them up, but they could only ship it to me. $15 or so for the switch, $15 for s&h. Found the same switch on Amazon or eBay for about $5 total.
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07-21-2017, 12:09 PM
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#19
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Technical Guru
City: Wilmington, NC
Vessel Name: Louisa
Vessel Model: Custom Built 38
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 6,194
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Corrosion pits on valve springs make stress risers. They crack in fatigue. Almost always a busted spring is also corroded. If you have rust on springs, replace them.
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07-21-2017, 01:15 PM
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#20
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Guru
City: Warwick, RI
Vessel Name: Susan Helena
Vessel Model: Albin40
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 523
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Just adjusted my FL clearance. Things looked pretty well lubricated. Does rust just happen? Thanks for the info! One of these days I'll do the Westerbeke. Not fun where it is.
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