Ford Lehman 120 rebuilds v/s older running engines

I have had #6 piston in my Lehman 120 fail and several pieces break off the top. The engine has 2400 hours and wondering if it is better to have it rebuilt or look for an existing running older engine.Looking for more opinions on this issue

Rebuild or swap out with another FL120 is what I would suggest. I'd talk to Greg at Bomac Marine. I know a boater who dropped off his FL120 and left with a re-manufactured one for about 10K. That was a few years ago so the price may have gone up.

Ford Lehman Engines | Parts | Service | Bomac Marine



http://www.bomacmarine.com/pdf/remanufactured-lehman-ford.pdf

I guess it depends on over all costs differences between the two choices.

I think rebuilding your existing engine is perhaps the best way to go. That way you have a "new" engine. And normally you don't have to pull it out to rebuild it.

Now if you go with a different engine, and after you pull out the old engine, you get the chance you really clean up the engine space and paint a lot of areas that are hard to get at with an engine in there. And you can paint the replacement engine as well before you put it in.

I think a lot depends on what damage was done internally when the piston broke.
Until you asses that, you won't know what it would cost to rebuild yours.

If the choices are sourcing an old engine vs a one rebuilt by a reputable shop (trading in yours as a "core"), I would probably go with the rebuilt.

Thank-you gentlemen for your info. If a rebuild is to be done , does anyone know of a
reputable machine shop in the Florida area

Greetings,
Mr. p. Do NOT ask Bomac for a reference. A "mechanic" they (I can't remember who on the Bomac staff I talked to) recommended was a dud. For parts and over the phone information, Bomac is fine but otherwise????

It all depends on whether cylinder bore was damaged. Sometimes a piston fails and cylinder is ok with a quick hone cleaning. That can usually be all done with engine in the boat.

If bore is damaged, then engine is best to come out, and an exchange reman might be best bet.

Papamac I second what ski said. It sounds like the head is off can you post some photos of the cylinder wall. I too had to bore 6 and put a bigger piston in. http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s6/lehman-120-piston-slap-17797.html

Since the engine only lasted 2400hrs it's supprising you would want to rebuild it.

I would be looking for the cause of the failure and make sure it isn't repeated on the rebuild, also check the valves to make sure the pieces didn't do any damage. I've repaired many engines with a failure on one cylinder, new rod/piston assy and liner, send the head out to check for flatness + related gaskets and back in service. Be sure to check liner height on all cylinders and if wet liners do not roll engine over without retaining liners with bolts and washers so the seal isn't disturbed.


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"Since the engine only lasted 2400hrs it's supprising you would want to rebuild it."

There is a large difference between wearing out an engine , and having some sort of failure that kills it.

At a few GPH these engines seem fine.

I ordered some parts from Bomac last week. They really are great people to deal with. Since our engine is almost 40 years old I have been curious as to what a rebuilt FL120 would cost so I asked while I had them on the phone. They quoted me $9,800 for the 120 hp and $8,500 for an 80hp plus shipping. She guessed shipping to Florida would be about 400 to 500 dollars. If and when the time comes this is the route I will take.