Perkins 6.354s @ 5000 hrs

My '82 T6-354 had close to 4,000 hrs. on it. Economical to run, next to no oil consumption and didn't deserve the nickname offered by the local mechanic of "Pissy Perkins" for a reputation of them leaking oil. One investment I saw as critical was to get ahead of the problem of cast iron exhaust manifolds. I ordered a bolt on replacement from Marine Exhaust Systems of Alabama. The result, although expensive, pays for itself in the long run and lack of worry about when - not if - the cast iron manifold would develop a engine-side leak before a scheduled inspection. Clean fuel, a raw water flow alarm and fresh (new)raw water pump are pieces I view as essential.

Gee, I had no idea these engines are so celebrated. Lady Sue, Mainship I, 1982, has a Perkins (TU70027U6351444) with 4100 hours on her, and as Jay Leonard remembers, I've put 30 years on her myself. And I've logged every trip, humming between 1900-2000 rpm, around 180 degrees temp, and 65-80# oil pressure. Depending on tidal currents she clocks 6.5-10.5 knots. I budget about $10K/yr, all in--slip, winter storage/shrink wrap, insurance, scotch and a few cigars. Sometimes I do spend more for maintenance/repair but nothing to have a nervous breakdown over. Get a good mechanic--I don't know donkey dust--change her fluids and keep her pretty. Jim Ferry

Just for actual reference this is the invoice to Marine Max from Yacht Power Products for a total overhaul of the 6.354.4 the previous owner of my current boat did through Marine Max. Marine max would have put another charge on top of this. This was mid 2017.



Yacht Power Products
1510 - 1ST AVENUE NORTH
ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33705-1510
(727) 822-2628 * (727) 821-9859
FAX (727) 822-0785
SOLD BY:
MARINEMAX - GREAT AMERICAN
6810 GULFPORT BLVD.
ST.PETERSBURG FL 33707

DATE: 5/19/2017
Page 1 of 1
5/19/2017
Ordered Shipped Part Number Description List Price Total
1.0 1.0XXX REBUILD PERKINS 6354M 8,000.00 8,000.00 8,000.00
1.0 1.0XXX BOWMAN EXHAUST MANIFORD N/C 1,750.00 1,750.00 1,750.00
1.0 1.0XXX MIXING ELBOW 749.60 749.60 749.60
1.0 1.0XXX AUX DRIVE SEAL 28.00 28.00 28.00
1.0 1.0YPP999 FREIGHT 165.00 165.00 165.00
1.0 1.0XXX OIL/ TRANS COOLER 949.00 949.00 949.00
1.0 1.0XXX REBUILD INJECTORS 704.60 704.60 704.60
PERKINS 6354M REBUILD
SEE LIST for complete parts breakdown

TOTAL
SUB TOTAL
SALES TAX
$12,346.20
$12,346.20

Tiffany said:

My '82 T6-354 had close to 4,000 hrs. on it. Economical to run, next to no oil consumption and didn't deserve the nickname offered by the local mechanic of "Pissy Perkins" for a reputation of them leaking oil. One investment I saw as critical was to get ahead of the problem of cast iron exhaust manifolds. I ordered a bolt on replacement from Marine Exhaust Systems of Alabama. The result, although expensive, pays for itself in the long run and lack of worry about when - not if - the cast iron manifold would develop a engine-side leak before a scheduled inspection. Clean fuel, a raw water flow alarm and fresh (new)raw water pump are pieces I view as essential.

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Great recommendations Tiffany. Thanks again to all ... there was so much great info here. Pleased to say we now have her under contract. Surveys and trial next week. Fingers crossed!

JohnO said:

Great recommendations Tiffany. Thanks again to all ... there was so much great info here. Pleased to say we now have her under contract. Surveys and trial next week. Fingers crossed!

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Just now reading this thread. Curious to hear updates as of 2024?

Hey PNW - we actually had to terminate the contract on the original boat - several issues other than the engine. We ended up purchasing a Kadey-Krogen 42 in late 2021 and have been cruising with her ever since. It has a single Lehman SP 135 with just over 3,000 hrs. Has been a great boat and awesome engine ... gets about 1.5 - 1.8 gals per hour at 1600 rpm, which gives us a solid 6 kts. Just replaced the HE, oil coolers and hoses this winter. Haven't been cruising yet this season, but have fired up the engine a few times after and things seem in good order so far.

JohnO said:

Hey PNW - we actually had to terminate the contract on the original boat - several issues other than the engine. We ended up purchasing a Kadey-Krogen 42 in late 2021 and have been cruising with her ever since. It has a single Lehman SP 135 with just over 3,000 hrs. Has been a great boat and awesome engine ... gets about 1.5 - 1.8 gals per hour at 1600 rpm, which gives us a solid 6 kts. Just replaced the HE, oil coolers and hoses this winter. Haven't been cruising yet this season, but have fired up the engine a few times after and things seem in good order so far.

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Amazing, thanks for the update! Looking forward to posting some myself about our adventures just preparing to set out.