$40,000 Toast

The mechanic from A to B Marine came on Friday.  This was the third master mechanic and their fourth trip to the boat over four weeks of waiting.  This time they did a pressure test of the cooling system, which held at 14psi and passed.  They then did a compression test and this showed a compression problem with cylinder four.  The theory is that the rod bearing, rod connector, or something else in cylinder four has failed, resulting in metal particles scoring the cylinder lining.  According to Richard Rock, one of the owners of A to B Marine, this engine is toast.  So now I have this big new red Westerbeke engine, which only has 180 hours on it, which cost about $14K+, and which cost another $22K-$26K to have professionally installed, and it is worthless.  Also, plans for Mexico and the South Pacific this year are looking grim unless somebody steps up to the plate and takes care of this under warranty QUICKLY.  The Westerbeke Warranty is a full parts, labor and material for the first two years, and full warranty for five years.  This engine has one year and only 180 hours, which is nothing for a marine diesel.

The Westerbeke reps tagged out the engine and disabled it so it could not be started and we wait, just like we have done for four weeks now.  Wait for Westerbeke reps to make decisions on what they are going to do.  Currently Astraea sits needing a heart transplant.  A big red Westerbeke heart.  Let's hope that Westerbeke stands behind their products and that this does not become some huge battle between a consumer and a big  corporation.  

The New Westerbeke 44B4 arrives at Svendsens's.  An exciting day!!!

 The engine.  What a beauty!  

My old loyal Isuzu.  She did not look like much but she performed well for 27 years.  The only problem with her is getting parts, service, maintenance, etc.  The new Westerbeke (theoretically) should provide years of worry free service.

The engine compartment steam cleaned, new engine base built,  ready to take the new Westerbeke.

 

 This is like a heart transplant for a boat.  A major evolution.  Took two master mechanics two weeks to do the work, plus lots of cleaners, painters, electricians, ship fitters, and riggers. 

 

 

The new Westerbeke being lowered into place and connected.

 

The new Westerbeke installation complete with new high capacity alternator and dual Racor 2 micron filters.  Little did I know that this $36,000 to $40,000 worth of new engine would be totally "toast" within 180 operating hours.  I am beginning to wish I had kept the old Isuzu and had it rebuilt.  I would now be in Mexico and preparing to sail to the South Pacific if I had not done this engine replacement.  I would also have had a lot more money in the bank and a lot less stress in my life.