Repower Project

Docroth	Heya guys. My Re-power project is a none typical one. I own a 1983 Reinell 8M with a Chevy 350 and a Volvo 280 drive. The boat is flawless except for the fuel usage. it burns around 13 gals. per hour. I never run the boat on step. I usually cruse about 7 to 8 knots ( or about 1,200 RPM) This unit is Fresh water cooled, with a Huge Heat exchanger. Anyhow my questions are this.. I want to pull the Chevy 350 out and replace it with a small (18-25 hp ) Diesel. Like a Kubota tractor engine. The mounts are not trouble and neither is the cooling.. But I have no Idea what the Volvo hook up looks like.. Does anyone have any photos of this, or maybe know of someone who has done this. I know most folks want More power, But I want less.. Slow cruise is good.. Any thoughts would help greatly..	2002-08-22
djohns19	Chris, Look at the stern drive options available from Star-Power. I don't have the URL but I'll bet you can find it in the advertisers section of Boating Mag. or Motorboating and Sailing Mag. They offer diesels in many sizes that are hooked to their proprietary stern drive. Volvo also offers many diesels hooked to their drives. These would probably be the easiest swap-the stern cutouts would be similar.	2002-08-22
amtsst	go see this page: http://boatdiesel.com/ There are discussion forums and several articles on diesel re-power of former gas units. Perkins has some engines that start at 65hp and go up from there. Also, I know you have an OMC but I read about a 1.7L Diesel MerCruiser once. That would be kind of interesting to see.	2002-08-23
cannonfodder	Sell the pig and buy something with a displacement hull Bryce	2002-08-23
Docroth	Gee that took some real thought... Why don't you buy one for me..	2002-08-26
flashback	can't question your logic on wanting better fuel economy, but I can't believe you are using 13 gallons an hour when your engine is just a little over idle.... it must be way out of tune or something.......	2002-08-26
Docroth	No sorry if I made it sound like that.. It burns 4-6 gal and hour at 1300 rpm, and 13+ at 3200 rpm.	2002-08-29
Capt. Bob	I have read a few posts on re-powering and wonder if anyone has ever really done the swap from a gas to diesel or inboard to outboard or outboard to inboard?? Any completed project description or pictures to share? I have heard about using the VW, Isuzu and other small diesels to power a boat...anybody done it? Does the cost and time to convert change most peoples mind?	2002-08-31
flashback	Cris, never saw a Volvo outdrive up close, but In general I would imagine the 2 main issues for this conversion, would depend on weather you have access to welding equipment and are able to modify the bell housing and coupler to fit the outdrive correctly. then electrical and linkages would just have to be worked out as best you can. Don't think it would be all that hard to do if you have good skills at working metals, as the Kabota motor most likely does not have a marine conversion kit available. First thing I would do though, is check with Volvo to see if they ever hooked up a diesel to their outdrives (most likely they have) and go from there...good luck	2002-08-31
Docroth	Thanks for the advice. I will post links to the pictures as they come.. I have the project well underway. I have chosen a motor, and I will post all the details after I receive it. Doc	2002-09-03
Docroth	Ok guys.. Looking for a 3 or 4 cylinder diesel engine.. I don't care what it is, as long as it runs good. I live in Washington State, If you guys know of any please let me know.... Thanks Cris	2002-09-25
Mikedg	Cris: My guess is that the cost of re-powering would greatly exceed the value of the boat. By the sound of things you like to cruise along for pleasure or trolling. Have you thought about getting a kicker motor for the slow times and keep the original power for occasional use and the ease of selling later? Wish my boat only used 13 gph at cruise!	2002-09-25
Docroth	Well I found a Guy in Everett WA. that has done this conversion already.. He told me to look for a engine that made 30+ hp at 1800 rpm and over 70 lbs of torque. I think I found my engine.. 1986 Volks 1800 cc Diesel 38 hp @ 1800 rpm and 105 lbs of torque. I'll keep you all up to date on the conversion.	2002-09-26

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