6.5 diesels ???????

[danshat]

The next step in my rebuild process is the engines. After a lot of headache I have decided not to rebuild the old 440's. The average quote was around $7000 a side for a rebuild. I would love to go with diesels but don't have the money for new ones. I have found several of the 6.5 Turbo Diesels that are close to my price range. What difficulty would I have marinizing them? It seems like a very highly debated subject so I figured I'd ask the experts.

Thanks
Dan

 

[Avenger]

In a word: Don't.

The engines have a horrible reputation whether deserved or not (mostly deserved) and will make the boat unmarketable if you try to sell. By the time you get done with all the engineering and expense involved in marinizing them you'll have a bastardized junkpile that probably costs as much as rebuilding a set of takeouts. There were a couple of marinizers like MarinePower who built 6.5 packages up to 400HP if you can believe that. I don't think anybody's marinizing them for inboards anymore. Although there is one company making a package for I/Os which isn't a bad application for them. But you're better off looking for a pair of good 3208 CAT takeouts, or something similar. Even the guys offering kits to convert 5.9 Dodge truck engines would be a better option. Not much better mind you, there's still issues with that, but at least people will look at a boat with Cummins Bs.

Get a copy of Boats & Harbors and see what's in the classifieds. Make friends with a few local marinas and see if they're doing any repowers there's got to be a better option. Trust me I know. I've owned four of these engines, three of them in the same truck.

I can go on more about these things, I've seen enough of them. But this should be enough to get you started (stopped?). How much do you really want to know?

 

[danshat]

Thanks for the reply. My gut was telling me the same thing but I figured I'd ask. I'll keep checking Gold Coast Power for something that'll work.

 

[mobilemn1]

Hey Dan,

so how is the boat coming along other than the engines.....

You may want to maybe rethink the 454gas,,,,they sure sound sweet in mine, even though I don't have all the systems repaired yet to take her out and try em out. You may be able to find some rebuildable ones for less money in the long run....and they are probably more plentiful

 

[danshat]

Coming along a hell of a lot slower than I anticipated. I probably would have been better off fixing stuff as I went along instead of ripping it all out and starting over. Almost have the outside done and most of the interior framing. I'm just stuck at the engines. Have to get them in so I can get the running gear put back together. I had the trannys rebuilt so I should probably go with gassers so I can use em. What a PITA. To many choices to make.

 

[mobilemn1]

I agree with you on the decisions, as there seems to be four more to make after making just one. My old girl was just neglected so it was an easier decision to repair than to tear out and rebuild. There are spots I wish I could get to, but without tearing out some floors and cabinets, that will have to wait for another time if ever. Hang in there ole boy,,,,,there is an end to the means, besides, we got to have something to do, eh?

 

[danshat]

That's for sure. It'd be nice to see her in the water again though. I'll probably be a lot more satisfied.

 

[jim rosenthal]

I think you'd be better off with something else. Those GM diesels didn't have a good reputation when new, and they are all old now. Used or reman Cummins or a set of Yanmars would be a lot better. I know it's easy to spend someone else's money, but I'd hate to see you do all the work to put those engines in; I don't think you'd be happy with them.

 

[Avenger]

In case you need further convincing, I saved a piece of my last one.

To be fair, this is a result of a block design flaw, which GM later re-engineered. The newer ones are less prone to the problem. The one in my truck now is a salvaged '93 with about 100K miles on it. No block cracks, more power, less smoke and better efficiency than either of the two previous engines. But no matter how you cut it the engine has a weak and band-aided bottom end. In fact, the engines now being produced for the US military for the Hummers are being made by Navistar International and have a bedplate or main bearing girdle which is a decent fix, but just like the rest of GM, too late to save it.

 

[Glory]

A 6.5 from the highway is 195 HP, with a 3500 rpm red line. this is a far cry from a big block gas from any manfacturer.

The 6.5 also known as the "Beast" is as much as 300HP. It's intercooled, and the injector pump is set up very different, delivering more fuel. you nay lose your shirt boosting the HP to make the 6.5 a reasonable replacement fro the 440.

I would not recomend the 6.5.

JM

 

[saltshaker]

As others have said, stay away from the 6.5's. Never heard a good thing about them and no one will want a boat with them. Diesels are great engines and in many boats the only choice. You should see what will fit in your ER so you know what choices you have. How many hours are you planning to run per year and at what speed? I would explore all the options and don't rush the decision. What ever you choose, your in a good spot since the whole boat is apart right now. Even so a gas to diesel repower will cost a few bucks. In the end fresh gassers might be the best choice for your boat.