Yanmar 6lp… replace, repower, or rebuild?

[matt1]

I have a 33’x12′ boat that does it’s job exceptionally, so I’d like to keep it going. It originally had Volvo 41s and was repowered in 2001 with Yanmar 6lps and Bravo 2s. I bought it shortly afterward and after a brief fight with drives and valves have had a decent relationship and built a good business with the Yanmars. I take care of them like my life depends on it, because it does, and despite their limitations and needs, they have served me well. I’m on my third set in the boat and all but one was running strong when I pulled them after 6-8000 hrs. Sure the drives kind of suck. But with a little less prop, million dollar oil, lots of spares, and some aftermarket shafts, I’ve learned to live with them as the cheap, fast alternative I need.  My issue is that it’s getting to be time again and I don’t have many options given the engine room space. If I’m going to make major bulkhead changes at this point, I might as well build new. I’d rather not.  I could try to get new 6lps, I’ve heard that they are available one at a time in twin applications if I destroy a returned engine. The cost is almost twice what I paid for my last one, but my main concern is availability. How long are they going to be available here, and what about parts for the next 5-10 years?  There are guys rebuilding them. I had two bad experiences with this in the past (I think the main tool used was a paint can), but I ran across someone selling dry sleeves and another offering aftermarket pistons, rings, bearings, etc. I think most are using Toyota valves, springs, etc. . If the block is bored and sleeved and new coolers, head, valve train, and exhaust manifold installed, would it live? Cost is high, but not as bad as new. I have six engines that could be rebuilt sitting in my shop.  I’ve been looking hard for a couple of years for a better option. No space for a Cummins, a gear, and a Konrad, like I’d prefer. 8LVs don’t have a good reputation if they would fit. Even D6s are too big. D4s seem even more like toys than the 6lps. Nannie makes the same engine,but seems to have discontinued them. Not to mention that no one near me has ever even heard of them, never mind service and parts… I had a brief run in with some FNMs. No way.  So, I’m open for any input, ideas, or suggestions. Thanks in advance, always appreciate the comments. 

FYI: 6lps

WOT- 4k, 31 knots

cruise- 3200, 25 knots     3400- 27 knots

 

 

 

Topic

[Rob Schepis]

If you have six engines on hand that “could” be rebuild it sounds like you have your own parts department right there.  There’s a ton (actually 2.7 tons) of value in that stockpile.

[Tony Athens]

Two things–   Rob asked the right questions for down the road.. 

 

I bought two new ones 2 yrs ago using the “one-for-one” replacement program they had–It was a PIA, but it worked,, $$ was marginably reasonable at that time. As to what is current–Spend your efforts maintaining & pro-actively servicing  the entire and quite complex seawater side of the engine.   Leaving fresh water in it when at the dock will pay long tern dividends.  I happen to like your engine a lot and was sad to see it “go away”  and be replaced by a 8LV??.

[Rob Schepis]

What are the US Distributors  (Mac Boring, Mastry, Boatswain’s, etc.) saying as to the future of the parts and replacement engines?

[matt1]

Running like new at 5500 hrs.

[Tony Athens]

Make this simple..

\What shape are your engines in currently?  

[Author]

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