bertram31.com

Hi Guys,

Still trying to get my 31 Express repowered in Lantana. I have a potential lead on a pair of brand new Volkswagon TD225-6 engines complete with Twin Disc 1.5:1 Gears. They come complete with wiring harnesses, gages, key starts, etc. The spec for them is below:

http://www.vw-m.de/index.php?id=12&no_cache=1&L=1

What do you guys think about these? Would they work? Do the gears seem like the right size? Any more info you guys need to help me? I have been leaning towards the Cummins 6BT 210HP remans but can get these VWs for less $$$.

Thanks. Joe Z

One offs are a tough sell. I'd go with the Cummins, regardless of what you can get the VW's for.

Here's a small discussion I found on line about the VW's:

http://www.justanswer.com/questions/1lb ... el-engines

Other links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx7pGsn2Eno

http://www.ringpower-systems.com/VW/TDI ... iption.pdf

http://www.vw-m.de/index.php?L=1&id=12

I know it's apples and oranges, but I ran a diesel VW car years ago and it was one of the most dependable cars I ever owned. If they are giving them away it may be a good option.

JR

The VWs would be a terrible deal if they gave them to you free.......zero resale value on off breed engines. Don't ruin a classic boat - in fact, The Best Boat Ever Built - by bastardizing it up with those motors. Go with the Cummins and have some value for the future, plus off the shelf parts anywhere - those 210 Cummins are ture lifetime engines.

yo Fren'

UV

I have the 210's and can't speak highly enough about them. Bulletprood. Sips fuel. Easy maintenance.

The question that comes to my mind is how much less???

If it was..."We'd like to Break into the market by installing a pair of these motors into the Best boat ever built at no charge to you" then I would jump at the chance. I had a position somewhat similar years ago before Yanmar became popular. Yes they where High Revving Diesels many would not touch as they figured they could not last. I was young, dumb and somewhat stupid for passing on the deal at 28,000 installed...but only in hindsight.

If it's nothing similar...put your money in Proven Iron. Issues have already been worked out and if you want to sell her down the road the chances of you getting more of your money back increases....do a search here about a 31 being sold with BMW motors.

Set of Yanmars here -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0477180372

I posted the same question months ago - The VW TDI has to be one of the more proven diesels out there -

Problem is auto to marine does not always translate well. And if you can't find someone to work on it - then why bother...

My first rule of internal combustion engines: All things being equal, the harder they have to work, the shorter they will live.

Expanded: Big bore engine loafing = long life. Small bore engine screaming = short life. 3.0 liter vs 5.9 liter to do the same job, no contest for longevity.

First rule of thumb in engine buying is service and parts after the fact.

If your looking at off brand engines, check service ability along with parts availability.

Next when you have done your work for your local area, next see how it will be if you travel. Especialy if you travel outside US waters.

The bottom line is after 30 years of selling and servicing engines, I've seen to many people buy engines for the up front price and seriously get bit in the ass in time and money in the after the fact price.

It doesn't mean off brands or less popular engines won't work, but are YOU willing to deal with the possible consequences?

And to echo on Bruce's comments, its not only whether you can get parts now or 5 years from now, but also whether you'll be able to get parts 10, 20, or 30 years from now.

You really cannot beat the availability of spare parts for the cummins OEM and NON-OEM.