Beta engine quality drop?

uxb

uxb

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I am considering getting a Beta 30 hp engine fitted in place of the old Volvo 2003 but have heard some reports of problems with poor machining , rough running and less than stellar support from the manufacturers .

Was this just a coincidental run of bad luck or something more?

Anyone had probs or is all in the Beta garden rosy?
 
Beta support

I fitted a Beta 20 to my Rival last winter. Thus far, it has only done about a dozen hours. However, I had a couple of issues related to the installation (NOT the engine per se). Beta's technical support was excellent - emails were answered within minutes, and my bone questions were never too stupid for them.
 
Article in this months PBO on the company, complete with photo of the boss!

You can always buy a Nanni if you have doubts - but think doubts about Beta are unfounded.
 
Tranona said:
but think doubts about Beta are unfounded.
Click to expand...

I hope so!

I'll have read at the 'Advertorial' doubt their will be a whole lot of worthwhile info in the fluff..I'm trying to remember the last time I read a critical article on kit in any sort of magazine - apart from the Rocna saga.....
 
Our Beta 14 was fitted few years ago for the previous owner, but I've always found the people at Beta very helpful and responsive.

They provided support to the engineer when we had a bizzare problem (turned out the root of the problem was outside the engine, but the engine had been affected). On a number of occasions I've ordered parts on the phone. I've always got through quickly to someone who really knows what they're talking about. They called back when they said they would. They've always been very careful to be be clear about what I want and make sure I've got the right part for the exact version of the engine, and they've always been sent out the same day and arrived promptly. If I was in the market for a new engine they would certainly be my first point of call, based on both my experience of their responsiveness and my satisfaction with the engine.

I've not had personal dealings with Nanni, but a friend who had one installed was less than enthralled with Peachments (though the engine is fine).
 
LittleSister said:
Our Beta 14 was fitted few years ago for the previous owner, but I've always found the people at Beta very helpful and responsive.

They provided support to the engineer when we had a bizzare problem (turned out the root of the problem was outside the engine, but the engine had been affected). On a number of occasions I've ordered parts on the phone. I've always got through quickly to someone who really knows what they're talking about. They called back when they said they would. They've always been very careful to be be clear about what I want and make sure I've got the right part for the exact version of the engine, and they've always been sent out the same day and arrived promptly. If I was in the market for a new engine they would certainly be my first point of call, based on both my experience of their responsiveness and my satisfaction with the engine.

I've not had personal dealings with Nanni, but a friend who had one installed was less than enthralled with Peachments (though the engine is fine).
Click to expand...
same here - great support when i needed it only last weekend-same when ordering parts-no complaints
 
Nonsense

First class engine, starts every time and loads of grunt.
Engineering is v good and spares as a Kubota are world wide.
Bits to specify, multi groove drive belt.
Things to be aware of, Heat exchanger and wasting anode, keep on top of these,H/E o rings replace every year when you service H/E and wasting anode, be carefull of corrosion on engine start fuse under H/E,
Super engine
Keith
 
Thanks for the info- a few of you mention ordering bits. - what parts did you need? Were they general service parts?
 
beta 30

I replaced a volvo 2003 with the beta 30. I am most impressed with engine but ... after 10 hours the fanbelt had worn through what I would call the radiator hose. beta were brilliant - replacement sent and fitted within 24 hours. Now done 100 hours and the same hose "blew off " the heat exchanger stub. On examination it seems the the stub is narrower than the internal diameter of the silicon hose which is very slippery. Once again Beta responded with advice. In spite of problem with this hose I would have no reservation about Beta. A lot of Weasterlys have changed to Beta and as yet no complaints. Yes the heat exchanger anode needs changing twice a year but inserts are cheap. Filters are reasonable compared with Volvo. I do not regret changing to Beta 30.
 
martynlinda said:
I replaced a volvo 2003 with the beta 30. I am most impressed with engine but ... after 10 hours the fanbelt had worn through what I would call the radiator hose. beta were brilliant - replacement sent and fitted within 24 hours. Now done 100 hours and the same hose "blew off " the heat exchanger stub. On examination it seems the the stub is narrower than the internal diameter of the silicon hose which is very slippery. Once again Beta responded with advice. In spite of problem with this hose I would have no reservation about Beta. A lot of Weasterlys have changed to Beta and as yet no complaints. Yes the heat exchanger anode needs changing twice a year but inserts are cheap. Filters are reasonable compared with Volvo. I do not regret changing to Beta 30.
Click to expand...

Are you getting bette fuel consumption with the Beta?

the niggly faults you experienced are a bit of a worry TBH..
 
cagey said:
First class engine, starts every time and loads of grunt.
Engineering is v good and spares as a Kubota are world wide.
Bits to specify, multi groove drive belt.
Things to be aware of, Heat exchanger and wasting anode, keep on top of these,H/E o rings replace every year when you service H/E and wasting anode, be carefull of corrosion on engine start fuse under H/E,
Super engine
Keith
Click to expand...

Agree with all of that.
'Multi-groove' belt is more commonly known as a polyvee, as fitted to most cars for yonks. Should be standard spec on all small marine engines rather than simple Vee belt. Mine lasted 2000 hours without adjustment until changed just to be on the safe side.
Engine fuse as supplied is in a pretty dumb and inaccessible place. It's a simple job to move it to somewhere more accessible.
Brass pressure cap housing bolted to aluminium heat exchanger (although partly insulated by O-ring) can be prone to galvanic corrosion, long-term. Keep an eye on it.
 
my beta 14 has never missed a beat ( no pun intended). advice from beta is excellent so don't worry about after sales service.

you may have seen my post about a broken dipstick - resolved with one phone call and nothing to worry about.

yes, you do need to check the heat exchanger anode more regularly than you'd expect but replacements are cheap. and the alternator belt needs tightening at intervals.

sometimes draining coolant to renew it means sticking a piece of wire down the tap to clear the crud.

however, no hesitation in saying go for a beta. minor issues are nothing compared to the peace of mind of a reliable engine and excellent back up service.
 
Just upgraded to Beta 30 from a Bukh DV20. No regrets at all

Still on the first season of use and it is lighter and quieter, I had excellent service from TS marine who did the techie stuff of fitting it (raising the engine beds, fitting the prop, cutlass bearing and aligning it all), I did the rest.

Should have done it before we went sailing for 3 months.:rolleyes:
 
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Yes, all in the Beta garden is rosy except for the anode niggle which is not much, really.

They are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, and the spares are reasonably priced.

Can you share with us your reports of poor machining, rough running and poor support as mentioned in your original post?
 
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