Beta engine quality drop?

[richardbrennan]

You might just try getting a quote for another Volvo, I have just changed my 2030 for a D1-30 and they were offering 25% of the engine/drive packages that made it cheaper and obviously it is simpler to install. However, I had some problems with the installation and would not recommend the company who supplied and fitted the engine. If you are in the Portsmouth area PM me and I will tell you who to avoid.

 

[LittleSister]

'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.

I believe the poly-vee belt may now be standard on all Betas apart from the 10hp, where it is an optional extra. An upgrade kit is available for the older small engines to replace the trad style V belt, which does indeed require frequent tightening (though it does take longer to get the tools out than do the adjusting).

 

[LittleSister]

Thanks for the info- a few of you mention ordering bits. - what parts did you need? Were they general service parts?

Yes, plus polyvee belt upgrade kit, and replacement filler cap (the original having been dropped into the far depths of the bilge).

 

[doug748]

.........
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.

Those brass bells are a fiddle to fit as well.

However, I was looking at a pal's new 20hp job and see that they have been phased out and replaced by a new casting (looks like ally - good) held by allen screws. This should prove more positive and a great improvement.

 

[snooks]

Unpainted heat exchanger:

 

[Stoshak]

- and a repositioned anode!

So it's all good as we say in Twenty Twelve.

 

[uxb]

Why don't they just make the whole assembly out of one grade of metal?? Seems like a pretty short term solution to have dis- similar metals and an anode- cant be that expensive to do?

 

[Stoshak]

The aluminium casing is not exposed to seawater. It contains the engine coolant.

The heat exchanger matrix and the end caps are exposed to seawater and are of similar materials.

Seems to work well.

I expect the redesign is to rectify the awkward assembly arrangements of the previous version, so not really a short term solution.


Are you any nearer to a decision?

 

[cindersailor]

I've had a Beta 16 since 2007, self installed, now on about 550 hours. No problems. I regard checking alternator belt/anode/heat-exchanger stack as routine maintainance. Once you have bought your second anode you need never buy another! Just tap out the brass holder (10 mm tap for my engine IIRC) and £10 worth of zinc rod of the requisite diameter from zincsmart.com will get you enough for many seasons to come. I also initially suffered with copious dust from the alternator V-belt, but have now concluded that this was principally due to corrosin on the pullies, periodic (and judicious) application of Emery cloth with the engine running deals with that. Any engine will have its foibles - some more than others - the Betas are no more afflicted than any others and seem pretty bullet-proof in the important areas. And red coloured spares are rather cheaper than green ones!

 

[uxb]

Are you any nearer to a decision?

I haven't really gone off the idea of a Beta...I was/am concerned about spending a pile of dosh and then having problems when I could spent a whole load more for a Yanmar and have ( allegedly ) no problems. ..

I would fork out and buy a Perkins if they were still made here though, my old 4108 was a proper engine.

The Beta is as close to home made I think is available- unless the collective knows better?

 

[sailorman]

I haven't really gone off the idea of a Beta...I was/am concerned about spending a pile of dosh and then having problems when I could spent a whole load more for a Yanmar and have ( allegedly ) no problems. ..

I would fork out and buy a Perkins if they were still made here though, my old 4108 was a proper engine.

The Beta is as close to home made I think is available- unless the collective knows better?

look at a Nanni

 

[LittleSister]

look at a Nanni

There you go!

 

[sailorman]

There you go!

You silly boy Pike

 

[uxb]

look at a Nanni

Is Nanni not another Kubota with blue bits on instead of red?

 

[sailorman]

Is Nanni not another Kubota with blue bits on instead of red?

yes & better marinised too

 

[snooks]

yes & better marinised too

Do you have proof to back that statement up?

 

[Tranona]

I haven't really gone off the idea of a Beta...I was/am concerned about spending a pile of dosh and then having problems when I could spent a whole load more for a Yanmar and have ( allegedly ) no problems. ..

I would fork out and buy a Perkins if they were still made here though, my old 4108 was a proper engine.

The Beta is as close to home made I think is available- unless the collective knows better?

If you want a Perkins buy a Volvo - Up to 40hp are Perkins painted green, but made in Japan and don't leak or weigh a ton.

There is just no comparison between a Perkins/Volvo. Kubota/ Nanni/Beta. Yanmar, Vetus/Mitsubishi, Isuzu etc. and old engines. They are all light years ahead of a 4108, or any engine of that era.

You can argue about the finer points of individual marinisation and colour but there is little real difference among them in terms of functionality. Choose one that fits your boat the best and enjoy 30+ years of good service.

 

[sailorman]

Do you have proof to back that statement up?

no anodes req

 

[snooks]

no anodes req

And that's what you base your claim on? An ickle bit of zinc whic you have to change once a year...nothing mechanical?

 

[Tiercel]

Agree with Cagey. Great engine. Mine was fitted in 2005 and has run for over 1000 hrs now with no more than recommended maintenance. Has never missed a beat apart from a problem with the dreaded diesel bug. Knocks the old Volvo 2003 into a top hat!