BMC 1500 diesel oil filter and battery advice needed

deadfish

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Just got a Shetland 570 that has been on a trailer for the last 10 years and has a BMC 1500 Wortham Blake conversion mated to an Enfield Z drive. Engine is fitted with a cartridge type oil filter the bowl of which has been removed. I found the bowl but its very rusty and I dont think all the washers etc are there. Does anyone know where I can find replacement parts for these type of filters or where I can get a conversion for a spin on type filter, tried asap but they no longer stock them. Also the battery is missing, what amp battery should I get. The engine is very old and is fitted with a dynamo not an alternator, would this make any difference to the battery choice.
 

aquapower

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Just got a Shetland 570 that has been on a trailer for the last 10 years and has a BMC 1500 Wortham Blake conversion mated to an Enfield Z drive. Engine is fitted with a cartridge type oil filter the bowl of which has been removed. I found the bowl but its very rusty and I dont think all the washers etc are there. Does anyone know where I can find replacement parts for these type of filters or where I can get a conversion for a spin on type filter, tried asap but they no longer stock them. Also the battery is missing, what amp battery should I get. The engine is very old and is fitted with a dynamo not an alternator, would this make any difference to the battery choice.

Get a Crossland 405 filter or equivalent and you get the seal with it, if it was me I would change the dynamo for an alternator as will be a lot quicker at charging, this wont affect what battery you use.
 

Csail

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Just been in garage and the box is empty but it was a Crossland Pt No 522. Might still find one later. Same box had a Motaquip VFL100 so that might be the same assuming that box all came off the old boat?
 

deadfish

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BMC 1500

The filter on the right appears to be the correct one but I'm also looking for the filter bowl and the interior washers, thanks for your help.
 

Jim@sea

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You will probably find that this BMC 1500 engine was fitted in Nuffield Tractors (also early JCB) I would find out which one and then source any parts from Agricultural Tractor Dealers. As I found out years ago that a Perkins 4236 was fitted in a Massey Ferguson 165. And the parts are cheaper. (Plus second hand spares??)
 

deadfish

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BMC 1500

Thanks for your helpful replies. I have now found out from the original owner who had the boat from new and who marinised and fitted the engine that it hasn't been started for 15 to 20 years! I posted a question on canal boat because of the large number of these engines in use on the canals and the resident expert basically said throw the engine away and fit an outboard. I guess the best bet is to spend the minimum amount and see if I can get it running. Have removed the injectors and poured redex in the cylinders and will leave it to soak. Also managed to remove the glow plugs without breaking off the tips, will try and test them later. This engine is very old, it has the fitting for a starting handle! also has a dynamo rather than an alternator. As the battery is missing can anyone tell me if it would have been positive or negative earth. I know negative earth is the norm now but I think this wasn't always the case.
In the event that I can't get the engine running and do decide to fit an outboard I will have to cut down the transom and fit a self draining well. Has anyone done this? I know probably the easiest answer is to fit gill brackets but this will increase the overall length and I won't be able to fit the boat on my driveway.
 
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aquapower

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If it were me then I would spend a bit on the BMC they are a great engine and will be better than an outboard, you can still get parts and is worth doing. I have a couple of these in the garage and one day will put together a good one. I have bought bits for these on Ebay and Boats and outboards.
 

SimonA

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If it were me then I would spend a bit on the BMC they are a great engine and will be better than an outboard, you can still get parts and is worth doing. I have a couple of these in the garage and one day will put together a good one. I have bought bits for these on Ebay and Boats and outboards.

I'd keep the BMC, they are nice engines, reliable and economical.

Just a thought, but you could send the engine off for a rebuild. I had mine rebuilt last year by Calcutt boats. Mine was cream crakered, very low compression and various other issues. I had a total rebuild and a new fuel injection pump, new injectors, new heat exchanger and various other bits. Total cost was around £3000 - the fuel injection pump and heat exchanger made up about £1000 of that.

The other option is to buy a recon BMC from Calcutt boats.
 
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ms1

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Spin on filter conversion for BMC 1.5 - Standard part from ASAP Supplies. I would go straight to them .. no messing

http://www.asap-supplies.com/

Frankly I would be inclined to get the engine running if you can with minimum cost
see how it is
decide what sort of cruising you want to do
decided what sort of cash you might want to shell out.
Look at inbouard/ outboard options.
Then decide what direction to go with respect to engine.

If inborad replacement was the anser then Lancing Marine would probably do you a modest Ford (Escort based) engine that would be very suitable although I daresay other forum members will have their own ideas.
 

deadfish

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Yes, as you suggest I'll be spending the minimum to see if I can get things running. There are 2 dead glow plugs so I've ordered a full set, also I have to replace the starter solenoid. I think the engine is likely to be ok but what concerns me is the Enfield Z drive although this boat has had very little use and has spent most of its life on a trailer. I don't think there's much I can do to the outdrive in the way of maintenance other than change the oil so I'll do that and see how things go.
 

Bobobolinsky

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You'll get an engine complete off Ebay for not much money.
The problem with road engines converted, rather than industrial engines, is that they don't have loose liners, so to recon them, you have to rebore them. Probably a Perkins 4108 or Prima, would be a good replacement if you can't get another BMC 1500. The engine in situ may have all sorts of problems, corroded out or cracked block due to frost etc
 
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