BMW D7 Engine

Major_Clanger

Major_Clanger

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Alright, alright, don't laugh.... :)

I've just bought one of these compact little engines in good running order with no apparent issues. I know that the spares situation isn't great, but is it really as bad as I'm told? All the bearings are a standard size and can be sourced from any good factors surely. Also, there must be countless Hatz engines knocking away on building sites, and they must need maintenance occasionally?

Anyone any tips for spares location please? It would be a shame to junk it when it goes wrong, and it isn't heavy enough to use as a mooring.
 
The main issue is the marinising bits, so cylinders, cylinder heads and exhaust elbows. Most other bits are available from Hatz UK directly. Oh, and the alternator, which isn't great, but there are ways to add a normal belt drive alternator if you have access to a lathe. Or just ignore the electrics and hand start it!
The original website is archived on the net somewhere, and the is a chat room on yahoo if I remember correctly, but it is pretty defunct.
Good luck!
 
Rather than try and find the issue as I don't think they have a back number service now, it might be worth buying the book they published on the whole restoration. From memory the engine bit went across 2 or 3 issues.
 
We had one, only got rid of it as we were offered an amazing deal on a new nanni, was getting hard to keep it going but at least we could start it with a handle.
 
Tranona said:
Rather than try and find the issue as I don't think they have a back number service now, it might be worth buying the book they published on the whole restoration. From memory the engine bit went across 2 or 3 issues.
Click to expand...

JumbleDuck said:
Ordering details at https://www.pbo.co.uk/news/pbo-project-boat-handbook-on-sale-23214. Excellent project, excellent book. I bought two copies, one to use while working and one to keep good for reference.
Click to expand...

Thanks both :)
 
I've the Renault version of this engine, an RC8D. The spares from Hatz are easy to get, and relatively inexpensive. They have a bit of a reputation for corroding easily, but don't require super efforts to maintain. The RC8D sips fuel as well, this a reflection of their power output perhaps, which does require a degree of involvement when planning trips. I enjoy the engine as I enjoy the maintenance, and (curious I know), in not having an 'off the shelf' modern engine.
 
Update - and a happy outcome.

The day before I collected the engine I had a call from the old owner. Very nice chap (he's not on here, nor is the engineer) who wanted to let me know that the engine had a probable blown head gasket and I could either back out of the purchase, or we could re-negotiate the price if I wanted to take a chance. I went to look at the engine and the marine engineer told me that he'd rebuilt the water pump but there was no cooling water from the exhaust as the head gasket had blown to the extent that the pressure was pushing the water back from the pump.

This didn't seem very likely, especially in a compression engine which ran very well. I was assured that the engineer knew what he was talking about though, but since I'm mechanically competent I decided to take a calculated gamble. We negotiated a much reduced price based on the fact that spares are available but not cheap. The old owner was happy and so neither of us felt we'd had a leg lifted.

I finally had time to investigate the lack of cooling water from the exhaust today and, thankfully, my suspicions were confirmed. The only issue the engine has is a blocked exhaust elbow. It's only been used in FW and so there's not much furring up in the cylinder jacket, and it's just the build-up of deposits in the manifold which have caused the problem. I think if I soak the manifold overnight in Rydlyme then all should be fine. Christmas has come early!
 
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