centaur engines

[wooslehunter]

I've just seen a Centaur that looks quite good. Only thing is that the engine is original. It looks clean & tidy and has apparently been re-built recently.

I hear that it's best to stay clear of these engines.

Anyone got any advice?

 

[dah]

I have a 1978 Centaur, fitted with the original MD11C engine. Have had the boat since 1995 . I am also the worlds greatest non-tech. Learned to sail in the RAF (Kiel) where you signed for a boat and then handed it back a week later so my technical expertise after 12 years sailing was really rather minimal. Therefore it was a steep learning curve, maintenance wise, when I bought my own boat. So far the engine has behaved admirably. Starts first time, every time, and never misses a beat. So long as you winterise properly and filter your fuel properly, you will eradicate most problems. What of course you cannot guarantee is the use/abuse the engine has had over the last 20 years. Perhaps I was lucky, who knows. There is also a 1973 Centaur in Ravenglass, with the original engine, also problem free. Hope this helps.
Dave H.

 

[seahorse]

Buyer beware, especially of green monsters!

Centaur owner.

 

[Luke]

I had a Centaur for many years in the 90's with the original MDIIB engine. It hadn't been well looked after before I bought it and it showed in the engine. That said I found that it is a simple engine to maintain and work on and parts were still readily available. I'm not that technically minded so if I could do it anyone can.... If you don't mind rolling your sleeves up to look after it then I would see no problem.

 

[max]

I had a 1978 Centaur with original MD11C which ran for three years perfectly. I then bought a 1975 Pentland with original MD2B which didn't.

As one of the other posts pointed out it depends on how well it has been maintained. If you are not technical it is probably worth getting an engineer to look it over for you.

 

[Mirelle]

If it looks clean and tidy its probably been looked after. I have an MD2 from 1967 which is still fine.

These engines are simple and robust, and actually very fuel efficient!

 

[PaulAG]

For my MDIIC engine (1972 vintage) I bought new heads (very expensive but the old ones were not worth the effort & expense top re-furbish), fitted them myself, re-furbished injectors, together with fresh water cooling system (Aquafax) several years ago and still going well. Engine built like a tank! and very heavy but goes forever. Very simple to service and have full workshop and DIY manuals.
Higher running temperature seems to have reduced fuel bills, provides plenty of hot water and some heating (car heater block and computer fan).
Good luck.


<hr width=100% size=1>PaulAG