Ford Dolphin 2712E Engines

[Crazy_Canadian]

Hello,

I am a new member here, so hopefully this is the right thread for this. In Canada all of the marine Ford diesels are seen as a bit oddball, infact I have not seen another in my 6 years of ownership, but she has always been super reliable, until now. I spent a number of months in hospital last year including a very cold winter, my family was used to my big old steel boat staying in the water over winter and did their best, but no one winterized the motor.

Now I am set forth trying to recommission her but can't find a decent diesel mechanic willing to take on an oddball project and they all just want to Detroit or Cummins swap my boat. I have grown fond of my old oddball motor, so would rather see what I can do to save her. Have rebuild may MGs, Triumphs and Chevy 350s over the years, so I am not worried about the labor. It's just finding the parts or even basic info about the Dolphin Diesels I am running up against. Heck even AI couldn't find anything and suggested this group...

So does anyone know anything about them or should I be looking at swaps?

 

[Plum]

Hello,

I am a new member here, so hopefully this is the right thread for this. In Canada all of the marine Ford diesels are seen as a bit oddball, infact I have not seen another in my 6 years of ownership, but she has always been super reliable, until now. I spent a number of months in hospital last year including a very cold winter, my family was used to my big old steel boat staying in the water over winter and did their best, but no one winterized the motor.

Now I am set forth trying to recommission her but can't find a decent diesel mechanic willing to take on an oddball project and they all just want to Detroit or Cummins swap my boat. I have grown fond of my old oddball motor, so would rather see what I can do to save her. Have rebuild may MGs, Triumphs and Chevy 350s over the years, so I am not worried about the labor. It's just finding the parts or even basic info about the Dolphin Diesels I am running up against. Heck even AI couldn't find anything and suggested this group...

So does anyone know anything about them or should I be looking at swaps?

I believe that is the engine that is more commonly known as the Dorset. Parts are available here Price Book - Page 8

 

[Stemar]

You can get the workshop manual here

Ford 2712E diesel engine Workshop Service Manual for Repair | Download Manual

It would seem it's commonly a truck/RV engine, so looking in that sort area may lead you to spares.

 

[snowbird30ds]

It's usually called a ford dorset engine for non marinised version this side of the pond if that helps part finding.

 

[Boater Sam]

ASAP and Lancing Marine in the UK have stock of parts for this engine. The Dover engine is similar I believe. Basically an industrial engine from the 1960s which replaced the Trader engine.
What is wrong with yours? Just not being winterised should not do it any harm unless it was allowed to freeze solid which is unlikely if the boat was occupied.

 

[Crazy_Canadian]

ASAP and Lancing Marine in the UK have stock of parts for this engine. The Dover engine is similar I believe. Basically an industrial engine from the 1960s which replaced the Trader engine.
What is wrong with yours? Just not being winterised should not do it any harm unless it was allowed to freeze solid which is unlikely if the boat was occupied.

The boat was not occupied and without me here, the power was sometimes off for days at a time. Freezing solid is quite likely as I also has a pipe burst in the shower.

At this point I am just digging into it as none of the Diesel shops around here can seem to be bothered. They are all brand specific or "don't work on boats." At this point the motor won't turn over even by hand so the pistons are soaking in 50/50 ATF amd Acetone.

At this point I am just trying to figure out what parts availability is and if I should bother trying to rebuild it, if it doesn't break free or if I should just go the route of a swap.

 

[Crazy_Canadian]

Okay, so some success, I found out that Dolphin build engines with a "standard kit of Bowman parts" and I have the lake water cooled exhaust (which I knew, I had a wet exhaust, but apparently I should always mention that when dealing with parts).

 

[Crazy_Canadian]

Okay, so some success, I found out that Dolphin build engines with a "standard kit of Bowman parts" and I have the lake water cooled exhaust (which I knew, I had a wet exhaust, but apparently I should always mention that when dealing with parts).

Wow all but one pic was too large...

 

[Boater Sam]

Could it be hydraulically locked due to water in a cylinder/s? Try turning it backwards. Or is it cold enough that it could still have ice in the cylinders?

 

[Hunterlees]

Have a look at the trawler Forum trawlerforum.com Many boats on there are fitted with Lehman marinised dorset engines, and there are recommendations for knowledgable experts. My own boat has the 2712E

 

[Crazy_Canadian]

Could it be hydraulically locked due to water in a cylinder/s? Try turning it backwards. Or is it cold enough that it could still have ice in the cylinders?

I presently have the injectors out and nothing but a 50/50 ATF and Acetone mix in the cylinders. Presently can't rotate either way with the 36" breaker bar I have. Been thinking about finding a 8ft pipe to slide over and get more leverage...

 

[Blue Seas]

Here is a link to a site that I have used for many years - it shows a caution that the certificate has expired but I have used it many times (including today) without problem.

https://everythingaboutboats.org/how-identify-ford/

At the bottom of the page is a list of parts suppliers / marinisers - Bomac or Lehman were the big ones on your side of the pond.