Opinions on Vetus Engine

[trevorr]

We are looking at replacing our engine with a Vetus M2.D5 (13hp). Mainly because when compared to other similar engines it comes out quite a bit cheaper.

Has anyone had any experience with them, good or bad?

Thanks

Trev

 

[Aja]

I believe the latest versions of Vetus engines are Mitsibushi.

Regards

Donald

 

[dickh]

I also looked at the Vetus engine when re-engining my boat a couple of years ago. I accept it's good value and have no problem with the Mitsubishi base engine, but I discounted it for the following reasons:-
1) No sump pump for changing the engine oil. (you would have to 'suck' it out through the dipstick hole)
2) The sea water pump was mounted on the rear of the front plate of the engine so could only be easily accessed from the side(I only had front, rear and top access - from experience I wanted quick & easy access to change the impellor)
3) Vetus could not offer wider mounting brackets to suit my engine bearers.(I would have had to completely replace my engine bearers)
If you can live with the above, go for it. After looking at all the engines available, I went for the Beta engine which had all the features I wanted and was still a reasonable price.
Don't forget you may have to change the exhaust system(is it the same diameter and the same side?), shaft & prop, engine bearers, controls etc. I also upgraded the sound insulation, shaft gland, fuel system and fitted a high level inlet filter.
Good luck anyway.

 

[boatmike]

I have the 4.14 (?) 4v cylinder 32HP Mitsubishi based Vetus and it has proven to be an excellent choice. Mitsubishi are a very high volume manufacturer and their engines are found worldwide in trucks, cars, industrial plant etc. Spares are therefore easy anywhere. Personally I would rather have a marinised heavy duty engine marinised for boats than a light duty one built for pleasure use alone. Mine works hard for a living and has never missed a beat.

 

[Koeketiene]

We've got one - a P4-21 (50hp)

It's the original, so 24 years old. About 4000hrs on it, and good for at least 5 more years. Peugeot based, but I think current ones are Mitsubishi based.

When it comes to replacement I'll go for a Yanmar. Not because I'm not happy with the Vetus, but because I was ecstatic about the Yanmar on the previous boat.
Also wider availability of spares/support.

 

[earlybird]

About 12 years ago, I fitted a 10 HP (Misubishi based) Vetus engine to a yacht I then owned. Midway through its second season, after about 150 hrs running, it lost all compression. The agent was no help at all, but a guy at Vetus diagnosed the problem instantly over the phone. On his advice, I removed and dismantled the head. The exhaust valve stems were severely corroded, preventing the valves closing. The cause was perforation of the heat exchanger/exhaust manifold casting due to corrosion, allowing small amounts of coolant to seep into the exhaust ports. It seemed evident from their familiarity with the problem that Vetus had come across this before. To be fair to them, they provided all the replacement parts required at no cost to me, apart from a load of trouble. Also, I thought that the replacement manifold looked a sturdier job, and the engine then ran well for a number of years under new ownership. However, it has left me with a prejudice against Vetus engines. My present engine is a Beta, I'd have no hesitation in recommending these.

 

[Sy-Revolution]

I have a Vetus m4.17, runs sweet. the 'M' prefix denotes Mitsubishi. The impeller cover is front facing on mine so that's not a problem. I am under the impression that the heat exchanger problem was limited to a few models and due to the wrong type of antifreeze being used, they recommend the pink stuff by Havoline.
Could be wrong though........

 

[trevorr]

Thanks for that all. Your time much appreciated.

 

[ex-Gladys]

Had an M2,06 on last boat and was very happy with it - only had 52 hours when we bought it and still less than 100 when sold though. There were issues, but that was through naff installation.

 

[Plum]

My 3-cylinder 21hp Mitsubushi based engine is 18 years old and still runs perfectly. Have had to replace engine mounts, hoses and exhaust injection elbow only in all that time and I did not think the replacement parts were very expensive. Recommended! (Plus of course the regular impellor and filter replacements)