Perkins M35 Replacement

[roadtownsailor]

In my Moody 35 I have a Perkins Perama M35 (3 cylinder 1,5 litre) Engine, which needs replacement. I am aware that the Volvo Penta M2040 engine is virtually the same and would probably be the easiest option.

Does anyone know of any other engine type that could easily replace the M35? The Volvo MD2040 went out of production in 2005, so I would prefer to get a more up to date engine to replace the M35 if I can. I have always had good experiences aboard boats fitted with Yanmars, but I have no idea how if they have a suitable engine that might replace the Perkins?

 

[Tranona]

You have a wide choice of engines from all the major manufacturers. They are all similar in size and layout, but differences in things like location of service points, position of exhausts, sizes of alternators, choice of gearbox etc and of course colour!

Which one you choose will depend on a number of factors such as availability of spares and service where you sail, how well it fits your engine space and whether you need any major mods to fit. Unlikely that you will need major work for the basic engine installation, but you will need to consider replacing ancilliaries such as stern gear, prop, exhaust system.

There is little to choose among them on economy, price and reliability as they almost all use Japanese industrial engines as a base, so the differences are in the marinisation.

 

[theoldsalt]

Roadtownsailor,

I looked at possible engine replacements for my M346 while at the Southampton Show.

If you like Yanmar the 3JH5E 3cyl. @ 39hp might suit.

http://www.yanmarmarine.com/index.cfm/go/Sailboat-engines/

But they haven't really thought of servicing in that a sump pump isn't provided and that to me is essential in a boat. A small point. I know but it does put me off.

I liked the Sole as it is based on the well proven Mitsubishi block similar to the Thornycroft T80 which I currently have and very well priced.

 

[roadtownsailor]

Thanks for that. I like the look of the 3JH5E, but I think that it would take some work to fit it into the engine room of the M35. The mountings are in different positions, and I have no idea if the direction of rotation of the shaft output is the same or not, or indeed if a new shaft and prop would be needed? But generally the overall size is less than the Perkins, so it would almost certainly go into the hole!

Did Yanmar offer you a good price at the show? I've seen it listed on the internet at just under €10,000 (Italy), but I guess that it could be got for less. But fitting could be expensive depending on the number of modifications needed to the mountings and drive. I would also need to have it shipped to me here in Greece. The £/€ numbers are mind boggling!

 

[roadtownsailor]

And of course I am interested in getting a Volvo MD2040 to replace the Perkins. I've spent a long time trying to find one to purchase without too much sucess. The engine was discontinued by Volvo in 2005 so there are no new ones around anymore. Anyone who knows of one for sale please let me know.

The reason I'm having to discard my existing Perkins M35 is because the Timing Gear Casing has disintegrated and I cannot find a replacement. I am unable find anyone who can tell me if the Volvo part is interchangeable with the Perkins part and don't want to take the risk of purchasing one (at £254.00 +vat) and having to return it at the cost of a 20% handling charge. Anyone who knows of a Perkins M35 on the scap heap good for spares, please let me know.

 

[Tranona]

Think you will find the rotation is the same. Mounts in different positions is not a big issue provided your bearers have enough room on them.

The only way to find out is to get an installation drawing and measure up using the flange on the shaft as the fixed datum point (although you might be able to move this forward or backwards if necessary with a new shaft).

You might be better going to a re-engine specialist like Beta or Peachment (Nanni) who may well already have done such an installation and they will put together a package for you.

 

[CreakyDecks]

Before I reined in my ambitions and was looking at bigger boats with inboard diesels I read a lot of opinions on various makes. The name that kept getting positive reports was Beta. They make marinized versions of Kubota diesels and apparently they will custom design mountings to match your original. Beta may be a small company but Kubota is massive, they make tractors, construction machinery, generators etc. Farmers are not known for paying over the odds for spare parts so I can't imagine a cover costing £300 for one of their engines!

 

[DownWest]

I would have thought that fixing your current engine is the best track. It would avoid any of the, possibly considerable, extra expenses involved in changing for a different make. I would expect the timing cover to be a standard Perkins part. Why would a mariniser change it? If you have lost confidence in the unit, another discussion.
Even sending back the cover for a 20% cost is probably low risk. 40/50 quid? that won't go far on a re-engine.
A
Assuming that the engine is otherwise OK.

A lot of Perkins spares seem to come from the US. Worth a look. Friend was looking for an exhaust elbow for his MD 22, cheapest was over there.

 

[paulingreece]

Hi ya, will give you a call about dinnertime tomorrow, might know where you can get the bit you need, had a new sole diesal fitted to our boat in Athens, have the dealers details if you need them, will send a few emails tonight and should have some news tomorrow.