Renault Marine Engines

[Tai_Lam]

I was recently looking at a yacht fitted with a Renault 260 - 13 hp diesel engine. It's not a yacht engine that I have come across before, so I have concerns over Renault's success in the marine market.

As the engine is 22 years old it is probably on it's last legs, and in need of replacement, but I would be interested to know if anyone has any information regarding the reliability of these engines or availablity of spares?

Regards.
John.

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[Althorne]

Many auto engines find their way into boats as genuine marine engines and many are re-badged as one make when in fact they could be something else. A boat close to us once had BMW engines that were re-badged as Renualt. Not sure what the advanyage is, if any and makes it difficult to source parts. In a lot of cases certain parts are inter-changeble with auto parts but marine parts for these weird and sometimes wonderful concoctions can be a problem if the engine is getting on a bit. My old boat had a BMW engine and ZF drive of some 25 years of age and most parts could be accessed or changed to later types but now I wouldn't take on such problems. If you are seriously thinking of buying something like that get a price reduction in the sale to almost compensate for a swap or go elsewhere.

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[boatless]

I know it's an old engine, and probably not really relevant, but I will say that the roughly 20hp Renault engine fitted to the '80's First 35 was the best yacht engine I have ever used, bar none. Started when you looked at the button, and incredibly quiet and smooth.

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[dickh]

I have a feeling the Renault small diesels were a rebadged Sole diesel which was originally marketed by Stuart Turner - or was it the other way round? They were a marinised industrial diesel but I can't remember which make, possibly Italian or German. Try ringing round all the marine engineers, particularly on the Soith Coast - someone will remember them.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Tai_Lam]

Thanks for the advice. If I proceed with this boat I will keep your comments in mind when deciding on an offer.

Regards.
John

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[Tai_Lam]

Snap!.....well almost, the engine is in an 80's First 30 E.

Regards. John



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[Tai_Lam]

Thanks for the information. I will ring around and see if I can get an idea of engine history and spares availability before proceeding any further with this yacht.

Thanks.
John.

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[PaulJ]

I once had a boat with a 15hp Renault Engine in it.... I can't remember what it was called but I called it all sorts of names! It was difficult to start and unreliable and finally when the clutch gave up I "binned it". There used to be a guy in the West Country who did spares for Renault engines but I'm afraid I can't remember his name either.

As suggested by one of the others, I would negotiate a reduction in the price and assume that you will have to replace the engine..... or forget it.

<hr width=100% size=1>I used to have an open mind but my brains kept falling out.....

 

[Spyro]

I think there are known as Renault Couach engines
Try <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.renaultcouach.com/>HERE</A> for info

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[Tai_Lam]

Thanks for your comments. Along with advice given in other posts, they have confirmed my fears over possible reliability issues with this engine.

Regards.
John.

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[Tai_Lam]

Thanks for this contact info. By the sounds of things it may prove to be vital in the future.

Regards.
John.

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[davey]

Re Renault Couach and the BMW D7/D12. No they were not re-badged Sole engines, they were marinised Hatz industrial engines. Lubrication is by a dipper just like a lot of lawnmower engines so it is not possible to have an oil pressure light. There is a magnetic sump plug which needs to be checked at every oil change but as the quantity of oil is fairly small it is not expensive to keep changing the oil. (It can be very expensive if oil changes are neglected! ) Good luck!

P.S. The number one advantage of these oddball engines is that scroats are unlikely to steal the cylinder head as it won't fit their rusted-out 1GM10.

 

[macd]

Congratulations, davey. I think 12.5 years may be a PB.

 

[RichardS]

Congratulations, davey. I think 12.5 years may be a PB.

And has anyone, anywhere ever had their cylinder head stolen anyway?

Richard

 

[macd]

And has anyone, anywhere ever had their cylinder head stolen anyway?

Years ago (even before this thread began) a friend had his rucksack stolen on Leeds station. It contained the cylinder head for his BSA Lightning, which had broken down on the A1. But in situ, probably not unless they steal the entire thing.