Unused 5 year old Beta 30 advice

[phoenix12345]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice specifically on an engine / fuel situation before I go any further with a boat I’m considering.

The engine is a Beta 30, fitted new about 5 years ago, but since installation it’s effectively never been properly used, not run under load, not put into regular service, and apparently not inhibited for storage either. The boat has been out of the water since it was installed.

On top of that, the diesel in the tank is the same age (so ~5 years old).

I’m trying to get a realistic view of what I might be walking into here.

Questions:

- How much of a concern is a Beta 30 that’s been sitting unused for this long without proper lay-up?
- What are the most likely issues in practice?
- Would you expect to need to strip/clean parts of the fuel system (tank, lines, injectors), or is a full tank drain + new filters usually enough?
- Is there a sensible way to assess the engine properly pre-purchase (beyond just starting it briefly)?

Any real-world experiences of bringing a lightly-used or unused Beta back into service after sitting like this would be really helpful.

Thanks

 

[Refueler]

I'd change oil and filters, make sure fuel lines are clear .... turn engine over by hand to make sure all free ... then give it the starter !

If she smokes a bit (not unlikely) - then give her a hard full throttle run round harbour !! Once in water of course.

 

[PabloPicasso]

I'd change oil and filters, make sure fuel lines are clear .... turn engine over by hand to make sure all free ... then give it the starter !

If she smokes a bit (not unlikely) - then give her a hard full throttle run round harbour !! Once in water of course.

Yes all good advice. Especially turning over by hand.
Change coolant too

Good visiual inspection of installation, check all the fuel and coolant pipes.

Was the engine ever commissioned for first use?

 

[Porthandbuoy]

When I bought Sheolin she had been laid up for at least 5 years. The engine would not start as the fuel lines, filters and injector pump were full of jelly. I had to send the injectors and pump away for a service while I replaced fuel lines and cleaned diesel bug out of the tanks.
You might get lucky by just changing filters and putting in clean fuel, but I doubt it. Modern, low sulphur diesel, potentially with a bio component, just doesn't last well.

 

[KevinV]

Impeller? 5 years in one position is a long time. Ditto belts.

 

[Bobc]

As others have said, change oil, filters, impeller, belt, etc.

The engine should be fine.

 

[Poecheng]

Engine itself will be absolutely fine. it is the bits round the edges as set out above. Having a new Beta is worth any small work to get it going.
You could do nothing at all apart from checking the oil (though I would turn it by hand first) and just get it going without water for a short while.
If the battery is good and you use heat per the manual, I think you will be reporting back that she started on the first press !

 

[Stemar]

On first start, I'd be inclined not to use heat, but turn the engine on the starter until the oil pressure warning stops. Give the battery and the starter a rest for a few minutes, then use heat to start properly. That way you get the oil circulating before putting any real stress on things like bearings.

 

[Poecheng]

I think Stemar is correct (and I am incorrect) by suggesting no heat at first. Ideally you would spin it over with a decompressor lever open but I don't think your engine has one. I think you can spin it over but stop it igniting by pressing the stop solenoid whilst operating 'start', which prevents fuel delivery.

Oh, one further thought: I would definitely check that the stop solenoid works before starting it/spinning it over - you should be able to hear it move with the engine off and pressing the stop button. You may be able to see it too. Once on my Beta 20, it became a bit loose and therefore the frame wasn't making the earth connection.

 

[phoenix12345]

Thanks everyone, very helpful advice!

One other question, I can’t see anything in the beta manual about running in a new engine other than the requisite oil changes early in its life.

Is this still something that’s required to be done on new engines?

 

[doug748]

I had one last year with 50 hours and ashore c3 years. I ran off clean fuel from the tank and inspected it as much as I could then did a full service. I also replaced the filter with this type:

Pardon our interruption...

Checked it turned over, bled it and away it went. If the fuel is right you should have no problems at all but the batteries are probably duff, mine were.

.

 

[Wandering Star]

all good advice but no one’s mentioned inspecting and changing if necessary the small anode in the heat exchanger or removing the tube stack in the heat exchanger for a good clean in white vinegar I believe. The tube stack is the most common source of problems & requests for advice on the FB Beta owners pages. I’m not really qualified ton offer advice but the FB group is my go to place for help with my own Beta 20.

 

[Stemar]

all good advice but no one’s mentioned inspecting and changing if necessary the small anode in the heat exchanger or removing the tube stack in the heat exchanger for a good clean in white vinegar I believe. The tube stack is the most common source of problems & requests for advice on the FB Beta owners pages. I’m not really qualified ton offer advice but the FB group is my go to place for help with my own Beta 20.

Good point. The heat exchanger is an annual service item that often gets neglected, with expensive results

 

[Refueler]

When I bought Sheolin she had been laid up for at least 5 years. The engine would not start as the fuel lines, filters and injector pump were full of jelly. I had to send the injectors and pump away for a service while I replaced fuel lines and cleaned diesel bug out of the tanks.
You might get lucky by just changing filters and putting in clean fuel, but I doubt it. Modern, low sulphur diesel, potentially with a bio component, just doesn't last well.

(The Red text) Total hogwash ... sorry but that's not true.

If your lines etc were clogged with 'jelly' .... I would suggest that your quote of 'at least 5yrs' is way of the the mark .... to create such - would need extensive time and most likely the fuel was Bug contaminated ... the jelly being the dead bug residue.

 

[Minerva]

One of my previous boats had an old engine, not ran in 5 years. The only trouble I had was from the fuel that had turned very lumpy and blocked everything.

Dispense with the old fuel, change filters and give a blow to the lines between engine filter and tank (or just replace if the usual rubber hose). That and a usual service and I’m confident you’ll be Bob on.

As a proposition it wouldn’t put me off the boat.

 

[Boathook]

Give it a decent service and then start it after turning it over for a minute or so. Run for a few hours under load and then change oil and possibly oil filter.

I have found Beta marine very helpful if you give them the works number or even the engine serial number. They will have all the build details and even supply all the bits for a service. My boat has twin 13.5 beta's and I was pleasantly surprised at the price for genuine service kit from them.

 

[PabloPicasso]

I had one last year with 50 hours and ashore c3 years. I ran off clean fuel from the tank and inspected it as much as I could then did a full service. I also replaced the filter with this type:

Pardon our interruption...

Checked it turned over, bled it and away it went. If the fuel is right you should have no problems at all but the batteries are probably duff, mine were.

.

That is a good idea. See my article in a rexent PBO

 

[garymalmgren]

RE
Questions:

- How much of a concern is a Beta 30 that’s been sitting unused for this long without proper lay-up?
- What are the most likely issues in practice?
- Would you expect to need to strip/clean parts of the fuel system (tank, lines, injectors), or is a full tank drain + new filters usually enough?
- Is there a sensible way to assess the engine properly pre-purchase (beyond just starting it briefly)?

- How much of a concern is a Beta 30 that’s been sitting unused for this long without proper lay-up?
For me , none,
- What are the most likely issues in practice?
dead battery, mouse nest in the air intake,
- Would you expect to need to strip/clean parts of the fuel system (tank, lines, injectors), or is a full tank drain + new filters usually enough?
I would bring a new battery and start her up.
- Is there a sensible way to assess the engine properly pre-purchase (beyond just starting it briefly)?
All you can is turn her over with a socket on the drive pulley and an extension bar. That nut does look pretty low.
That will tell you if she is seized, but that is all.
You will need to start it to have any indication of the condition of the motor.
Also not sure if the 30 Hp has a decompression system.

gary

Here is the manual.
OM 221 20031 HE REV46 0226