During a warming spell in February a professional diesel mechanic came to try to start the engine. The engine is an Westerbeke W30 and the mechanic came from a Westerbeke dealer. It was my best chance at getting it running. This was the whole reason for leaving the boat in the water over the winter – to get the engine running.
He brought his own diesel fuel and bypassed the fuel line. After about an hour the engine still wasn’t running. He found that the fuel injector pump was seized and the compression was too low (180). A decision had to be made.
- Have him continue work on the engine in the boat
- Have him remove the engine, overhaul it, and re-install it
- Re-power with a new engine.
Over the next few days I wrestled with this decision. The mechanic suggested that I go with a new engine. This model of Westerbeke is old, parts are expensive, and after an overhaul things will probably continue to fail. At least with a new engine there is a better warranty than would come from an old tired diesel. I opted for #3, re-power with a new engine.
Now, which engine?