converting to a diesel

[peacekeeper6]

I am thinking of buying a boat that has a 305 in it, 1989 arriva 19ft bayliner. I wanna knwo the pros and cons of putting a diesel in it as i heard they are better one gas. I manufacture bio diesel and would rather pay 1.56 per gallon instead of the 2.89 around here. what engine applications work with the alpha one?

 

[Bondo]

Re: converting to a diesel

Other than the fact that a Diesel motor(that'll Fit) will set you back about 10Xs the Value of your Boat,............??.........

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: converting to a diesel

You'd have to find a smallblock GM diesel, say a used one out of a junked pick-up truck. I'd think the conversion would be fairly simple with one. You'd lose a whole bunch of top-end.

 

[riverjet502]

Re: converting to a diesel

Like the above post said, you'd have a bunch more invested in your rig then you would re-coop with the fuel savings dollars.. Plus the diesel would most likely make you very stern heavy. Plus the diesel isn't a high reving engine so your performance would be sub par compared to what you have now. I like your thinking tho..as I'm a diesel man myself.. (The cummins "B marine engine" only turns 2900 R's). Can't beat em for low end torque, but just not worth it in your rig...

 

[180shabah]

Re: converting to a diesel

Merc has a small 1.8L diesel that they use with the alpha and the performance is way down, compared to the gas engines and the fuel economy is only marginally better. I know you are save money on a per gallon basis, but it will take many, many gallons and a whole bunch of years just to break even on the conversion cost. Sorry, but spending thousands to save a couple hundred a year may be cool, but it just doesn't make sense.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: converting to a diesel

Here's one that is supposed to be able to replace a small or big block GM engine. They have pretty good power but you'd probably have to change drive and prop to get any performance. They top out at about 3600 rpm so you'd have to have tall gears and prop.

They're NOT cheep!!


Cheers,



Rick

 

[peacekeeper6]

Re: converting to a diesel

ok, going in a new direction as of late. what size diesel would be needed to power a 24' open c/c? i know a truck engine can be used on the gas side, but what about a diesel?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: converting to a diesel

Same answers as above.

 

[peacekeeper6]

Re: converting to a diesel

so basically with a small liter chevy diesel and an alpha 1 or bravo drive it would work, theoretically. are the same saftey features on the diesels that are on the gas auto engine and amrine engines? i have a small L chevy diesel that i am seriously thining about doing this with. i mean they rev near 3000 - 3600 RPM dont they? what does the merc 260 or 305 rev at? i am assuming that one of those durmax diesels would be way too much power for any stern drive though, i would assume anyway. Would i also to assume that putting a larger engine say it was a duramax or soemthing similiar, and using a straight shaft vs a sterndrive woudl be simplier? what are the advantages or disadvantasges to that type of ssytem?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: converting to a diesel

The main problems with using engines that have never been used in marine applications is the marinization. Where do you get water cooled exhaust manifolds is the biggest hurdle. Then comes the ability to couple the engine to the drive. There is no where to by these parts, they would have to be machined for your specific application.

 

[peacekeeper6]

Re: converting to a diesel

that is true, seems like more work than if you just buy the drive, or get one of the marine engines already built. just trying to find some cheaper means than a couple g's

 

[bekosh]

Re: converting to a diesel

that is true, seems like more work than if you just buy the drive, or get one of the marine engines already built. just trying to find some cheaper means than a couple g's

We're talking about a boat here. Nothing is cheaper than a couple of g's.
Break Out Another Thousand

 

[QC]

Re: converting to a diesel

I have to second all of the warnings . . . Even if you paid $1.50 for a diesel gallon vs. $3.00 you will NEVER get your money back unless you run in a commercial application or the engine, drive and labor are free. I burn about 50 gallons on a typical weekend. Let's say 10 solid weekends a year. That's 500 gallons and $750 savings a year . . . You can't spend $10,000 (it'll be at least $20,000 to do it right) and expect this to be an economic solution. If you just like higher weight, smelly exhaust and that awesome diesel rattle (I actually like the last two) then go for it. But this is not gonna be about saving bucks . . .

 

[SuperNova]

Re: converting to a diesel

Yeah, I'd agree, you are stepping over $100 bill to pick up a dime. Or spending $100 to save a nickel. It's false economy and the concept is poorly conceived in my opinion. If we were talking about a 35 footer or bigger then we'd have a real discussion. One more thing, not to be nasty, but if you manufacture bio-diesel I would think you'd know more about diesel engines and such.
--
Stan

 

[peacekeeper6]

Re: converting to a diesel

i know how efficient they are thats why i was searching, never even seen a marine sterndrive diesel, what gives you the impression i dont know about diesels? thats like saying i dont know about transoms, or floors or stringers becasue i asked some questions.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: converting to a diesel

Never mind me,, I talk crazy sometimes,,I humbly bow to your expertise.
--
Stan

 

[mthieme]

Re: converting to a diesel

You're paying 2.89 for gas and/or diesel ???????????

 

[Don S]

Re: converting to a diesel

It's an OLD 2007 thread brought up by a new member promoting his own company. Post was deleted.