1973 Westerbeke 4-107

[Reedville]

Hi all

I'm considering buying a Hinckley Pilot. Link attached below. The main concern I have with this vessel is that it has the original Westerbeke with approximately 975 hours. I've read that these are very hardy, dependable engines but 50 years is very old. Can I get replacement parts? In addition 975 hours, if that number is accurate, is only 20 hours a year. Is that too low for proper care.

The recent work done on the engine is as follows:

Replaced exhaust manifold 2017
Rebuilt raw water exchanger 2015
Replaced oil cooler heat exchanger 2018
Replaced water pump">raw water pump 2022

Also it has I believe the original transmission Paragon model SA1D.

The boat is very well cared for so I believe the engine was properly maintained. But 50 years...?

Thoughts/feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/197...ot-35-9018617/

[Bowdrie]

There are thousands of those engines out there still running fine, many are older than yours.
Looking at the photos in the listing, I would say that the boat has had very good upkeep over the years.
The low hours?
Perhaps the boat has been a "dock queen" for much of its life?
Maybe the owners used the boat in areas where use of an engine was seldom necessary, perhaps they enjoyed "sailing" rather than listening to an engine, (what a concept).
You might think about having an experienced mechanic look it over/run it.
In and of itself I would not condemn the boat over a low hour engine.

[Greg Brannon]

I was looking for info on my Westerbeke and looked up this page for the 4-107 while I was there. Perhaps it will answer some of your questions.

Greg.

[Celestialsailor]

I have a W-40 (AKA 4-107) in my Pearson. I also had one in my 1966 Tartan Blackwatch 37. Both extremely reliable with their usual quirks. Noisier than modern day boat diesels. Much heavier than modern day higher revving diesels. This is because all those older Perkins were cast iron. Many of the newer engines have aluminum components. They will leak a little oil now and again. Usually never more than an once or two during an outing. Usually one of the end seals. There are new retro seals to cure this. Crush washers tend to leak very slightly after a few years. Bottom line?...They are rock solid and you can get probably 8-10,000 out of them if maintained properly. I'm not a fan of the new Beta engines as they have many disimilar metals used in the cooling system and very small pencil zincs. Volvo new and old engines have super expensive parts. I am partial to the Yanmar 4JH, which I had for awhile but god help you changing the raw water impellor!

[Reedville]

Thanks for the feedback! Have you all encountered issues with sourcing parts or finding a mechanic to work on the engine?

[rbk]

Perkins 4108 and 4107 parts are available everywhere. Trans Atlantic diesel, Parts4engines, are my main two sources. Any mechanic including yourself can work on these engines. They are simple, reliable, naturally aspirated, direct injection engines.

[Celestialsailor]

...and...they do not have any of the fancy electronic do-dads on them to screw up.

[Kettlewell]

Trans Atlantic Diesels near you in Virginia is one of the best sources of everything Perkins there is. They ship fast too! I have a 1978 Perkins 4.236 in my boat and it is approaching 5,000 hours and still starts nearly instantly even after sitting all winter long.

[davil]

"In addition 975 hours, if that number is accurate, is only 20 hours a year. Is that too low for proper care.

The recent work done on the engine is as follows:

Replaced exhaust manifold 2017
Rebuilt raw water exchanger 2015
Replaced oil cooler heat exchanger 2018
Replaced water pump">raw water pump 2022"

===========================================

Intriguing!
not sure what it means?

so many components replaced/repaired for so few hours?

None of the components mentioned will raise any question by itself, however they are most times associated with higher hours?

Could be something is off?

like more hours than recorded?, tachometers are notoriously unreliable.
just does not add up.

[kenbo]

Originally Posted by davil

"In addition 975 hours, if that number is accurate, is only 20 hours a year. Is that too low for proper care.

The recent work done on the engine is as follows:

Replaced exhaust manifold 2017
Rebuilt raw water exchanger 2015
Replaced oil cooler heat exchanger 2018
Replaced water pump">raw water pump 2022"

===========================================

Intriguing!
not sure what it means?

so many components replaced/repaired for so few hours?

None of the components mentioned will raise any question by itself, however they are most times associated with higher hours?

Could be something is off?

like more hours than recorded?, tachometers are notoriously unreliable.
just does not add up.

I don't agree with this assessment. All of the parts replaced had contact with seawater. Time is more of a controlling factor than hours. If it starts easily, runs without smoking, and reaches full rpm without overheating I'd be comfortable.

[davil]

I checked the link on this boat, is immaculate.
Pristine.

Hard to believe this gem has set in the water, rotting away engine components due to salt water as opposed to a diligent owner that addressed each issue as it popped up during use.

In any case, this discussion is totally irrelevant based on uneducated opinions and absence of facts.

The facts remain in the expertise of a competent mechanic and review of real engine hours.

[davil]

"Can I get replacement parts?"

Again, seems lacking diligent work.

the answer to that question needs to be directed to a Westerbeke dealer (a member posted a link)

Recently was a thread referencing the use of "consultants" as opposed to surveyors, wonder if this is perhaps a situation where a potential buyer will benefit from their services?