Catalina 320 Perkins question

[Ben Ingebretson]

Anyone know about the life expectancy for a well serviced Perkins diesel in a Cat 32 1995? This one has 5000 hrs. What can I expect? Thanks. Ben

[Tetepare]

I thought the Catalina 320 has a Yanmar.

Life expectancy isn't measured in hours, it's measured in starts, use, and maintenance. A decent diesel engine, well cared for, is plenty good for 10,000 hours.

[Ben Ingebretson]

Thanks for that insight. This is a Perkins 35b 27 hp. I too was a bit surprised its not Yanmar. Do you know Perkins at all? Tough to get parts or otherwise service?

[nibj]

Our C320 from 1995 has a Perkins Perama M30. I had to replace the radiator housing and mixing elbow last winter. The radiator housing was replaced by an (almost) direct fit of a Northern Lights generator part from TAD diesel who have a good many parts. The mixing elbow and hoses came from parts4engines in the UK who are very helpful and efficient. Perkins sold the Perama line of diesels to Volvo in the 90s (I think) so some Volvo parts also fit but I forget which Volvo model is an M30.