Westerbeke 38B FOUR - Who built the block?

[Katapult Mike]

This one:
http://www.westerbeke.com/advanced%2...literature.pdf

Westerbeke has marinized engines built by lots of manufactuers. THey do their best to conceal the origins so they can jack up prices on spare parts. I have heard opinions that the Westerbeke 38B FOUR was built by Kubota, or Isuzu, or Mitsubishi. Currently looking at used boats, some of which have these engines. If it is a disguised Kubota, that is a plus in my book due to parts pricing and availability.

Someone must know for sure, they put these in a lot of boats. Who built it, and what is the "other brand" name / number? Anyone?

[Knotical]

There will be a model number somewhere on the block, my W27 says K4D on it, so it’s Mitsubishi.

[FPNC]

It is not Kubota. Probably Mitsubishi.

[Bycrick]

When I reworked my old 2-cylinder Westerbeke Genset, we found that it was a Mitsubishi block. A little research showed that Mitsubishi sold the parts for less than Westerbeke.

So we called Mitsubishi. "We want some parts for a Mitsubishi Xxxxx."

"OK. What’s it used for?"

"A Westerbeke Genset."

"Talk to Westerbeke. Goodbye. "

Later, we tried again. “We want to order some parts for a xxxxxxx."

"What’s it used for?"

"An irrigation pump in my cornfield."

"OK. No problem."

[capt jgw]

Yep, that's the way it works. Their marketing agreements with Mitsubishi and Kubota prohibit the tractor guys from selling parts for the boat engines. If you can figure out what industrial or ag equipment your engine was used in, you can get the parts at a fraction of Westerbeke's prices. I've had two Universal engines, which Westerbeke owns and use Kubota engines, and have gotten all my parts that way. The crossover info is available online for Universal/Kubota, I imagine it is for Mitsubishi as well.

[Katapult Mike]

Thanks guys, I am aware of how Weserbeke's distribution system works and the importance of sourcing parts from a non "Marine" dealer. But to do that, I need to know who made the block and what the model number is. I have scoured the web and haven't found anything on this engine model. If anyone out there has one or knows, I would appreciate the info.

[capt jgw]

If you can't find a cross reference, I'd start by looking up likely Mitsubishi engines and see where they put the serial numbers. They're probably still there on the 'bekes, just covered up with paint or something. That's what they did with Universal, if you know where to look you can scrape the paint off and find the real number. I don't know where Mitsubishi puts them, but on some Kubotas they're right below the injection pump.

[Katapult Mike]

Originally Posted by capt jgw

If you can't find a cross reference, I'd start by looking up likely Mitsubishi engines and see where they put the serial numbers. They're probably still there on the 'bekes, just covered up with paint or something. That's what they did with Universal, if you know where to look you can scrape the paint off and find the real number. I don't know where Mitsubishi puts them, but on some Kubotas they're right below the injection pump.

Good pointer, Captain! Thanks!

[mcpusc]

Originally Posted by Katapult Mike

Thanks guys, I am aware of how Weserbeke's distribution system works and the importance of sourcing parts from a non "Marine" dealer. But to do that, I need to know who made the block and what the model number is. I have scoured the web and haven't found anything on this engine model. If anyone out there has one or knows, I would appreciate the info.

you need to find the casting identification mark on the side of your block — the code will tell you who built it.

[Katapult Mike]

Looking at several boats right now. One of them is advertised as having a "Westerbeke 38." Wife had told me it had a Volkswagen engine. Husband assured me very autoritatively last night on the phone that hte Westerbeke 38B Four was built by Volkswagen. I didn't argue. He has owned the boat for 20 years so should know. But I think he is wrong.

I guess some people never get their hands dirty with their boats.

[kenbo]

I believe the 38B is a Mitsubishi K4D tractor engine. Don't have my manual handy but I'm sure you could look it up. Very rugged engine.

It's not a VW diesel.