[byrohill]

I have experienced a catastrophic failure of my port Cat 3208 435hp engine.  Although the starboard is in great running shape, I am being told a rebuild of the damaged engine is not a good option.

I am exploring re-powering my boat and understand that the replacement from Caterpillar is the C7.1 model which comes in a 400mhp, 450mhp and 500mhp version.  Is anyone familiar with other manufacturers that  have a model that will work with the 4000 Express?

For those who are curious, the internal fuel injector tip broke off inside the engine filling it with diesel creating a run away situation and causing damage to the push rods etc.

[Sans Peur]

I would think you could find a good 3208 and replace it. Much cheaper than replacing 2 engines. Refitting with a different engine is going to add a ton of extra things to redo (meaning $$$$$). Just off the top of my head you are going to have to redo the engine mounting locations. Possibly different transmissions or at least new couplers and housings. Change shaft length. New exhaust system (at least the first half). New controls and wiring.

There is a guy in Orlando, FL that specializes in rebuilding these engines and I am sure there are many others around the country as well. That engine was fairly popular for a long time and should still be obtainable.

[neto]

I know that the 4000 express also came with 450hp Cummins 6CTA and CAT 3126, both have great reputation. The Cummins are easier to rebuild due to the wet sleeve design.

[MC1600]

Agree with Sans. I would stick with what you’ve got unless you want to spend a good deal more. Not sure where you’re located, but if something like that ever happened to mine, my first call would be to T&S Marine in Crisfield, MD.

Please keep us posted and post some pics of how they get that thing out of there. I’ve often wondered how that would happen the way our boats are set-up.

[Richard.Janek]

Hello, If you are in Southern California, you might contact Seaboard Marine. They specialize in Cummins but know a lot about marine diesel engines of all types. Good luck.

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[byrohill]

Yes, San Diego.  Thank you.

[byrohill]

Agree with Sans. I would stick with what you’ve got unless you want to spend a good deal more. Not sure where you’re located, but if something like that ever happened to mine, my first call would be to T&S Marine in Crisfield, MD.

Please keep us posted and post some pics of how they get that thing out of there. I’ve often wondered how that would happen the way our boats are set-up.

San Diego.  I love the boat and we have put a lot into her in other areas outside of the engines as well.  Not sure how much sense it makes to put $150k into a re-power on a boat that likely has a value of $150K with existing power.  Not easy to sell a boat with one working engine though.  Rock and a hard place.

[Richard.Janek]

I see, tough choice - I hope it works out for you, good luck. If you like the boat, re-powering might make sense.
I would be surprised if you couldn't find another 3208 and swap out what you have?

At any rate, please let us know what happens.

[MC1600]

I had a similar situation with a previous boat of ours. Both engines (gas) had been rebuilt by a previous owner. A piston on the port engine broke apart and destroyed the engine. During disassembly, we realized the rebuilder over-bored the engines. So now what? Was the starboard a ticking time bomb?

A complete repower would have severely over-valued the boat and we knew we one day wanted something newer. So I found a pair of used take-outs from another boat with low hours and enjoyed our last couple years with her.

So I get the calculus on how to handle both, but if you wanted to repower both, I would think putting in rebuilt 3208’s would be far less expensive than all the other parts you’d have to also replace going with a different engine.

[August Rush]

Please share updates with pictures as the process moves along. I am very curious as to how they plan to get the engine out of the engine room. I have to imagine piece by piece but as a 4000 express owner myself with cat 3208’s I have been wondering how it can be done.