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#1
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Block Heaters for Large Detroit Diesels
I went to look over a boat the other day that had a pair of large
Detroit Diesels (12V-71TIs). The engines are 22 years old, have about 2,500 hours on them, but appear to have been well maintained. One thing that concerned me however was that each engine had a block heater running continuously at 120 degrees (in southern Florida, albeit winter time). The owner said that he keeps the heaters running to ensure quick starts. Can anyone tell me if this is normal practice for these engines, or is it more likely that the heaters are being used to compensate for mechanical issues? |
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#2
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Block Heaters for Large Detroit Diesels
On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 00:49:13 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote: I went to look over a boat the other day that had a pair of large Detroit Diesels (12V-71TIs). The engines are 22 years old, have about 2,500 hours on them, but appear to have been well maintained. One thing that concerned me however was that each engine had a block heater running continuously at 120 degrees (in southern Florida, albeit winter time). The owner said that he keeps the heaters running to ensure quick starts. Can anyone tell me if this is normal practice for these engines, or is it more likely that the heaters are being used to compensate for mechanical issues? It's possible - cylinder compression problems, starting oil pressures, that kind of thing. However, if they have been well maintained, then maybe he just wants to get a quick start. Have a good diesel mechanic take a look at them. Later, Tom S. Woodstock, CT ---------- "To the fisherman born there is nothing so provoking of curiosity as a fishing rod in a case." Roland Pertwee, "The River God" (1928) |
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#3
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Block Heaters for Large Detroit Diesels
On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 11:06:49 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote: Have a good diesel mechanic take a look at them. =============================================== Yes, that's a given if I get serious about the boat. |
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#4
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Block Heaters for Large Detroit Diesels
Wayne,
It's unlikely, IMO, that block heaters would hide any serious engine defect. It can be advantageous to have the engine at 120 degrees before starting. A quicker warm up means less time at high idle at the dock and is considerate of your marina neighbors. For a Type A kind of person it can get you moving much more quickly. Any diesel with a lot of hours will get a little fuel in the crankcase while operating. Keeping the engines warm will help limit dilution at start up. I'd guess it is indicative of a maintenance concious owner to keep the block heaters on while the engines are shut down. Especially if the engines appear well maintained and the engine spaces are wiped down and clean. Twin DD 12 bangers.... must be a sizeable boat or damm fast. :=) Butch |
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#6
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Block Heaters for Large Detroit Diesels
Wayne,
Very nice boat. As to the high hours engines... IMO one of the best things about the 71 Series engines is the ease with which they can be completely rebuilt in place with minimum overhead space. Both engines should be overhaulable(???) in a couple of days given competent mechanics. It's pretty much a given that the cranks will be in spec. Rods too, probably, and a good chance all the pistons as well. However, if you're going to consider an overhaul it's way too easy to simply change out the liners and pistons. I've no idea of the cost thses days but the OE parts are very high quality. While at it I'd pull the unit injectors and have them tested and rebuilt, if indicated, too. They may just need tip kits. The heads shouldn't need any work other than decarboning and inspection. Worst case perhaps a valve job. If the engines have been well looked after they'd probably go for several hundred more hours without any excitement. If it was me and a test run indicated nothing I'd just do tip kits and keep on huffing. Remember, any mechanic is going to be inclined to suggest work even if it is only slighty indicated. Gotta make a living don'tcha know? Butch |
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#7
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Block Heaters for Large Detroit Diesels
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#8
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Block Heaters for Large Detroit Diesels
Wayne.B wrote in message . ..
I went to look over a boat the other day that had a pair of large Detroit Diesels (12V-71TIs). The engines are 22 years old, have about 2,500 hours on them, but appear to have been well maintained. One thing that concerned me however was that each engine had a block heater running continuously at 120 degrees (in southern Florida, albeit winter time). The owner said that he keeps the heaters running to ensure quick starts. Can anyone tell me if this is normal practice for these engines, or is it more likely that the heaters are being used to compensate for mechanical issues? In Florida, their is no real need for the heaters. They will help starting the engines, and older Detroits tend to smoke while they warm up, the owner may figure it's better to run the heaters rather than have the smoke at start up. I'd want to see how the enginse start when their cold if I were you. Detroits are one of the less expensive engines to rebuild in the boat, but it's still a fare amount of money. |
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#9
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Block Heaters for Large Detroit Diesels
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