Peninsula engines opinions experience?

[Davil1]

Hi
looking for a switch to trawler from sail boating I just ran across a boat with Peninsula engine.
Not familiar with this engine did a search and found conflicting opinions (as always) between happy customers as well as bad experiences.
From reading looks like parts could be a problem as in availability?
Servicing could be a problem? however, a diesel engine is a diesel engine and cannot figure why should be a major problem for a competent mechanic and a reasonable handy person to keep the light maintenance (oil change, water pumps replacement etc.)
will appreciate your input as may make a difference on buying or not.
thank you for your time.
David

 

[OldDan1943]

Two points, access to the necessary areas and parts availability.
You screwed things up when you said, 'for a competent mechanic'.

 

[rslifkin]

Assuming my memory is working, the Peninsular engines use the GM 6.5 diesel as the base engine. And there's still a company out there that supports them. So while I wouldn't say they're the easiest to get parts for or the best engines out there, they're not unmaintainable orphans either.

 

[C lectric]

https://www.Colleen Margaret Clintonudmarine.com

look at the site above and maybe contact them.

Do some Google searching about Peninsular Engines.

You may be right about routine mtce., oil, filters , raw water pump, belts. If you run it easily, but not babying it, it may be OK.
If a more serious problem shows though the parts waits may be long especially if it a marinization part. It will be the marine parts that get you and the harder parts like the injection system for repairs/service.

I have a V555M Cummins engine, now 45 yrs, and there are parts that are now becoming tough to find, gaskets than are now user make, ME, and there were thousands of these engines built for marine service.
I have been buying special tools on Ebay relatively cheaply because most of the mechanics are retired and don't work on them any longer.

Mechanics that actually know them are scarce.

There is not even that kind of base for the Peninsular.

Yet it could be a good engine if it checks out as running well now.

My opinion, if the boat really checks ALL the boxes it may be fine but get that thing thoroughly checked by a GOOD mechanic, hopefully one that actually has experience with them. But be aware that if you do have trouble you may be stuck for a lengthy period and/or forced into a repower.

AND make sure some service records have been kept that show the work done, and the engine manuals. We see all kinds of people asking here for manuals that are basically no longer available even from previous owners as they have been lost or out onto Ebay with long searches needed unless very lucky. Ask the people above in the link if they can offer a manual as they MAY have reprints that they print to order.

So you understand I like my old Cummins, lot of others like other old engines,
but just be well aware that if problems show you may have a tough time with parts and experienced people.

 

[Ken E.]

Suggest you go to boatdiesel.com and research this engine. There are not many around, which isn't the best situation for you as a potential owner.

 

[Davil1]

peninsular

thank you all
very helpful

 

[Lepke]

There's a pair for sale on ebay. 200 hours on a rebuild, new heads, etc.
Looks like someone rebuilt them, ran a couple years and replaced them for some reason.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/174277912028?hash=item2893c5e5dc:g:pWIAAOSwQYhet5UG

 

[OldDan1943]

According to the internet, the company is out of business.
Reliability of the engine apparently sucks.
Few if any parts available. At least a long delay for any needed parts.
They are obsolete.
Does that give you a hint of suggestions?

 

[OldDan1943]

There's a pair for sale on ebay. 200 hours on a rebuild, new heads, etc.
Looks like someone rebuilt them, ran a couple years and replaced them for some reason.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/174277912028?hash=item2893c5e5dc:g:pWIAAOSwQYhet5UG

Buy two and use one for parts?

 

[Davil1]

https://www.udmarine.com/

this store seems to have parts and prices seem to match just about any other brand
have priced the most common parts such as
water pump replacement
belts
oil filters
starters
alternators
and they seem to have them in stock for delivery
I do not see any indication the firm is out of business
-------------------------------------------------
that been said also feel this is a rather problematic sell in the future when I want to sell the boat, having to deal with adverse and negative opinions.
Could be some well-founded issues as well as a wave of opinions not necessarily substantiated on fact.
In any case more likely will pass except can if can get a buying price with a repower cost deducted to other brand that will make it a more attractive buy for me.
take care

 

[Bill V]

From the UD website:
"In October of 2017 Peninsular Engines Inc. closed for business permanently. In January 2018 Unique Diesel purchased All assets of Peninsular Engines Inc. As of January 2018 Unique Diesel owns all intellectual, branding, and physical property from Peninsular Engines Inc. Unique Diesel took on the task to resume continued manufacturing, development, and parts supply chain for Peninsular Marine 6.2L & 6.5L series engines."

 

[Eagle Pursuit]

Now that we have established the viability of this brand name, could the moderators rename the thread to include the correct brand name?

 

[tiltrider1]

I have always wanted to know the truth about marinized GM 6.5 diesels. They are such a perfect drop in for old gas boats. Unfortunately every time I have run into them they were dropped in by some cheap who cut every corner in the book due to lack of money. I have never seen a properly functioning boat with a pair of 6.5’s in it. This is not necessarily the engines fault but it has unfortunately attracted the wrong customer from my perspective.