Diesel powered outboard

[aya16]

Those that are interested in diesel powered outboard.
I wouldnt put one on but here it is on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yanmar-2 ... 8011QQrdZ1

[Divecoz]

And some here think Suzuki Parts and service are hard to find
Albeit Diesels don't require much attention or at least my Chevy 6.2 didn't.

[Frank C]

Betcha can't use it on Lake Tahoe .... caveat emptor!

[Hamin' X]

Betcha can't use it on Lake Tahoe .... caveat emptor!

From the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency website:
TRPA

Watercraft

1. Which boat engines are still allowed on Tahoe Region Lakes?

Direct Fuel Injected (DFI) two-stroke engines, diesel engines, any two – stroke engine that meets or exceeds the 2006 EPA emissions standard, and four – stroke engines.

Rich

[Jeff S]

Betcha can't use it on Lake Tahoe .... caveat emptor!

The motor in the opening post was sold in Europe initially. It may not be able to be purchased and legally used in the US. This would require some research on the part of whomever was interested in purchasing this motor.

[Hamin' X]

If someone could point me to the regulations for diesel outboards in the USA, I would appreciate it. I can't find them.

Rich

[Moe]

It's probably covered here:

Marine Diesel Engines

This may also be interesting:

Marine Spark-Ignition Engines

[Hamin' X]

Thanks, Moe

From the first EPA link that you provided:

Which boats and engines do the new emission standards affect?

This rule applies to diesel engines over 37 kilowatts (kW) (50 horsepower)
used for propulsion on recreational boats. In general, this includes
all vessels used “primarily for pleasure,” consistent with Coast
Guard policy, including yachts and cruisers.

Does my current engine need to meet these regulations?

No. Engine manufacturers must ensure that each new recreational
marine diesel engine sold meets the new emission standards. The standards
apply only to new engines produced after a specified model year
(from 2006 to 2009, depending on engine size). Anything manufactured
before that model year is not affected.

Also stated is the start date of 2007 for the new reg to take effect.

I still cannot find any info on diesel engines <37KW (50HP), outboard, or inboard. I have heard that the diesel outboards are not available in the US, but not why. Still looking for the definitive word.

Rich

[Tom Root]

Well, I certainly would love Diesel as an option, and I did visit this possablility about 3 years ago. It might be in the archives here maybe, but I could'nt locate it? I don't remember the name brand, but it was built in the Deep South, possibly Georgia or something, and they did build good Diesel Outboards for consumption abroad.

They maxed out at like 37 HP but were not overly heavy as I recall. The major hurdle are our very own laws making them obsolete in our own country. The pollution stupidness that prevails is the absurity that prevents them from selling to us here in the USA. The person at the factory, I talked to, said that it would cost $50K+ to certify just one model of something like 9 that they built. Since they have a booming buisness, domestic consumption is not even a consideration because of all the idiotic hurdles required.

He said that they are clean, but as most things, reputations are hard to shake, and we US Americans can be bullheaded. As an example it is estimated that among all cars sold in Europe, 40% last year were Diesels. I have 2 pickups that re Diesel powered, and Gas(Petrol) power is NO match in any comparison.....Diesel wins hands down in Every catagory besides the added initial cost. Even that would change if consumers would wake up and smell the roses. (Or in my particular case....the French Fries )

I prefer Diesel power for all my needs for propulsion, including Motorcyle and Marine apps., the industry can provide it, but a country that shuns the Kyoto Accords and states that are beyond absurdity such as California, I find it Ironic to say the least.

Give Me DIESEL!!!!!

[Divecoz]

I am surprised by your comment's Tom. I thought I read where you stated having spent time in S.E.A. and elsewhere. You then no doubt saw first hand the pollution caused by what you here in described. Diesels can be very dirty and require maintenance like any machine. The available quality of fuel used can be a determining factor in how pollution free they are as well. BTW the Ford Ranger in S.E.A. and Central and South America has had a Diesel option for a long time .They even as I recall offered a diesel Escort... As was pointed out above by Moe. The USA is going High Tech on Diesel Fuel.Your NOT seeing that in other countries. AND even when the fuel is produced to a high standard by the time its in your motor being burned it a whole other animal. Just like water in 3rd world countries . Its clean and pure when it leaves the plant . Its all but that, by the time it reaches the consumer.

The cost to get federal approval for a properly running motor? I don't buy it. I do buy he / they are selling pollution factories outside this country for a quick buck with no conscience. Pollution doesn't rank high in the reasons for concern in 3rd world and developing countries like it Finally has begun to here.
Now off on a bit of a rant here.
We the USA are blamed for a Major Portion of Air Pollution world wide.
That is a BUNCH of crap. One family in any of the 3rd world countries adds more pollution per week burning all their garbage than I do In a year.
With exception of the G 8 countries.
Much of the world smolders their garbage . Not incinerates but smolders it. We still have those in this country who insist on burning garbage as well.

[Chip Hindes]

Diesel wins hands down in Every catagory besides the added initial cost.

Diesel wins all these categories:

More expensive intial cost.

Heavier, and higher pounds per horsepower as well.

Higher maintenance cost.

Noisier.

Dirtier.

As long as you're willing to put up with all the above, you can get better fuel mileage.

It's not the government nor any other conspiracy which is preventing diesels form making it in the US. It's really very simple: They don't compare well against gasoline engines in ways that count in the U.S.

[Divecoz]

Flash from the past :
Oldsmobile and its V8 Diesel:
True it was a cheaply made / conversion of a 350 Chevy Truck engine. Its inherent problems were head problems Cracks between valves.
But Americans were not and still are not ready for diesels.
Diesels need more time to warm up and then they like to cruise along . Americans don't do that. Start stop foot to the floor . Stop get out get your lotto ticket back in drive like an idiot 5 more blocks . Not the design purpose of a diesel. Even most I see today are abusive to their diesels and don't even know it. You should find diesels on the market in good shape with 100 200 300 thousand miles on them but you don't.
Those who own them even now from what I see and hear most everyday often don't have a clue to the proper care or Maintenance that a diesel requires. It seems what most owners like the most is the roof roof NOISE!

[Sloop John B]

I agree with Chip.

I brought a Mercedes Diesel back from Europe in the early 70's when I thought the country was going to run out of gas.

I didn't mind the lower power and enjoyed the price of diesel and the additional mileage.

On hindsight, the Benz was a nice little car, but I would have been better off with gasoline.

I see the relative price of diesel today and know this would have driven me mad.

[Jeff S]

Diesel wins hands down in Every catagory besides the added initial cost.

Diesel wins all these categories:

More expensive intial cost.

Heavier, and higher pounds per horsepower as well.

Higher maintenance cost.

Noisier.

Dirtier.

As long as you're willing to put up with all the above, you can get better fuel mileage.

It's not the government nor any other conspiracy which is preventing diesels form making it in the US. It's really very simple: They don't compare well against gasoline engines in ways that count in the U.S.

Diesels last much longer on average.

Diesels generate more torque at lower RPM. Important for pushing/pulling large heavy objects (like trucks that are towing or boats) This is why over-the-road trucks are diesel and not gasoline.

Maybe a higher maintenance cost, but they seem to need less maintenance over a given period of time.

Noisier, yes. with new technology (injection) they are much quieter. My 2005 Cummins diesel is much quieter than previous models.

I get about 6 to 8 MPG more than I used to get with my gasoline powered Ford truck.

Biodiesel is a viable option.

They are dirtier, but getting better with fuel technology.

I don't believe people are buying gas engines over diesel because they are concerned about pollution. If that were the case there wouldn't be so many SUV's running around that don't go off road or pull anything. It is simply the cost and availability. For those that want a FAST vehicle they are not the best option. My wife's toyota minivan can beat my truck off the line (although it couldn't keep up going 70 mph up a steep hill- while I was towing a loaded boat and had the back completely full- 14k gross- she had her 3.0L V6 floored and couldn't keep up- I still had excess power I still got 14 mpg at 14k with a 2 axle trailer). I have seen people modify truck diesels to post 14s quarters, but the transmissions usually die early on those. Mine stock puts out 610- ft-lbs of torque at 1600 rpm. It is the best tow vehicle I have owned.

Diesels have applications. Heavy towing and long distance driving diesels are better. Short distances, no or light towing, and acceleration- gasoline is generally better. Sailboat inboards are generally diesel for a reason (fuel consumption/longevity). Outboards are generally gasoline for a reason (weight/size). On a light boat like the Mac (where weight is a concern) I think gasoline outboards are the way to go. For extended cruising on a heavier boat- an inboard diesel is better.

Simply stating a diesel is better than gasoline engine or vice versa is an oversimplfication. It depends on the application.

[Hamin' X]

One great advantage that diesel has over gasoline is, it is a much safer fuel in a marine environment.

Rich