perkins diesel 4.236

[Anonymous]

any one has any experience (pro & con) about this type engine on shamrock 20' boat ? I recently brought a 1982 20' CC with perkins 4.236 engine in it(1500 hrs), I just like to know what kind of common problems existed in this engine ? Any inputs will be greatly appreciated...thanks...

[Pedlyr]

I've never seen a Perkins in a Shammie, but have seen them in a "Downeast" style 22 ft Sisu. Never a rocket, but they seem to run fine.

I have experience with Perkins generators and personally do not like the fuel filter setup, with the element sandwiched between the top base and bottom bowl. Too tight and the element crushes or the aluminum housing threads strip. Too loose and the things leak and get airbound. BTW, on some Perkins the bleeding procedure must be by the book to work. I always grease up the o-rings to help things out.

Nothing that can't be figured out, just that you have to take your time and be carefull.

[Pequod]

I have worked on a couple in Dyer's and Nausett marine style downeast hulls. Very reliable, but dogs when it come to a credible cruising speed ( 10-12 knots with the throttle to the pins). I have also seen one that had been factory modified and been installed on its side ( boat is an older Duffy) to allow space under the cabin sole. Certainly an odd setup. However, must work well and be reliable the engine had over 2000 hours ont it.

[Anonymous]

Perkins 4.236 actually fits very nicely under center console of the 20' shammie. But, I don't like the setup of the batteries. Two batteries(skinny rectanguler shape) are seated in series. If you want to replace impeller, starter, or unscrew oil drain plug, you must remove the battery box. As far as primary and secondary fuel filters setup goes, it's very easy to replace and simple to bleed the air afterward.

This engine max out @ 19 knots, and cruise 13 knots @ 2250 rpm. It's really slow as he!!, but it gets almost 5 mpg at cruising speed when sea is 2 feet or less.

Thanks for the replies. Please tell me more about this odd engine...

[Aqua Vista]

My 26' cuddy has a 240HP T6.3544M Perkins (factory installed). I used to have a 26 cuddy with a 210HP Cummins B series. I definitely prefer the 210 Cummins to the 240 Perkins, the boat was faster with the cummins. I believe this is due to the fact that the Perkins is a lot heavier than the cummins. This Perkins really fills the bilge too. I cruise at 20-22 Kts and top out between 24-26Kts, depending on how the boat is loaded. I can go from Warwick Cove to Old Harbor, Block Island and back on about 30 gallons of fuel, approx 65 miles round trip. All that being said, I still prefer the diesel over the gas model. I'm not trying to start the diesel/gas debate all over again, I just prefer diesel.