Replacing Universal with Yanmar 2YM15 Ericson 30+

[Montana]

Considering replacing original Universal atomic on my 1980 Ericson 30+ with a new Yanmar 2YM15. Has anybody done this? Issues with doing so? Thoughts or recommendations appreciated

 

[Loren Beach]

Is your current engine a gasoline or diesel? (Universal used the same nomenclature for both in the late 70's)

If you currently have a gas aux, you will need to upgrade the fuel tank fittings, but then after all these decades it's time to carefully go over the tank anyway.

 

[Montana]

Current engine is a diesel, Universal Model 5416 (16 hp)

 

[Frank Langer]

HI,

I have that same Universal 5416 diesel engine in our 1984 E30+, with 2,611 engine hours on it and still going strong. These were well-built engines and parts are still quite readily available. Have you considered having yours rebuilt? It would likely be less expensive than a new install, especially if you have to modify the engine bed and mounting brackets. Just a thought....

Frank

 

[Afrakes]

Of course a lot depends on your mechanical skills and willingness to get down and dirty. As Frank said these engines are well built and easily rebuilt. I tackled my M-12, but it was my forth rebuild and I already had the tools and basic knowledge. That said it is not that hard of a process even the first time around.

 

[supersailor]

Before you replace the engine, consider doing a compression check and a leak down test. If both are in the normal range, the engine is not "tired". The injectors and glow plugs do wear out along with, eventually the starter and fuel pump. all are relatively easy to replace and inexpensive if bought at the Kubota Tractor dealer. The huge plus of the Universal and Beta engines is that they are tractor blocks and the parts are 1/4 the price if bought at the Kubota Dealer rather than the Universal or Beta Dealer. We sailors get ripped off by our suppliers. All the parts for the other engines are only available through the dealers and they rip you off. Other than that, the Yanmar is a good engine

 

[Phil Adams]

I fitted a Yanmar 2YM15 on Trithena (Ericson 27) a couple of years ago and its a lovely little engine & easy to install. Also upgraded to a flexible coupling and PSS dripless seal at the same time which made for a neat installation and started up first time out of the box! I've no hesitation in recommending this motor

 

[Loren Beach]

Very Tidy installation!
Is it pretty quiet w/o the usual foil-face foam sound insulation?

 

[Alan Gomes]

I fitted a Yanmar 2YM15 on Trithena (Ericson 27) a couple of years ago and its a lovely little engine & easy to install. Also upgraded to a flexible coupling and PSS dripless seal at the same time which made for a neat installation and started up first time out of the box! I've no hesitation in recommending this motor

That looks really sweet. Did you have to modify the engine stringers?

 

[Phil Adams]

That looks really sweet. Did you have to modify the engine stringers?

Thanks Alan, Motor came with new engine mounts so I made two flat plates to take new mounts and these bolted down using old holes. Very little difference for alignment really so this was sorted with some shims and on the flexible coupling.

 

[Phil Adams]

Very Tidy installation!
Is it pretty quiet w/o the usual foil-face foam sound insulation?

Hello Loren, Its fairly quite with just the original insulation & the box in place but you do hear it running - a typical small HP diesel twin.

 

[Alan Gomes]

Thanks Alan, Motor came with new engine mounts so I made two flat plates to take new mounts and these bolted down using old holes. Very little difference for alignment really so this was sorted with some shims and on the flexible coupling.

Outstanding! Getting the geometry right can often be quite a pain.

 

[hodo]

Be aware, check out the power curves, rpms, transmission setup. You may need to change out prop, or adjust if like a Max prop.