6-71 rebuild

[go boater]

what is a ballpark cost of rebuilding a motor with a cylinder kit (6 holes) on a 485hp 6-71 motor w/ 1800 hrs

thanks

[seapower]

You don't know what's waiting for you in the ballpark! 1800 hour's doesn't mean anything without knowing the history (personally know I mean) of the use and maintainence of the engine. If it was good why are you looking at a rebuild with only 1800 hour's? I'm not trying to be a wise guy here, but my question is valid. You won't know until you get into it. Depend's on the depth of the rebuild aswell. Frank, SeaPower

[Avenger]

The general rule of thumb for Detroits is between 3 and 4K per hole. But there are a lot of variables involved, i.e. turbo, injectors and other accessories. So be sure you compare apples to apples and get an itemized quote.

1800 hrs on a TIB isn't bad. Those engines are wrung out to the max and unless really babied they have a very limited lifespan.

[seapower]

not looking for an arguement here, but. Let's go the middle of the road and say 3.5k a hole X 6 = $21,000.00. For rebuilding an engine that you expect only 1800 hour's out of (or at least you're not suprised when it need's an overhaul). Why would you even consider that??? For not too much more you can get a Cummin's Re-Con 450 C, with a 2 year warrantee, that'll turn more RPM, give you several times over the engine life, is quieter, more fuel efficient, add value to your rig,etc, etc, etc... I know you'll have work to do, to make the fit and maybe have to get a different gear (if you have an old Allison). But my land, at least you'll have something when you're done. I really don't get pouring that much money in those old dinasour's. Again I'm not looking to ruffle feather's here, but I've asked myself that question over and over. If there is some solid reasoning out there that I'm missing ,please enlighten me, seriously. Frank,SeaPower

[redbeard]

not looking for an arguement here, but. Let's go the middle of the road and say 3.5k a hole X 6 = $21,000.00. For rebuilding an engine that you expect only 1800 hour's out of (or at least you're not suprised when it need's an overhaul). Why would you even consider that??? For not too much more you can get a Cummin's Re-Con 450 C, with a 2 year warrantee, that'll turn more RPM, give you several times over the engine life, is quieter, more fuel efficient, add value to your rig,etc, etc, etc... I know you'll have work to do, to make the fit and maybe have to get a different gear (if you have an old Allison). But my land, at least you'll have something when you're done. I really don't get pouring that much money in those old dinasour's. Again I'm not looking to ruffle feather's here, but I've asked myself that question over and over. If there is some solid reasoning out there that I'm missing ,please enlighten me, seriously. Frank,SeaPower

Maybe they like the sound and smell of a 2stroke diesel

[seapower]

No doubt the best sounding engines out there are 12-71's. I am also convinced that their "hum" raises fish. But for my money I want longevity and dependability. I had a 4 valve 6-71 natural in a shrimp boat I used to own, it served me very well. But it was the natural (low end of the hp range), and that was back in the day when you could get the part's for them just about anywhere, and they were cheap. Those day's are well behind us now.Frank

[Avenger]

No argument here, just the usual observations. Repowers cost a lot more than just the price of the engines, and since "average" recreational marine use is 100 hrs per year that translates to 18 years. Longer than most people will own any one boat.

Was it a poor power choice for the builder? You betcha. But chances are it was a relatively cheap way to get the HP rating they were looking for. For example, 500 HP 6V-92s would have plenty of life, but then there's weight and packaging issues. etc. etc.

[Tuna Taxi]

what is a ballpark cost of rebuilding a motor with a cylinder kit (6 holes) on a 485hp 6-71 motor w/ 1800 hrs

thanks

When I rebuilt my 6-71, all parts including a head rebuild and a replacement turbo, cost me just shy of $5K. I had to replace the exhaust manifold for another $400.00. A few other incidentals like new hoses, clamps, cleaning coolers, etc adds another $600-$700. Everything was DD or Federal Mogul parts, with Interstate-McBee injectors, except for the exhaust manifold that was aftermarket.

I rebuilt the engine myself because I have been around them and they are about the simplest engine ever installed.

Your overhaul guy is not going to do all the work I did regardless of the price you pay, but if you give them the benefit of the doubt, top end they will be spending around $6K on parts (less if they can get them wholesale which will make it less). You can get a good rebuild for just under $2K per hole up to $4K per hole. If it is the low end, make sure the mechanic is well known and have good references. There are many people out there who sell themselves as Detroit mechanics, and are not worth a damn. Going factory does not buy you much more quality but it does bring the upper end of the price range.

The thing you have to ask is how much do you want to pay for labor. At $3K per hole, the overhauler is putting about $12K in his pocket. Thats lots of cash for some pretty easy work. The best overhaulers are not worth that price, and there are many who are very good and much less expensive.

I don't know where you (or your boat) are located, location will determine if there is a good guy around who can do it at a decent price. If you are near VB, I can give you a name of a guy who does great work for much less than $3-$4K per hole.

[Capt. kapoc]

I don't know where you (or your boat) are located, location will determine if there is a good guy around who can do it at a decent price. If you are near VB, I can give you a name of a guy who does great work for much less than $3-$4K per hole.

If it is the guy that rebuilt your old 6-71 ....He is worth it the egine hums!!!!!!!

[JD5652]

Tuna Taxi is right on the mark here...I've BTDT from both sides of the coin on an OEM rebuild and independent DD mechanic rebuild. If you're located in Connecticut or nearby, I can recommend TOP NOTCH DD mechanic that knows the 671 like the back of his hand and you can get a quality rebuild for ~$8500.