S2 7.9 Meter Class Association

I have a BMW D7 on my 7.9. I always have major problems starting (even after following instructions in the manual). A friend of mine said it probably had poor compression and needs a new head. Not sure I would want to invest that much in an old motor (21 years old).

Any thoughts on the best way to replace it, outboard vs. inboard vs. cost. Any info on other engines that I could "drop in myself" and experiences with Yanmar or other replacement engines.


Thanks in advance.

--ray

ray.suarez@bostonlight.org

Hi Ray

As per my email, conversion to an outboard is a fairly simple option. I have two other thoughts for you.

It's possible / likely that the glow plug is no longer functional. That's a pretty simple diagnosis...see if it's getting power during the 'warm up'. If not, it's also possible that the cause is the engine's electrical panel, also a fairly simple diagnosis. You could have someone rig a bypass for the glowplug. This should be fairly inexpensive.

You can also employ the BMW diesel version of duct-tape....starter fluid spray. BE CERTAIN to use only a TINY bit each time. And be darn careful, the stuff is plenty flamable. This is a temporary solution only, and not exactly the recommended course of action. The stuff isn't great for your engine, but it's cheap in the short term.

Ray-

I also have a BMW. My engine starts quite well, although I have some problem with the electric start and have had to crank start. I have reviewed the engine manual and I do not believe that th D7 has a glow plug. Starting problems may be related to poor compression. Have you tried adjusting the valves.

I have purchased parts from this company. I believe they also do repairs and rebuilds.

V-12 Engineering
PO Box 50
Keewatin, Ontario
CA POX 1CO

807-543-3003
www.bmwmarine.net

Good Luck

Our 7.9 was has a Yanmar 1GM10 as original equipment (#488, it was built after BMW stopped supplying engines). I cannot speak to the issues involved in replacing the BMW engine with the Yanmar, but I can vouch for the reliability and ease of maintenance of the 1GM10. If you really want an inboard and expect to keep the boat indefinitely, I would seriously consider it.

I have an S2 7.9 that I purchased in late September - hull #435 (love it). It has a BMW D7 with a glow plug. So far we have had no engine problems and have not had to crank start it either, but I'm collecting all these posts future reference.

dorceynaber@netzero.net
pdorcey@monroeccc.edu

Welcome to the group. Racing, cruising or both, we'd like to have you as a member of the class association.