You seem to have nothing but happy and well informed customers. So, I would like to begin my learning curve with you.
I have owned Triton #457 for about 2 weeks now. It is at a mooring and the engine seems like it ran recently. However, as of now, it has no compression.
I will need to have it towed to a dock to take off the head to see if the valves are stuck or if a rebuild is required.
Before I commit to the $300 it will take me to do this, please recommend the prefect drop in diesel replacement. Also, please explain why most replacements seem to be of a lesser HP than the original Atomic 4 at 30hp. Please advise, if everything is original, what the changes will need to be for a Beta to both fit and optimally power the vessel. LWL is 21.5, LOA is 28, displacement is said to be 8,000lb
We have provided many re-power engines for the Triton and the Beta 14 or 16 has always worked very well. At over 4 HP per long ton, the Beta 14 engine is an excellent fit for this vessel.
The Atomic-4 is billed as a 30 hp engine but was a more reasonable 18 hp engine. The vast majority of Atomic-4 engines did not have a gear reduction. The 1:1 gearing made the engine a poor producer of torque. This is why a small 2 blade propeller was used on many vessels. The engine just could not turn a larger prop.
Fit the Beta 14 or 16 and plan on installing a 12" diameter, 3 blade propeller. You will be pleased with the result. You will get much better thrust and will suddenly have a reverse! Fuel usage will be less than 1/2 gal per hour.
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Best regards,
Farron
Technical Sales and Service for Beta Marine, US Ltd. Minnesott Beach, NC PH: 252-249-2473 farron@betamarineusa.com