M T f U! I'll do it myself.

We met briefly in Annapolis if you remember? I was there on the boat tied up at the yacht basin.
Mine are 43 years old . Still run strong.
I could put this off for a few more years most likely. But want to tackle it now while I’m young (54) lol.
They are overbuilt simple mechanical engines that are bullet proof and will run for ever if properly operated and maintained. That’s all I’ve ever had in my boats are Detroit’s because that’s what I’m used to and know how to maintain.
I would never want the newer computerized engines of today in either of my boats . I both inboard gas and Diesel engines which I maintain myself.
Basically it’s a personal self-confidence and comfort zone for me. Also it’s what I can afford and still maintain an enjoyable boating lifestyle.

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The shop I’m dealing with specializes in Detroit diesel work and I’ve been around many years, this includes 71 series marine engines. They have a pretty good parts department and claim they have many of the liners in stock and if not can you get them right away.
The plan is they’re going to ship me a couple different size liners and I will fit them into each cylinder hole and take notes on which ones fit the best.
Then I’ll order the appropriate cylinder liners after that.
They are gonna set up all four liners pistons and rings for me at the shop.
They will also go over the cylinder head oil pump and anything else I can get in there to check out.
Most people bring the entire engine to them to overhaul and they put on the Dyno etc. and do a full rebuild.
Easy to do if you have a sport fisherman. Reach into the cockpit doors and snatch that thing out with a crane not too hard.
I have a teeny doorway in and out of my boat it’s just too much labor and work to pull the thing out it would have to come out in sections and go back in , in sections.

1980 engine factory reports…

Current numbers early this summer @2000 RPMs. During a run.
Tach , water, oil, clutch gages are accurate.
Volt and fuel gages a work in progress.

J , I was thinking the same thing, but they have assured me they have or can get the parts.
I’ve been obsessed over this for a while and it’s clear to me , like you said, pretty hard to find a good old DD marine mechanic. I’ve exhausted my efforts. Time marches on . I’m the mechanic now. I’m physically able, just need to gain confidence.
I’m kind of hell bent on doing this , this winter. Just get it done.

I will heed everyone’s advise , and question them again on the parts availability one more time.

Oh , back to my original post.
Here is what upset me.

The Detroit shop in Pennsylvania quoted me $15k for an in house major overhaul with Dyno testing .

yes I understand it way easier to work on the motor in the shop, but it’s sure not close to $29k which is not a major overhaul, nor Dyno tested quote.

Lol! Yeah it does smoke , been waiting for the fire truck to show up one day.
I’ve never knew any better, never had block heaters and usually run the boats when warm out.
That being said , my port engine fires up quickly even at 45/50 f out with out heaters. And little smoke that goes away quickly . So I have something to compare to.
But all of you have enlightened me into block heaters and will get them working again and use them in the colder months.
Since I have two heaters per engine, should I use the 700 watt units verse the 1500 watt units ?
I want to keep the amp load at the electric panel low.
700 x 2@ 1400 watt amp draw ? Would be? Per engine.

1500 x 2 @ 3000 watt amp draw ? Per engine.
Going off the top of my heat on what watt the heaters come in…
What should I use in a 471?

Whoa! **** I go away for a minute and look what happens ! Ain't no way I'm putting new/ remain anything into this boat! The boat is not worth it. Approx., $30k for one Remain Cummins with no gear, new wiring harnesses, new wiring systems Start/stop buttons etc. ; Gear and wiring work, etc . another $15 k..? and some yard to remove old engines and set and fix the new motors another $10k. I say $50-$60k PER engine. This is my boat , my money and money IS an object to me. Remember I'm not a full time Captain with the owners open check book.

My little DD471's are quite nice . Not bad on the fuel if you go light on the throttle , like any modern marine engine of today. They give my boat plenty of zip (for me) when I want it ,tops out at 21 knots with the tide, cruise 17knots at 2100 rpm. But I'm not running that hard very often. AND I'm really learning all the in's and out's about them. I know them and do not wish to educate myself on a different motor mfg. They both still run , over all like new. I admit the newer motors are quieter, but how ever Ocean Yachts made their fiberglass muffler /water back wash muffler along with short run of rubber and long run of fiberglass exhaust pipe, mine to me, are not that loud.

My starter, turbo, oil pump, blower, exhaust elbow and manifold, cylinder head, water pump, hoses etc. are all good. I've had the boat 7 years and have taken care of a lot of those things over time.
These engines are over built and will last a very long time. Longer that most of the new stuff out there.

I do have an update that will make some of you happy (CR) , including myself. I got the retired J & T fella who was an on site mechanic and latter on service manager out of the old Wildwood office coming to the boat the first week in January so he and I can really go over things and consider my options. I just got a digital inspection camera from HF . I just tried it out , work very well. Has the SD card in it, already to scope all the cylinders with the inspection covers off. I will make room for us to really get in there and look as they are between the block and the fuel tank. Between the two of us, will see if I should go further and do the rebuild. Or look at other issues if things look good with the cylinder wall ,rings,etc...
This fella was not willing to come out back in the fall due to some health issues, that's why I had a current J & T tech. come out back in the fall. But CR, my new J & T friend and myself got me thinking that my evaluation this fall was pretty weak.

So, I'm cooling my jets and reevaluate things over the next week or so. Thank you for all of your help and in put. Will see where I go with all of this.

That was then, this is now. Your numbers nowadays, for that set up are near double .

Ya Heard!!..lol...