Sneak Peak of the Chinese Engine

Here is a first look at the engine that will be replacing the ancient Mercedes diesel in my boat: the Timray TMD70di.

Why Chinese?

I know what some of you are thinking — a Chinese engine? The marine engine market is traditionally dominated by European and American manufacturers, and "Chinese" has not always been a byword for quality in engineering. But things have changed dramatically over the past decade.

The Timray TMD70di is a modern, fuel-injected diesel engine designed specifically for marine applications. The specifications are solid, the price is very competitive, and the reviews from other boat owners who have made the same switch are largely positive.

The Old Engine

The engine it is replacing is a Mercedes OM636 diesel — a unit that dates back to the late 1940s and early 1950s. It has been in the boat for decades and has served reasonably well, but it is now genuinely old technology. Parts are becoming harder to find, fuel consumption is high by modern standards, and reliability is increasingly unpredictable.

The New Engine

The Timray TMD70di produces significantly more power while using considerably less fuel. It has modern fuel injection, proper cooling, and should be far more reliable day-to-day.

The Bigger Picture

As I have written before, this is a temporary solution on the way to full electric conversion. But a reliable diesel engine now means I can use the boat while I plan and save for the electric conversion. It is a pragmatic middle step.

More photos and a full installation report coming soon.