"Bright Star" engine

[Jay Greer]

Well, here is the latest report on "Bright Star's" engine, a forty year old
Universal twenty HP two cylendar diesel. I am told that I either need to re-build or replace it as it is blowing oil past the rings. This is a pain because last season we spent ten grand on a new tranny and clutch which included three haul outs to set things right. The tranny has less than ten hours running time on it! But I think, I will bite the bullet and list it on eBay. If any of you have experience with Universals, I would appreciate any input.
Jay

[Larks]

What are your latest thoughts on the replacement Jay? Also, out of interest, any idea what the Universal weighs?

[Jay Greer]

Larks,
The Universal with transmission weighs 365lbs. I am considering a Yanmar of the same HP which is a bit lighter.
Jay

[NealmCarter]

I really can not imagine how you could have 10K into a tranny rebuild !! Ebay wont get you much recouped funds...I`d find an honest mechanic, and give her a new set of rings..

[Tylerdurden]

I don't know how possible it is to do an in-frame on it but that would be my first choice. A good portable machinist could make short work of it and the head can go out for the rest. Even if the block has to come out I would say it would be cheaper than swapping in a new motor and you won't get forty years out of the new one.