Timing Belt Question

[chiefrcd]

I've got a Yanmar 6lp300 STE and Velvet Drive ( V Drive ) which basically means my engine is placed in the boat backwards. I'm looking at having the timing belt replaced at 1250 hours (scheduled service).

Due to the placement of the engine which is against a bulkhead and then fuel tank, I've been told by two mechanics that I might be looking at having to pull the engine to change the belt.

Anyone have to do that yet??? The two price ranges were $5000.00 and another $2000.00. I've written Albin several times over the two years I've owned my boat and recently about this issue but cannot get any reply from their service people. You don't even get a canned, " we received your email"...answer, nothing, nada....would love to think I could get this done without having to pull the engine out of the boat.

[Elizabeth Ann]

Hi Chief,

I see you raised this question on the yanmar site too. I'd like to know if the engine needs to be pulled as well, especially if it costs $5K. I may as well start filling up my piggy bank now for this.

As far as Albin is concerned, have you tried to call their Head Qts. in Cos Cob, Ct. or are you dealing with the Rhode Island warehouse? You'd have better luck at Cos Cob, there are only like 4 or 5 people in the office.

[chiefrcd]

I've been e mailing the service manager by the name of Ed Winarski. I've had several structural or mechanical issues that I needed information on, but I've never gotten any type of reply. I'd just like to get an answer, even if it was " stop writing me I'm not going to talk to you"....

[Parker]

FYI - I've had pretty good luck in the past when I've called the HQ in Cos Cob, CT. Ed in Portsmouth, RI has been pretty helpful as well but I recall he was difficult to reach.

Good luck.

[jcollins]

Chief,
You have the right name but he doesn't reply to email. Call him. When/if you get him he is very helpful. But, if he doesn't return your call in a couple of days you have to call again. There is one guy from Albin that joined this board. When we crashed a couple of months ago he didn't register again. His name is William Mulvey. I contacted him when I was looking and he was very helpful. Email: willmulvey@albinmarine.com
Mention this board. I have been trying to get Albin to recognize us and possibly use this board for customer service. It truly is amazing to me that they build great boats but no one seems to be very happy with customer service.

[digitrade]

I have the same engine and fuel tank configuration. Replacement should be simple for someone experienced with the 6LP engine. I can get you in contact with someone if you need it.

There is definitely no need to pull the fuel tank etc.

[chiefrcd]

Thanks Digitrade, I think I found a mechanic locally that has a lot experience with this engine. You stated you're on your third engine, lord, I hope it was covered by the warrenty. The last time I priced out one a bobtail engine was right at 27,000.00 US. Why so many engines?