Building and Sailing Thlaloca Dos
Contrary to purists, we believe in powerful, reliable propulsion; especially after the many years we fooled around with a 2hp. Seagull outboard motor. Locally we found a man who specialized in rebuilding Mercedes Benz car engines. From him we bought a rebuilt. It had over 300,000 original miles on the odometer. But the compression was well within tolerance, and the overall appearance like new. From a Dutch firm we bought the conversion; the result a first class marine engine in every respect. In 1982, while cruising the European waterways, we were moored close to a plant that converted Mercedes Benz engines for pleasure boats. Visiting the plant we were impressed, so much that we bought a 65hp. OM615S--the "S" stands for Ship. Favored with an exchange rate of 3to1 the price was right. We had it shipped to Virginia. This engine we installed in T.D. in 1996. The old one served us flawlessly for 6,000 engine hours, which is equivalent to at least 300,000 road miles. With the data of over half a million miles I approached Mercedes, hoping to get a spot on national television. Back came the answer that they have engines on record with over a million miles -- chucks, there went my 10 seconds of fame.
The
roomy engine room incorporates the following: Racor and Fram filters with
bypass. One vacuum gauge to control filter condition. These filters are in
addition to the filter mounted on the engine. Fuel and water tanks are of
stainless steel, holding 80 gal. each. One 35 gal. holding tank with overboard
pumping facilities. 12Volts refrigeration compressor. One Halon automatic fire
extinguisher. One Whale 25 manual bilge pump. Extensive tool inventory to repair
any reasonable mechanical or wood and fiberglass related problems.
Mercedes-Benz Diesel Engine