Bukh DV24 / DV36 Rebuild, common faults and everything you need to know
Danish design developed for SOLAS-approved lifeboats. Bukh has built marine engines since 1899. Direct injection, mechanical Bosch pump, still in production.
The Bukh DV series was originally built for SOLAS-approved lifeboats. Extremely simple, extremely rugged. Bukh A/S has built marine engines since 1899, and the DV series (DV20, DV24, DV29, DV32, DV36) is the core of its current range - both the DV24 and DV36 are still sold as the DV24 RME and DV36 RME for the lifeboat market. Mechanical design, direct injection and glow plugs, cast-iron block, no electronic dependencies. The classic choice for the boat owner who values longevity over power. We carry out cylinder head reconditioning and complete engine reconditioning on the Bukh DV series.
The Bukh DV at a glance
Taken from Bukh A/S official product sheets (bukh.dk) and the DV24 RME / DV36 RME PDF leaflets.
DV24
DV36
Variants in the DV family
| Variant | Cyl | Displacement | Power | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DV20 | R2 | ~810 cc | 20 hk | Predecessor |
| DV24 / DV24 RME In production | R2 | 964 cc | 24 hk | Current |
| DV29 | R2 | 964 cc | 29 hk | Current (uprated DV24) |
| DV32 | R2 | 964 cc | 32 hk | Current (uprated DV24) |
| DV36 / DV36 RME In production | R3 | 1 447 cc | 36 hk | Current |
| DV48 | R3 | 1 447 cc | 48 hk | Current (uprated DV36) |
Note - the RME variant: Bukh's RME suffix stands for SOLAS Rescue Modular Engine - a special variant for the lifeboat and rescue-boat market. Mechanically identical to the standard engine but with extra saltwater corrosion protection and electrical specification.
Common faults on the Bukh DV series
Cross-checked against Bukh threads on the YBW Forum, the BUKH owner's handbook, the LM Owners forum and Trade-A-Boat technical reviews.
The freshwater pump impeller slips on the shaft
Specific to DV24/36 • High- Symptoms
- Reduced coolant flow with no visible leak, overheating under load.
- Cause
- The freshwater pump impeller can slip on its shaft - a specific DV24/DV36 fault documented on YBW and LM Owners. The pump shaft keeps turning while the impeller stays still.
Raw water pump shaft seal leaks
Standard maintenance • Medium- Symptoms
- Saltwater drips from the pump shaft area, neoprene debris in the heat exchanger.
- Cause
- The neoprene impeller cannot take more than ~20 seconds of dry running. When the impeller fails, pieces lodge in the system.
Risk of runaway at overspeed
Under extreme conditions • Critical- Symptoms
- The engine revs beyond maximum speed with the stop levers having no effect. The YBW thread "Can they be rebuilt once they have run away?" documents this.
- Cause
- Under extreme conditions the engine can draw oil from the crankcase ventilation and "eat" its own oil as fuel. Only an emergency stop by shutting off the air intake or the compression will save it.
Glow plugs wear out
Maintenance • Medium- Symptoms
- Harder cold starting, needs long warm-up before running steadily.
- Cause
- Glow plugs are needed for a reliable cold start on the diesel. Glow plugs wear naturally and must be replaced roughly every 10 years.
The heat exchanger builds up scale
5+ years • Medium- Symptoms
- Overheating under load, dropping operating temperature, reduced coolant flow.
- Cause
- Scale and salt deposits on the raw-water side. The BUKH owner's manual recommends cleaning every 5 years.
The rising section of the exhaust corrodes
10+ years • Medium- Symptoms
- Saltwater drips at the riser, possibly water backing up towards the engine.
- Cause
- The riser/rising exhaust pipe corrodes internally from saltwater. It should be inspected at every major service.
Bukh DV rebuild prices
Smaller engine (DV24) or mid-size (DV36). Rugged design - takes a rebuild well. Excl. VAT and parts.
Cylinder head reconditioning
Bottom end
Full rebuild
Injector service
Cylinder machining
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Cylinder boring 2 cyl (DV24) | 1 990 kr |
| Cylinder boring 3 cyl (DV36) | 2 488 kr |
| Plateau honing 2 cyl / 3 cyl | 700 / 875 kr |
Cylinder head reconditioning
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Resurfacing cast-iron cylinder head 2 cyl | 875 kr |
| Resurfacing cast iron cylinder head 3 cyl | 1 235 kr |
| Cylinder head pressure testing 2/3 cyl | 1 200 / 1 580 kr |
| Valve seat cutting per valve | 114 kr |
Questions and answers about the Bukh DV24 / DV36
Is the Bukh DV24 / DV36 still in production?
Yes. Both engines are still sold by Bukh A/S (bukh.dk) as the DV24 RME and DV36 RME for the SOLAS lifeboat market. Production has not ceased. Spare parts are therefore fully available as OEM parts.
Are the Bukh DV engines DI or IDI?
Direct injection (DI). Bukh's own workshop manual for the DV24 explicitly states DIRECT INJECTION. The engines have glow plugs for cold starting, but that is no proof of IDI - direct-injection diesels use glow plugs too. It is the smaller DV20 in the range that is IDI with a pre-chamber.
What does it cost to rebuild a Bukh DV24 or DV36?
Cylinder head reconditioning 4 500-6 500 kr in labour. A complete engine rebuild 18 000-28 000 kr in labour, plus parts 4 000-10 000 kr. Bukh engines are smaller and have fewer components than 4-cylinder engines - hence cheaper to rebuild.
How long does a Bukh DV engine last?
5 000-10 000 running hours - and in many cases much longer. Bukh built these for military lifeboats, where longevity is the primary criterion. Many Bukh engines run 30+ years without a full rebuild when maintenance is kept up.
Why is Bukh so popular with maritime authorities?
SOLAS approval. The Bukh engines are type-tested for lifeboat duty with extreme demands on cold starting, corrosion resistance and service life. That safety ethos carries over to the boat-owner market.
How long does a Bukh DV rebuild take?
Cylinder head reconditioning: 1-2 weeks. Complete engine rebuild: 2-4 weeks in the workshop. Smaller engines with fewer components mean a faster turnaround.
Do you have a Bukh DV engine that needs looking over?
Call us or send a quote request. Reply within 24 hours.