Ford Lehman 120 Marine Engine Room Restoration: Before & After by 805 Marine Mechanic
When it comes to marine diesel restoration, few projects showcase craftsmanship and precision like this Ford Lehman 120 twin-engine refit performed by 805 Marine Mechanic. Serving Santa Barbara, Ventura, and the Channel Islands, our team completely transformed this tired engine room into a clean, reliable, and efficient powerhouse — ready for years of dependable cruising along the Pacific coast.
Before and After: Complete Engine Room Transformation
Below you’ll see the dramatic difference before and after our complete restoration process. From corroded paint and aging plumbing to a fully repainted bilge and reconditioned Ford Lehman 120 engines — this vessel’s engine room now looks and performs like new.
Before Photos
After Photos
Full Ford Lehman 120 Diesel Overhaul and Paint Job
These classic Ford Lehman 120 marine diesels have long been known for their rugged reliability — but after decades of saltwater exposure and deferred maintenance, they needed professional attention. The 805 Marine Mechanic team performed a complete inspection, disassembly, and restoration of both engines and surrounding systems.
Master Marine Diesel Troubleshooting Guide – 805 Marine Diesel Mechanic
Our Work Included:
- ✅ Rebuilt Starters (x2) – both starters disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled with new solenoids and bushings.
- ✅ Rebuilt Raw Water Pumps (x2) – fully rebuilt and resealed for reliable cooling performance.
- ✅ Pickled Entire Saltwater System (x2) – flushed with Barnacle Buster to remove corrosion, scale, and marine growth.
- ✅ Installed Remote Vacuum Gauges for Racors – for precise fuel filtration monitoring.
- ✅ Corrected Electrical & Plumbing Layouts – restored safe, organized routing for improved access and safety.
- ✅ Installed New High Water Alarm – critical for early flood detection and engine compartment safety.
- ✅ Installed New Midship Bilge Pump – for improved drainage and redundancy.
- ✅ Painted Engines and Bilge – professional-grade marine epoxy paint for long-term protection and easy cleaning.
- ✅ Installed Engine Freshwater Flushing System – simplified maintenance and extended cooling system lifespan. Learn more about freshwater flushing systems here.
- ✅ Installed Dual Oil Changing Pump – fast and clean oil changes for both engines.
Engine Room Paint and Bilge Renewal
The bilge area was stripped, cleaned, and repainted with high-durability marine bilge paint to restore the bright, reflective surfaces. A clean bilge not only improves visibility during maintenance but also prevents corrosion and fuel or oil residue buildup.
Each Ford Lehman 120 received a new coat of signature red paint — baked and sealed for long-lasting shine and corrosion resistance. The results speak for themselves: these engines now look factory-fresh and are easier to maintain for years of coastal operation.
Safety and System Upgrades
In addition to cosmetic improvements, this project emphasized safety and reliability upgrades. The high water alarm and midship bilge pump ensure redundancy and early warnings in the event of leaks, while reworked electrical wiring improves system efficiency and safety.
These systems, combined with upgraded Racor fuel filters equipped with remote vacuum gauges, give the owner instant insight into filtration performance — a key factor in preventing injector or pump damage on long runs between Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands.
We also ensured all new systems were compliant with BoatUS maintenance standards and aligned with professional guidelines from Yachting Magazine for marine diesel performance and upkeep.
Serving Santa Barbara, Ventura, and the Channel Islands
From Santa Barbara Harbor to Ventura Marina and the Channel Islands, 805 Marine Mechanic provides trusted inboard diesel services for local captains, charter operators, and yacht owners. Our certified marine mechanics specialize exclusively in inboard diesel engines — including Yanmar, Perkins, and Ford Lehman models.
Ready to Restore Your Marine Diesel?
Whether your engine room needs a cosmetic overhaul, system upgrades, or complete mechanical restoration, 805 Marine Mechanic delivers professional diesel services you can trust. Contact us today to bring your vessel back to peak performance and safety.