Once
through the hatch, the engine is rotated 90 degrees to line up with its new
home. Here the engine is hovering in the main salon, and both the lifting
crane and Ray can be seen in the reflection in the window.
The engine is then moved
back an inch or so while being rocked, until it slips onto the spline. We
purchased adapter plates earlier that match the transmission and bolted them to
the flywheel. These plates are similar to a clutch plate in a car, but
they allow for up to 10 degrees of flex – this is especially important as its
easier on the transmission when engaging the gears, and we’re using our
original, 40 year old transmissions.
With the weight still supported by the crane, the mechanic bolts the rear of the engine onto the flange. There are 12 bolts in a circle around the engine’s bell housing. Measurements are then taken of the distance from the front engine mounting wing down to the stringer and a wooden block is cut to place there. Then the weight is transferred to the boat and the cable and chains are lifted out to go pick up the other engine.
Looking into the engine
room from the galley, it’s apparent there will be quite a bit more elbow room.
Even though the crankshaft is at the same elevation as the old engines,
aligned with the transmissions, there is a lot more clearance under these
engines and the mounts are higher. New front motor mounts will be
fashioned and welded so that they fully engage the stringers. Until then, the engines will rest on the
temporary blocks while the boat stretches to accommodate their weight.
Once
both engines were secure, the two mechanics poled and walked the boat back
around the dock to our moorage. Note the
cut out roof hatch is still on the foredeck.
There
are so many things to do and connect before these engines are ready to go that
I’ve made a list, and I’ll even have to check it twice as tasks are completed
for each engine. Even though the motor mounts aren’t there yet, we can
now proceed with connecting fuel and water lines, electrical connections,
exhaust hoses and so forth. It’s the ‘so forth’ that’ll probably get us!
No comments:
Post a Comment