I’ve been working on the engine mounts a little bit every day. Today I cut a two-by-four and wedged it underneath the engine as a just-in-case for when I finally decided to knock out that broken mount. The bolts were already out, it was now just a matter of taking the hammer to it and sliding it out from underneath the weight of the engine. I held my breath and tapped away. When it finally slipped out I gasped, but the engine didn’t budge—the other three mounts and the wood had held it securely. A minute later I came to the part that is going to give me headaches—how to get the new mount in.
The old one came out easily because the bolt was in three pieces, but the new mount just has that one nice big long bolt sticking skyward, and it does not come anywhere near close to sliding at an angle into the hole on the engine that is awaiting it. The engine looks to have to go up close to two inches before the new mount is going to go in.
So anyway, next step appears to be unbolting the prop shaft and then trying to loosen the rear engine mounts. They’ve got a good inch left that they can be raised up. All of this will be done hanging upside down. Good times ahead.
Spent our last day with Grammy mostly walking around downtown. Ouest has made it clear that she is not happy about the idea of Grammy leaving. She thinks Grammy should have no problem living on the boat with us.
We bought Ouest and Grammy mangos on a stick this afternoon. Lowe saw this and immediately teared up and buried his face in Mama’s shoulder. “How dare you leave me out.” We can’t seem to get it through our thick skulls that there is a big boy in the midst now and that if Ouest is having something he is going to want something too. So, mango all around.
14 Comments on “Prep Work”
I had the same problem replacing an engine mount on a Bristol 40 yawl on a remote island. I was able to run the main halyard down the companionway and attach it to the lifting eye on top of the engine. Then it was simple to use the halyard winch to lift the engine a couple of inches.
If your hatch is not over the engine, maybe you could use tethered blocks to route the halyard across the inside of the cabin.
Oh if only it were that easy. There is no access for a halyard from up above, and nothing secure enough inside to run blocks to. I think car jack is going to be the only “easy” solution here.
Just as a caution. Before you disconnect the shaft from the transmission, you need to secure it so it won’t slide off into the drink, living a rather large hole in the bottom. A hose clamp around the shaft near the packing nut will probably be sufficient. Some folks think that’s not necessary, but it’s better to be safe.
Jim.
Leaving, not living. Forgive my typing, I’ve been at it too long.
Our shaft actually can’t get out. It hits the rudder. It can only slip back about three inches before it’s stopped. But thanks anyway.
If Pat does this I’m sure the kids won’t be around and he will cover all the blocks and lines with blankets just in case something comes apart under tension.
So much fun, right??
With the benefit of a smaller engine, we were able to jack ours up with a car jack (first with one that we borrowed from the super sweet Mazatlan Fonatur ladies, and then — since have I mentioned that we did this TWICE?? haha — with another car jack that we bought from Mega) (why wouldn’t Mega sell car jacks, right??).
Anyways, might not work for you guys but just my two cents again 😀
At least you’re in fish taco capital!
Thanks Leah. Looks like that’s going to be the ticket for me too. Mega huh? Right next to the milk?
That was my thought too! 🙂 We tried to buy one off a taxi driver, but he wasn’t willing to part with his… so he just drove us to Mega. I think it was wedged in between beach toys and the appliances section actually 🙂
yummm… my son and I really want one of those mango sticks lol!
Hi Pat
Is it possible to loosen or remove and re-attach the engine mount brackets from the engine to gain the extra wiggle room to change the mounts? It will definitely change the shaft/engine alignment but that will need to be re-aligned anyway.
Not sure. Will take a look tomorrow when I get back in there.
Mate, make sure your tongue is held to the right and firmly clamped between ur rear molars, thats important, have your kids and Ali at least 500 meters aways and ensure their eyes are shielded (welding masks may be overkill but offer a high degree of safety) and have heavy padded clothing on, just in case something flies loose under immense pressure. Remember you only have about 6 to 8 feet under your keel if your prop shaft decides to auto eject and blast your rudder off only to land on the boardwalk behind.
And as far as numbering those mounts go…… well jeez, there are four so dont loose any fingers or u will be screwed…..or….. just keep getting on with it and gimme a yell if u need a hand 🙂
I am learning the same lesson with Naia. I keep thinking of what food she likes and trying to make or order something special just for her. I have learned several tears later… she’ll have whatever the big brother is having.