the beast bites back - again

[dylanwinter1]

don't want to come across as too much of a winging pom

but here we go

last film on this page along with the report from the engineer who I really like and trust - he has given me what I hope is the worst case scenario

2011 Video Logs « Keep Turning Left

always keen to hear what people have to say

one thing that was suggested was that I do a good job of filming the operation and then making it available as a DVD or a download for those who are fascinated by the whole idea of removing 130kg engines from small boats

incidentally the engine manual is here

Picture Galleries « Keep Turning Left

[bljones]

Dylan,
Engine Rand R is not rocket surgery. The only truly "specialist" aspect of the job is fabbing/installing new mounts. It sounds a much more daunting prospect than it actually is, once one gets dug in, and reinstallation usually takes 75% or less of the time it took to remove the engine.
If I was in your shoes, and facing a 4 figure bill, I'd tackle the gruntwork myself.
After all, what have you go to lose?


The way I see this saga, you have a number of options:

1. Bite the bullet and let the engineer have at it.
Advantage: you don't get dirty, it gets done right.
Disadvantage: Cost
Result: It's done.
Cost: A grand + her majesty.

2. Do it yourself.
Advantage: You save money, and know your boat better, and gain some marketable footage.
Disadvantage: You get dirty and occasionally frustrated.
Cost: Parts and chainfall rental. Call it 300 quid.
Result: It's done, possibly faster than hiring it out, definitely cheaper, you gain some personal satisfaction and maybe a good story or two to tell.

3. Repower with newer more compatible engine
Advantage: Arguably cheaper spares and fewer needed, arguably easier to obtain
Disadvantage: Cost, although some of the cost could be offset by selling the current Volvo MD
Cost: At least a couple grand
Result: Fewer hassles and worries going forward, lighter wallet, possibly significant time out of the water.

4. Slap an outboard on the transom
Advantage: Lower cost, arguably quicker install. Easier and chepaer to maintain going forward.
Disadvantage: No more soothing chug chug, mount will have to be fabricated
Result: You're on the water quickly with minimal cost.
Cost: ?

5. Pull the MD, sell MD, install outboard.
Advantage: gain storage space in former engine bay, offset cost of outboard by flogging inboard lump.
Disadvantage: More labour.
Result: You're on the water with a little less money out of pocket.
Cost: ?

[dylanwinter1]

Originally Posted by bljones

Dylan,
Engine Rand R is not rocket surgery. The only truly "specialist" aspect of the job is fabbing/installing new mounts. It sounds a much more daunting prospect than it actually is, once one gets dug in, and reinstallation usually takes 75% or less of the time it took to remove the engine.
If I was in your shoes, and facing a 4 figure bill, I'd tackle the gruntwork myself.
After all, what have you go to lose?


The way I see this saga, you have a number of options:

1. Bite the bullet and let the engineer have at it.
Advantage: you don't get dirty, it gets done right.
Disadvantage: Cost
Result: It's done.
Cost: A grand + her majesty.

2. Do it yourself.
Advantage: You save money, and know your boat better, and gain some marketable footage.
Disadvantage: You get dirty and occasionally frustrated.
Cost: Parts and chainfall rental. Call it 300 quid.
Result: It's done, possibly faster than hiring it out, definitely cheaper, you gain some personal satisfaction and maybe a good story or two to tell.

3. Repower with newer more compatible engine
Advantage: Arguably cheaper spares and fewer needed, arguably easier to obtain
Disadvantage: Cost, although some of the cost could be offset by selling the current Volvo MD
Cost: At least a couple grand
Result: Fewer hassles and worries going forward, lighter wallet, possibly significant time out of the water.

4. Slap an outboard on the transom
Advantage: Lower cost, arguably quicker install. Easier and chepaer to maintain going forward.
Disadvantage: No more soothing chug chug, mount will have to be fabricated
Result: You're on the water quickly with minimal cost.
Cost: ?

5. Pull the MD, sell MD, install outboard.
Advantage: gain storage space in former engine bay, offset cost of outboard by flogging inboard lump.
Disadvantage: More labour.
Result: You're on the water with a little less money out of pocket.
Cost: ?

you are correct in your assessment

although fixing myself - my hands drop things now

my tool kit - which was once excellent has been raided over the years by teenagers

my own temper.

I could film Robin doing the grunting - so I could still make a film

sell it as a DVD - it should be a real winner

I think the outboard option is probably not an option given what I face by way of sea conditions as the journey continues

I think my options are

to pay now to have it done

or

pull the slug from the water - park it up and save up so that I can pay later



I guess I felt that I had solved the engine probs

what I really, really hate is the idea that within a month of going back into service the beast could find another way of getting me where it hurts

so many aspects to think about

D

[ccriders]

Two questions;
What's a winging pom?
How much is a quid?
One advice; never put an outboard on a sailboat. Go engineless if necessary.
John

[mdbee]

I confess Dylan, although I have enjoyed your videos in the past, I haven't made the commitment of joining. I spend too much mindless time browsing the web which could be better served by viewing your videos. It would only be fair to pay you for my enjoyment. It is indeed a small price you ask, for the enjoyment of watching you and the Slug explore the waterways of your beautiful country.

I would also suggest that many of us would probably enjoy giving you a bit of a hand on your current repair. If you make a video as you suggested, I would enjoy purchasing a copy. Perhaps you could put it on your website and allow us to make a donation to receive a copy. Sailors tend to be a cheap lot, but don't discount the possibility that many of us would joy giving you a hand. It's no different than giving you a tow if needed or offering you a place to bed down, while on your sailing journeys.

[mdbee]

Signed up and the HD video is great. Sorry I put it off so long.

[tdw]

If not for the possible DVD I'd be suggesting you hire professional and then act as offsider. While not involving major sugery I did that earlier this year and damned if I didn't learn more about marine diesels in a couple of hours than I'd taken in over the past thirty years. Then again I am mechanically incompetent.

Watched video. Nice pics of birds and dog too.

What would second hand smaller donk cost ? From other thread we know outboard is not a goer so lets forget that. Current model MD is supposedly over size for the Slug so maybe you could buy/sell for about the same dosh? If engine in similar condition maybe you get more for yours than new would cost ? Wishful thinking probably. Smaller donk would use standard engine mounts though I guess labour cost about the same.

So not exactly solving the cost problems.

[sailhog]

Plus-one for what Capt. Wombat suggests.... You have fine engine that's oversized with corroded mounts.... sell the lovely oversized engine and install a smaller used beastie....

One more thing.... Could you possibly be over-thinking this problem? They're just motor mounts. Can't you find a fabricator to come up with something that will hold 400 pounds in place? I realize you have special space considerations, but a friend of mine replaced his mounts in a few hours, one-at-a-time by using a scissor jack. I have a feeling you've already thought this through, so I'll stop now before I make any more silly suggestions....

[dylanwinter1]

the feedback from the web has been great

one way or another I aim to keep the slug and retain the beast

its in good nick and it has got me this far

I have also been contacted by a bloke who has done the job - one engine mounting at a time without pulling the volvo - which is obviously a major cost

he said it was a right sod - but he did it

I have also been contacted by another bloke who watches the films I have been making who has offered to spend a three day weekend with me.

he has all the tools and can weld - so....

one way or another it looks as though I shall have a shot at it

Aaaagh!

lost a massive chunk of last summer because of the back end of the drive shaft... I really hope I don't miss the best sailing months of this year too

but once the mounts have been done then what else is there to bust....

well loads of course - it is a 45 year old boat after-all



Dylan

Originally Posted by sailhog

Plus-one for what Capt. Wombat suggests.... You have fine engine that's oversized with corroded mounts.... sell the lovely oversized engine and install a smaller used beastie....

One more thing.... Could you possibly be over-thinking this problem? They're just motor mounts. Can't you find a fabricator to come up with something that will hold 400 pounds in place? I realize you have special space considerations, but a friend of mine replaced his mounts in a few hours, one-at-a-time by using a scissor jack. I have a feeling you've already thought this through, so I'll stop now before I make any more silly suggestions....

[mdbee]

"but once the mounts have been done then what else is there to bust...."

Just think of any future problems as being good subject matter for future videos

Originally Posted by dylanwinter1

the feedback from the web has been great

one way or another I aim to keep the slug and retain the beast

its in good nick and it has got me this far

I have also been contacted by a bloke who has done the job - one engine mounting at a time without pulling the volvo - which is obviously a major cost

he said it was a right sod - but he did it

I have also been contacted by another bloke who watches the films I have been making who has offered to spend a three day weekend with me.

he has all the tools and can weld - so....

one way or another it looks as though I shall have a shot at it

Aaaagh!

lost a massive chunk of last summer because of the back end of the drive shaft... I really hope I don't miss the best sailing months of this year too

but once the mounts have been done then what else is there to bust....

well loads of course - it is a 45 year old boat after-all



Dylan