Looking for a mentor

[jmayton]

We just brought our "new to us" 1987 Northern 37 ketch up from Stuart, FL to New Bern, NC. It took 18 days and put 844 NM's into the log. In short it was a trip from summer into winter. Great fun and some adventures.

What I'm looking for is someone who is comfortable working on Perkins diesel engines. I have a small 50 HP sitting under the cockpit that I'd like to learn to service/repair and would be willing to compensate an individual who might be interested in teaching an old fart how to do that.

The boat is currently in New Bern, NC and I live in Goldsboro, NC (about an hour from the boat.) Anyone interested?

[celenoglu]

All diesel engines are more or less similiar to each other. On site learning is a good option . If it fails you can attend to a diesel course and get a manual for your engine. You can even find on line books on this subject.

[killarney_sailor]

You should be able to get copies of your parts manual and service manual online. If you do not have Nigel Calder's book on Electrical and Mechanical Systems you should get it. No need to get his book on diesels since the same stuff is covered in the EMS book. Start reading.

[ChuckA]

One idea is to look for a local version of a course like this:
Points East, the New England Cruising Magazine: Winter Workshops

In a day you get a basic introduction to diesel maintenance, a little hands on introduction to basic systems, and a contact whom you can ask questions in the future.

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

What do you want to accomplish by working on the engine. Do basic trouble shooting and maintenance, or open engine work that is taking the engine out and stripping it down to removal of crankshaft including all moving parts, a complete rebuild to like new?

[jmayton]

Originally Posted by LakeSuperiorGeezer

What do you want to accomplish by working on the engine. Do basic trouble shooting and maintenance, or open engine work that is taking the engine out and stripping it down to removal of crankshaft including all moving parts, a complete rebuild to like new?

Hey LSG,
I'd like to learn how to do basic trouble shooting and maintenance. If I have to open up the monster in the bilge I want it to be something minor that can be put back together without to much hassel such as replacing gaskets or injectors. When I look into the engine space I'd like to know what the heck I'm looking at. I've got Nigel's books, and I'm sure they will be most helpful once I get some basic knowedge established.