100HP Hovercraft Broke Down After First Ride. Can It Be Fixed?

[@tuscaroradave]

It's kind of funny how so many people buy something expensive and awesome like that hovercraft and completely disregard most of the maintenance procedures listed in the manual. They don't want to put in the work, so they end up the way this hovercraft was as you found it. It's super common for folks to run machines to death instead of performing proper PMs. If you have to pull that engine again, remove that pickup coil mount again and insert a small copper tube in that bolt hole above what's left of that broken bolt, then use your mig welder to fill the copper tube with steel and weld a nut to the top and wrench out that broken segment so you can properly repair it. Keep up the great content!! I watch every single video you put out!

[@pdmntman]

Left hand twist drill bits work wonders to extract bolts

[@BricoleurTV]

True that! And if that doesn't help, ta a suitable torx-bit into the hole, works a lot better that those stupid easy-outs...!

[@mikeleblanc2933]

Your the most patient guy ive ever seen.if half your projects were mine id scrap alot of them.specially taking off a hoover craft engine in the winter in thebmiddle of a field......cudos to you bud.love the content.

[@ralphboyle]

Same here. That engine would be out in the middle of the field because I'd have thrown it out there.

[@Raptor-700R]

🤣😭😂i was thinking actually the same thing especially listening to that wind out there

[@jamesweaver9636]

Love how the guy you bought it from described it as near mint. That’s always a sign in my book. The skirt looks pretty rough too! At lest you can use use it to make some KZbin money off of it.

[@claztube]

Intriguing observation and analysis.

[@prophez23]

Yeah there's always a reason why someone sells what they have and if they are giving you a good deal while claiming it's nearly mint condition then more than likely there's something wrong with it and they're passing the headache on to you. But in this case it's not going to be a big deal because 2vintage knows how to fix just about anything.

[@Oscar-kb4wf]

you are doing a great job. the reason the bolts came loose is vibration . that is common on all small engines. keep up the great content.

[@richardmeier9719]

i am 67 year old prepper_repourpesser who lives in the woods of northern mn. I love your videos, they have taught me a lot on 2 stroke stuff.

[@sephjfox]

I like to use one of those propane tank heaters nearby to keep my hands toasty, it helps with wrenching on cold days. That hovercraft is slick! I can't wait to see the next video.

[@andythorne1261]

get your self a set off anticlockwise drills for drilling out studs / bolts often they will spin out while drilling, and use spline drive to remove the stud.

[@madthewirdo4236]

The point at which the piston reaches TDC and stays there for several degrees of crank rotation is called MECHANICAL DWELL or PISTON DWELL, its a common term used in rotary engines. Also, its refreshing to hear someone refer to an internal combustion engine as an Engine, not a motor. I also found it interesting that the designers of that engine chose to use only two allen head bolts to secure the coil mounting cage/ starter bearing support to the engine. Perhaps it was for economy of manufacture or, to allow the hub sleeve of the mount to expand/ contract without binding or cracking. Thanks for the video..

[@M.TTT.]

16:05 should've shown us your DIY hat tutorial lmao

[@greathornedowl3644]

Love the channel, the variety and the amount of detail continues to amaze me.

[@craigcolburn8016]

It's good to see you still have a lot of patience. The previous owner probably couldn't handle the high maintenance. Them 2-stroke motors vibrate a lot. Could only imagine how loud that is.

[@leebenson4874]

And a 4cylinder Radial engine? Radial engines should have odd number of cylinders.

[@M.TTT.]

Ultrasonic cleaner should be full of liquid to the little ridge at the top, right before the brim - it says in the instructions. Might yield better results I'd assume - or maybe its just better for the cleaner's longevity.

[@traviswatson917]

I just recently purchased a 2006 AC3 Air Commander Hovercraft in October 2022 and finally purchased a trailer for it today. I am a newbie to Hovercraft, and have yet to take mine out for its first test ride. I have been wondering how to load to Hovercraft in case of engine failure. I noticed on the front of the Hovercraft there are no eyeballs. I was wondering if you have figured out a solution to load Hovercraft in the future if there is engine failure. I really appreciate the videos that you have provided as I have learned many things that I did not know. I am definitely following this channel for more information . Keep up the great work you are a pro!

[@johnDingoFoxVelocity]

What most people usually do is they usually drill holes. Sideways? Through the Screws and then run a wire through. The screws to prevent them from twisting off

[@jayjudd6518]

Uncharted territory my friend. Live and learn. Which we all are getting to go along on this adventure. Till next episode good luck.

[@18wheeler77]

2:39 Joe, next time that happens, TA a rim and place it between the winch and whatever you’re loading. Place the line over the rim so as you pull it creates lift.

[@Greggg57]

Ever heard of a left hand drill bit? They work better for removing broken off studs and bolts.

[@utahoutdoorschannel]

You're an awesome content creator Joe. And a mighty fine mechanic, to boot. I appreciate the fact that you don't have to have fancy tools, and you always mix it up!

[@M.TTT.]

we all start out with the basics and slowly acquire better/specialty tools.

[@jeffreyhagelin3672]

@@M.TTT. And Rotax probably produces more of it's own highly specialized tools than just about anyone.

[@M.TTT.]

@@jeffreyhagelin3672 I'm not familiar with Rotax, but being aircraft related I wouldn't doubt it

[@jeffreyhagelin3672]

@@M.TTT. Have you had any luck finding another starter yet ? A thought just came to me, these Germans and Austrians were quite creative, they developed hand cranked inertia motors powerful enough to start the twelve cylinder supercharged Mercedes Benz, too bad a smaller version wasn't available for small engines as starter back up. That would be very novel and quite cool .. Rotax is a registered trademark for BRP recreational equipment, a multi billion dollar conglomerate, for Skidoo snowmobiles and even executive jets. They might find a starter.

[@stevefairchild3337]

Good job, I have some advice, next time use a piston stop, when working on the crank shaft. I was right into it until it came time to torque that nut on the crank. When you had what ever jammed in that spoke, then I left my skin. Piston stops are cheap like using starter rope. The air gap can be set with a business card or anything non metallic. I want to see this thing run. You got the skills.

[@dustcommander100]

What a cool-looking machine! I think the counter torque from the starter is what loosened the bolts and eventually sheared one. The starter mounting just doesn't look robust enough, and the pickup coils are counting on those 2 same bolts to align all 4 coils. When you were trying the starter, it looked to me as though the starter shaft may have gotten bent when the bearing that shares the support of the 4 coils moved as the 2 screws loosened/sheared. I hope you get it going, though! Super interesting vehicle!

[@user-ds6uc2hx3f]

Great video but again if your tearing the engine out, why not take the 30 min or so and clean it up, makes it so much easier to work on, plus it runs better and looks great, with that said, keep up the hard work, always learning!👍🇺🇸

[@shk2564]

I think that in every video! He is fixing things and cleaning up the inside of everything but doesn’t even bother to hose off or degrease the engine or frame, etc. I have said it out loud to myself several times…”Why don’t you clean that while you are at it!?!” 😂

[@AZVIDS]

Working like that in the cold is brutal. Hardest working man on YT👍

[@jeffreyhagelin3672]

Apparently that Rotax type radial was used for light aircraft as well.some where along the line.

[@AllenJeter20]

Consider picking up a left hand drill set for screw removal. Like an ez-out it does not always work but when it does it works great. Just run it in reverse it will drill in and back the screw out at the same time. I would go with a made in USA set less likely to break off in the hole and last a lot longer.

[@allan9603]

Joe I don't know how I keep missing these super videos, but man this one really tested your nerves and expertise! Like the trooper you are, you kicked ass and took names😂😊 Allan in Columbia, SC

[@jwish29]

Good thing the craft went to someone mechanically inclined, I could see someone junking it if that happened. They are maintenance heavy, but when in good order they are a blast. Glad I switched to 4 stroke powered hovercraft now though. Can't wait to see the next episode of this AC3

[@hoverbucks]

AC3 was one of the better 2-stroke powered hovercraft, but Jake is right. Tough to beat the newer 4-stroke powered machines.

[@dylancrow7919]

When you are trying to find dead center. It may be easier to pick an arbitrary mark that corresponds with ~15 or 20 degrees past. Then mark the part of your wheel on the before and the after, the center of those two marks will be true center.

[@jeep2003]

I never use ez-outs anymore. They always break off in the worst way. Then your screwed. Just go ahead and drill it out from the start. Use a reverse drill bit if you think theres a chance it will unscrew

[@cleighton1605]

Agreed. If you can get your first hole dead center, work your way up in drill bit sizes and eventually when you pull the bit out, what's left of the bolt and the threads will come out with it. That must've been a cheap EZ-Out because a good one would've taken forever to drill out if it was decent tool steel.

[@dockmasterted]

Can your bobcat lift the weight of the hovercraft? ...... If it can them make a 4 forner sling using the 4 points on the hovercraft, and pick it up from the side and load it on the trailer from the side. (that's how we loaded and unloaded them all the time, but we did it with a bigger unit.

[@doobyboy21]

WOW... you really got taken on this one... Sucks cause it was an awesome find ! One of the best even on your channal !

[@THERANDYDIXON]

wondering if you could have hooked chains to all 4 of the Ibolts and lifted it up and back the trailer under it? just a thought for next time! Amazing content love the channel!!!

[@derekwilkinson7939]

I was thinking the same thing, but don’t know where the lifting points are.

[@THERANDYDIXON]

@@derekwilkinson7939 I believe at the start of the first video when he picked it up they were pointed out

[@THERANDYDIXON]

@@derekwilkinson7939 it's similar to the ibolts they use on tenders/rib boats

[@bevis226]

That is a very cool looking Radial 2 stroke engine.

[@j.j.clingman4083]

Most engines will sit at top dead center for just a few seconds for the crank to get just a touch past top dead center and start to go back down!! But like I said most engines will stay at top for a few seconds some may stay longer than others though!!! Hopefully that makes since!! And for the gaps for the coils and the mag I have always just used a business card to set the gaps!! That one seems to be a little less though!! Awesome job buddy and remember keep up all the hard work buddy!!!!

[@Iaintwoke]

Fractions of a second, not seconds. But yes.

[@dominickserignese8837]

That's a wild-looking motor!

[@richardmeier9719]

4 round fence posts from menards cut to the width of your trailer put in place as you winched it on would have given you more height for clearance from your trailer siderails and reduced the friction of the hovercraft hull.

[@gearheadgregwi]

Who is this Allan, and why do you have his bolt?🤣🤣 (Field repairs in Wisconsin winter suck. Been there. Done that. I now have arthritis.)

[@murrayminimotors1674]

Appreciate you freezing 🥶 for the content!! Make shifts hat from the ghetto!!🤣🤣

[@shartne]

You will get it. Love this machine. Cleetus has one too.

[@darrynruzicka2883]

I give you crap sometimes but you're a tough and tenacious kid, out there in sub freezing temps working on junk! I'll give you that. I remember when I was the same way. All that mattered was getting the job done.

[@robertdavis4184]

FYI I think your using the wrong thread tap. If you are taping new treads in a hole that has a bottom your tap needs to be flat on the end. The one your using is used to tap all the way though something. My dad was a pipe fitter for a local plant for 30 plus years.but if it works it works

[@brucepickess8097]

Well you could see that the hardened extractor was going to snap as he was so unsteady wobbling it about. He was never going to drill that broken hardened tap extractor out. Yes he should have used a plug tap, sorry to say but he's lacking in some engineering skills.😠🇬🇧

[@dockmasterted]

If you are planning to drag it onto the trailer, then I suggest you remove the skirts so you don't damage them any more than you already did!

[@xephael3485]

How much does it weigh? Couldn't you go to the local bar and round up some help? 4 or 6 people to get it on the trailer ?

[@nickbowker5134]

Get set of lefthanded drill bits good for broken studs

[@jamiebouchard9862]

Wonder, if with 2 people, you could fit the motor mounts to fit between the fan blades. Their extremely close together (the blades) so the second person would simply rotate the fan for the mounts to slip between the blades.

[@dominickserignese8837]

Throw a heavy blanket over the cable if your worried about it breaking.

[@awxx2006]

9:07 was that copper wire actually a tube & part of the exhaust gas temperature sensor?

[@davidwright3326]

You should buy the square easyouts, their not hardened steel. Try them you'll be amazed

[@passenger6735]

This is the first time Ive seen you bodge something. Take the engine out, try and remove the rest of that 6mm screw. If you're in the centre with the first drill then get a 0.5mm larger and redrill and continue doing that until you're at 5mm. Then you can unwind the spiral that's remaining in the thread. If that fails your choices are to spark it out, weld it out or helicoil it. Easy outs are USELESS and cheap ones like the one you had there are a waste of time. They break off in the hole and then you can't drill them out with a regular drill (use a carbide drill). There are a ton of videos on youtube about removing broken studs. Take a look. This is a great series and a brilliant channel. You are a role model for loads of youngsters out there so please don't bodge your work. Ideally a screw needs to go in to a depth of twice its' diameter, not a couple of threads. These things vibrate a lot so the screws need locking in by the best method you can find. whether that be a locking washer, some threadlock or even better a wire lock through the head. Keep it going. These are interesting and more importantly fun. Very little seems to phase you. That's a great attribute.

[@pjm204]

I also thought the fix was a poor one. Hopefully he fixes it properly.

[@ryanparr8669]

Great job, as always! Did you ditch this project or is there any update?

[@BarnOwlProject]

So a hovercraft, a skidsteer and a mechanic walk into a bar. The effort it takes to move something without wheels is horrific. Well done.

[@jjason1974]

How much did you pay for it

[@1damghost]

@@jjason1974 he wont say so it must of been alot.

[@kobybear08]

Joel, how about picking up the airboat at the front with your bobcat so and then back the trailer under the airboat sideways and stratle it so and then Wench it good to the trailer, just a thought.

[@72mmALKYDRAGGIN]

If there wasn’t lock washers it probably don’t need em and the bolts just need some blue or possibly red lock-tite is all u should use just use. IDK but isn’t not just coincidence ALL DONT have lock washer’s. Regardless I wish u the best as your enjoyment on getting stuff fixed, running, and making it better than it was before is shared with us (your audience) too! Go get em’ boyyy🤟🤙👍🤞👏👊

[@clivewilliams3661]

Never use an eezi-out, they have a greater chance of breaking and as they are hardened steel they require a cobalt drill to remove them. The way to remove broken M6 bolts is to drill them all out as far as the threads and pick the rest out. It is best to use a helicoil to repair the threads. If you have to clean the threads out with a tap then why not use a plug (bottoming) tap not a first taper. The repair looks to be a bit of a bodge TBH and i just hope no-one copies the method. Small parts in an ultrasonic bath need to be suspended and not allowed to rest on the bottom. You need a fine mesh basket.

[@dale5898]

It’s an aircraft engine $750 used starter. You are turning into Jimmy Webb. Unlimited pools of money.

[@wags9777]

When it comes to easy outs you should never use power tools And it's best to hit it with a hammer to get it seated into your drill hole

[@coryjones9573]

Exactly what I was thinking. I've used easy outs many times with success. Never in my life have I used a drill always by hand.

[@1damghost]

yeah ive never seen one on the end of a drill.

[@davidfrancisco5311]

I thought i was psychic for a minute when I saw that off center hole and the drill with an extractor I said hey that’s gonna break

[@johnmorgan6997]

I've got a heated jacket! Works good but bring about 3 batteries cause they go pretty quick

[@johnDingoFoxVelocity]

For future reference you gain access from underneath the motor just take the fan off

[@melvincapps5975]

Keep your impact handy man it comes in handy makes work quick

[@gregoryjackson4604]

I think this guy has the greatest life. I wish I was able to do stuff like this, unfortunately my life right now doesn't have this kind of time. But I am going to plan on doing this in hopefully not so distant future.

[@wayne7521]

You know what you need for this man toy don't ya , a kind of u shaped wooden frame x 2 , with axels right thru. With obvious space underneath,for wheels , then you could possibly ,lift each end at a time ,and brace rigs under. To ease onto trailer

[@lbdrummer3]

Just thinking, that back engine looks like the same one as the front. May want to check that one for loose bolts as well.

[@georgetubbs8211]

exactly what i was thinking to. from the looks of it,it hasnt been checked since it was assembled.

[@Thedudeisblue9725]

2500 lb winch connected with a cracked 1x5 piece of pine. You're asking to get seriously hurt bud

[@hillonwheels8838]

If you were to come in from the side with the skid steer and lift the front of the hovercraft strait up you could push the trailer under it and be able to get it home.

[@Rob-tl9md]

I use ziplock bags or mason jars in my sonic cleaner. Saves so much on cleaners.

[@snowyowl7042]

Love the channel. Your persistence amazes me. Work the problem

[@tatianabobrova4107]

HI, My guess is that the easy out bolt extractor is still in the bolt broken and your drill bit was not hard enough to drill through it correct. You can purchase a solid carbide bit from MSC company that will drill through the hardened extractor no problem. Another way is to use nitric acid to dissolve the bolt and extractor leaving the aluminum unharmed. This way takes a couple of days unless you use a little heat and change the acid often. I have removed lots of broken bolts and taps from aluminum using these methods with 100 % results.

[@alexandreblanc2842]

What a patience of yours ! Nice video ! (still watching :) ) , but it would have driven me nuts :P

[@Damon1864]

Can't wait to see this back on the air! -So to speak...This 100 HP Lovercraft.

[@jamesobrien6855]

I had a feeling that if this thing had issues it would be a nightmare.

[@TimS57064]

Enjoy your vid's, it's been some time now so curious if you ever got back this back up and running.

[@ScottAnderson-bh6fm]

On my skid steer loader, I welded up a quick disconnect, 12-foot-thick wall 3" square tube. lifting extension giving it great height and distance for light lifts.

[@malcolm.703]

Hi Joe, just a few suggestions, treat yourself to a more powerful new winch. And if you got some 3”x 3” square tubing about 6’ long, and welded 2 brackets about a 12 inches in from each end of the square tubing, you could attach 4 straps about 3 to 4 feet long to your hovercraft eye bolts, then pick it up to put it in your trailer, you mite have to add a 3’x3’ extension some how to your bob cat, but I think you know what I mean. Great video, keep it up. 👍🏍️🚤👍

[@murrayminimotors1674]

If he don't know what you mean I'm pretty sure he can figure it out

[@malcolm.703]

@@murrayminimotors1674 yes he’s a smart kid, just like you 👍

[@ScottAnderson-bh6fm]

Being an armchair quarterback is easy. If you get a new cable winch, change the cable pull angle, to pull up. Using the skid steer loader bucket, make the cable pull the nose up! On the hovercraft lifting up as you pull.

[@eugenesbackyardrepair4593]

Ur the man . I'm glad you decided to use lock tight too on thoes bolts.

[@Lancair007]

The bolts for the pickup could should have been installed using proper washers and Red Locktite. That would insure the bolts don't come loose.

[@billbudd99]

Wow Joe! A lot of patience! A lot of sugar for a dime 😂 but good content! It shows you don’t just post the easy stuff, wish I was there to help you! Where Venny when you need him? Sure you will figure it out. Anyway stay warm😢 I have a feeling you won’t have this thing long , fun if it works but a pain to work on alone ? Enjoy your channel, good luck 👍 Will watch until the end 😮

[@MedwayRiding]

Winch from the bottom! You're just winching it into the ground!

[@2vintage]

Those were the only strong supports that I could attach the winch too.

[@Lancair007]

The plate that holds the pickup could should also be held in Red Locktite. Don't count on just lock washers to stay tight with the vibration of that engine. For the broke off bolt, drill it out and if need be use a thread insert to repair the bolt hole. Then reinstall all bolts using Red Locktite.

[@Iaintwoke]

Exactly, lock washers are useless with any serious vibration. 👍

[@garyhaggas7268]

Well has it been fixed yet I love your toys keep it up

[@Oheeeoh]

"I used my skid steer to load my hovercraft today" is not something many people can say.

[@FeathersMcGraw1]

Great content Joe. BTW lock washers are called spring washers here in the U.K.

[@Iaintwoke]

Spring washers are just one type of lock washer.and not really to be trusted so much when there's loads of vibration. Used to re build vibration heads for stone screens and never used spring washers as they would make the bolts work loose. In this case I think locktite would be a better option.

[@Kalus_Saxon]

5:06 I would of scooped up a bucket of snow and just pushed from the bottom… Straps at that angle are pulling away from the winch… will it burn out… 5:27 oh it broke…. Shieeeet !

[@Kalus_Saxon]

@text-1997 hers something special for you…. 🖕🏻💩🖕🏻

[@gearheadgregwi]

Highly recommend Nordlock washers on those screws. Threadlock isn't going to cut it.

[@dennislamers986]

Well never thought I would see that happen. The radial engine is really cool. Would mind seeing the insides of that one and how they work. Can't wait for the next video.

[@mikeschlup5279]

Never fear.. Joe will fix it as good as new!

[@benny8300]

Half ass 😂

[@johnbest4320]

What ashame about the starter joe hopefully with a new starter you get it running not nice weather to cold to be out working on motor's outside mate looking forward to the next video the repair & ride hovercrafts are nice but when the break down it is a huge headache because of the size & being able to move them have a great evening & a great start to your week bud 👍

[@186scott]

Something the previous owner said to you makes a lot of sense now obviously he knew about this problem as I think when the engine warms up the plate holding the pickups I guess would tighten up and the pickup plate would then be held properly (due to engine being warm) allowing the engine to run properly and it may also be worth double checking the thrust engine aswell

[@robertward5057]

Left hand drill bits are best for broken bolts because they have a tendency to grab an bring the broken piece out.

[@sidneywright4466]

One broken bolt is the difference between a 10min job or 3 hours of hell keep up the good content

[@slowb4lls1]

I had the same issues many times and finally welded my wench on the trailer with some beefy 3/8” angle iron brackets so if it breaks my wench it’s gonna snap my trailer in half prolly so whatever’s broke down, it’s coming on the trailer, even if I gotta tear off her skirt or whatever she’s wearing

[@huuge3484]

You sir are no quitter...Love the work ethic.

[@donnaluke4103]

I cant believe how wonderful you are. You can fix anything and are so detail oriented. Wow!

[@silverbullet3968]

A bottoming tap will thread blind holes like that almost all the way down. Just have to start with a regular tap before switching to the bottoming

[@johnhicks735]

It needs lightly regreased inside. Those brass bushings inside of that starter it dry.& That Bendix shaft to is what's going on. It will get very hot like that to. Cause power is still flowing through the starter still. I'd take it back off clean out really good inside then grease it up slightly like A moped.,or lawnmower starter then bench test it out. For the throw of the Bendix for spinout.& Release backup.

[@that_green_420]

did you take the starter off and tear into it, cause it might just need cleaning out

[@Iaintwoke]

Serious question. Why not just temporarily re tighten bolts. With plyers if necessary and drive it onto the trailer?

[@francisbarbeau1862]

Lock tite(red or Blue) all of the screws and on the Sonic Cleaner your water should be hot and at the first line!

[@nealdietz7063]

Never use that style of easy out... Total Garbage 🗑 90% of time fale and once you break it you are screwed you can not drill it out... when you pound it down in the hole 🕳 to get it to grip, you now have expanded the bolt 🔩 like putting the breaks on making it harder to extract

[@jmendo2546]

You should look up a "hovercraft " forum or group in your area. For tip's or part searches has to be some people close or even Minnesota or Canada