1980's UK Powerboat Cracked Engine Block Repair Ford Turbo 2704et, Dorset, Lehman, Mermaid, Sabre

One of Pearly Divers, 1980 Princess 38, Ford Dorset engines has a cracked block, lets get it fixed.

[@denisohbrien]

mortals cant pay someone for that level of care on a repair, definitely a labour of love.

[@kurtolsson9557]

Nån har dragit toppskruvarna med mutterdragare vid montering med olja i hålet å sprängt det!

[@samrodian919]

@@kurtolsson9557that certainly could be the reason for it in the first place. It's a great pity that the 'monkey' with the Hellicoil drill didn't bother with making a drilling jig to get the Hellicoil hole in the right place, but it would have been a poor repair anyway because the original cause cracked the side of the block bolt hole.

[@carabara3947]

Sorry Man Just Noticed I've Used The Same Quote LOL

[@savostanivukovic9801]

I love your honesty Luke, don’t ever change. You are a genius sir! What a way to repair cracked block, well done 👍 sir.

[@andrewwilson8317]

Very impressive work. It’s so good to see sound practical engineering actually repair something rather than condemn and replace potentially viable equipment.

[@cullenmiller8170]

Nice video and great repair. A helped a friend 20 years ago rebuilding one of his diesel engines in his 38’ Bayliner. While I was working on the engine he pulled the turbo off the one in the boat and didn’t cap all the cooling lines properly. He got a call from the marina the next day that his boat was sitting on the bottom. 🤦‍♂️

[@adamfletcher4262]

Brilliant repair Luke makes me so happy to see another Dorset live on instead of being scrapped and replaced by a different engine she sounds absolutely lovely im sure she will do you well for many more years

[@deksea]

A well engineered and economical solution to a potentially highly expensive repair operation. I'm impressed, well done.

[@chrisjohns7137]

First class Englishman's video that. Clever bloke, great craftsman and no bollocks hype. Thanks.

[@marklayland5424]

Oh man, I moved to New Zealand 20 years ago, I could taste that Greg’s sausage roll😆 made me home sick. Love the video, so nice to see someone do things right. Very impressive.

[@Rinkydink73274]

What the Pearly Diver needs is a couple of 600hp om606's...built by yours truly..😂😂 great vid..

[@bladenrexroth2555]

And a jet drive conversion

[@jamzie89]

​@@bladenrexroth2555 don't think he wants to go slower

[@radioace318la]

holy crap, man. what a pristine repair/refurb. your attention to detail is unmatched. my hat is off to you, sir. Cheers from Louisiana USA.

[@allistairc123]

Absolute legend ! Can't wait to show this to me Dad. Proper British problem solving

[@XFolf]

Bravo. That's not just a fix, that's actual tender love n care.

[@thelatemickb6927]

This is brilliant. I've a pair of sabres in mine waiting for TLC. What a job you've done. Well jell. Well done.

[@desobrien3827]

Once again...such a pleasure to watch someone who does not like to induce failures into a repair/rebuild...excellent explanation of your reassembly job.

[@allankatie1]

Excellent craftsmanship. Very impressed with your attention to detail and the level of care you put into that repair.

[@richardstamper5630]

That is a top repair, one which I doubt a workshop would attempt, especially with the engine still in the boat. Much admiration

[@alexmann3309]

My favourite motor ever, ran two of these but the 2704etp version with 250hp not 180hp, for thousands of hours of abuse in an offshore fishing boat with zero issues. Honestly absolutely bullet proof motors from what I’ve always seen.

[@miguel_abreu]

The care and precision on every single detail! So difficult this days, to find people that works like this! 👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾

[@jakemurphy9536]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Your preparation, work and finished job are admirable. Like you, I could never leave something I've worked on, looking in a poor state. On oils: use whatever is best for the job, always taking into consideration the bearing metal composition compatibility. If vintage or veteran bearing metals, then period compatibility is essential.

[@minmog]

Great bit of engineering. Agreed on the Nordlock washers, I used them everywhere.

[@PeterEndelt]

The King of diesel engines 👍👍👍 Greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@turbo3492]

Excellent engineering well done. I'm in my mid 70's now,I'll tell you a little story of how much I know about boats.A friend of mine bought a cabin cruiser on the river Nene,it had seen a rough life so he asked me if I would make some cabinets to fit the boat.Well I said of course I'll help you.On the first day of the job I turned up on time to start the job.I was up to my ears in wood all over the place,I carried on working away,I could hear quite a few of my mates boaty people laughing on the key side.Curiosity got the better of me so I climbed out of the boat to be greeted by piss taking applauds.The leader of the boating club,I think they called him Commador said " One finds a spirit level whilst doing this kind of work whilst on the river to be somewhat useless"

[@samrodian919]

Oh that's priceless!

[@zubeystinzen540]

Words of wisdom & a very practical solution to poorly designed block. Now thats engineering 👍

[@des4000]

You deserve 10 out of 10 for that repair. Attention to detail brilliant 👍

[@ericdunn555]

Nah, deserves at least 11 out of 10 for that; I rarely use the word "awesome" - it's bandied around far too often these days and just as often is unjustified, but Luke, if you read this, that was A W E S O M E in the truest sense of the word.

[@boydovens4180]

Love your attention to detail and cleanliness , that was a really great repair well done .

[@Jimini56]

What a superb piece of work, with passion winning out over ease. Hats off to you👍

[@ralphroberts7146]

Great video. I couldn't count the number of those engines I've worked on in Iron Fairies, Jetters and boats and whilst they're old tech nowadays, I'd rather have one of them under me in a rough sea than much of the ££££ units available today. Very novel approach to that old problem - well done sir!

[@richardmills5450]

Very nice repair, well done on saving that block. cheers

[@myface694]

Cyril, sadly departed was the go to guy at Lancing when i had my turbo four, it is a breath of fresh air to see a task done with care and detail.👌👍

[@DieselPumpUK]

@@myface694 Cyril was the name of the chap that owned mermaid marine during the Dorset/dover years. Different place different company Mike bellomy was the chap your referring to at Lancing and yes he passed this winter.

[@jonocharles1046]

That is impressive work and a neat solution to a potentially massive expense. Well done getting it all sorted on site. I do all my own boat work and most jealous of all the specialized back room skills and equipment. If you supply all those bits I will forward details to a a pal of mine that has two of those stoves in. Kent based Nelson.

[@DieselPumpUK]

Yes I have all sorts for them

[@davidvivian596]

Just stumbled over the channel today and watched this video with increasing admiration and interest - that I'd found another channel where an expert can actually repair stuff. Now subscribed. It joins Tyrells Classic Cars, Samson Boat Company, M539 Restorations and Mend it Mark on my favs. list. Thank you, Luke.

[@addictedtoboating9554]

Well done Luke for doing a great job I am a boat owner with a princess 470 flybridge I do must of my own repairs to but if I ever needed a good Boat Mechanic I would like to find somebody as good as you are. Cheers for posting 👍

[@karlalton3170]

Luke your now a Marine God , great repair buddy 🤘🤘🤘

[@reTool462]

That was a cracking repair. Top job👌

[@michaelmichael7250]

I am a retired diesel mechanic by trade. You are very correct there is to many mechanics out there that don’t take pride in their work. All they think about is how much they can s--w people over. What ever job was done by me I am exactly like you professional job I take pride in the work I do. I do the job once and the customer is very happy with the end result.

[@biasbilt]

Nice repair, good solution! Love the copper gasket and press tool too

[@tonnierooker5374]

It’s nice to see a professional at work my compliments 👍👏👏

[@user-vh2cf7zu1m]

Well done, that was a proper repair! We had similar engines in CSB boats and they were run for four hours inside a test tank flat out whilst moored via a dynamometer. Head gasket leaks were common and if found the engine was refused for service and sent back to be redone. . I spent many hours setting them up sitting between the two engiones running full chat. Ford should have used studs rather than the 1964 Fordson Major tractor head bolts which were designed for 50 bhp. I am not sure how many bhp the Army versions were but no more could be had....they were tuned to the limit of the turbo. The army versions often come up at ex arrmy sales. They are usually completely rebuilt, boxed and then put up for sale.

[@InvictaView]

As soon as he started it up I could hear a Ford lorry in my mind! I never knew Ford made boat and generator engines. Nice job. 👍💯🇬🇧

[@anthony1636]

@@InvictaView Ford did not build Marine engines. They were basically truck engines marinised by different companies.

[@InvictaView]

@@anthony1636 Thanks. Got it. Hence the Dorset and Dover connection. 👍✔

[@eurosatwiz]

Brilliant unique innovative repair with a great detailed description

[@michaelrobineau818]

WOW, so skilled and knowledgeable. Thanks for the great video!

[@ashleyweston5420]

A good bodge is a real skill, and an art! Well done you, it's a pleasure to see. Shame you can't market the head studs, they are a proper upgrade especially with the fine threads at the nut end you've probably got 50% more clamping force on the head gasket for the same torque wrench setting now.

[@gordonagent7037]

No wonder you guys developed the mighty RR Merlin motor and won two wars, your attention to detail, knowledge and execution were meticulous. First time viewer and now subscriber, loved this video, absolutely spot on repair done once, done right, very nice with awesome outcome

[@yvonnedunn1555]

A privilege to see. You are an inspiration. Thank you. Essex.

[@redskiclayton]

SALUTE! Wheather you own a large vessel or not, some videos (like this one) for us gearheads are a must! Thank you for sharing

[@alanbennett6152]

Top bit if repair work there. Love the old mermaids.👌

[@dillpickle7468]

That was a really good video! I learned alot and appreciate your efforts. You are very skilful.

[@SamuelElfstrand]

Always a pleasure seeing you work, great job👍

[@coreydenadmirant2528]

Amazing workmanship. Very impressive.

[@eddiestafford3313]

Brilliant difficult repair, 10/10 well done.👍👍👍

[@iaino45]

This is wonderful. I could watch this all day

[@user-qj8id9rf3o]

brilliant vid ,very well explained .I learnt loads ,thanks a lot. look forward to the next one.

[@jeremysaunders9916]

Very impressive repair Luke, applaud your engineering technique and knowledge you pass on to us mortals 😊 👍

[@clivelee4279]

That definitely “A proper job” thanks for sharing and well done.

[@makeitwork583]

First time watching. I learned a boat load, and love that copper gasket with the raised parts, to seal the head better. See you next time!

[@royjennison3916]

Great repair , well done .it was all ways going to smoke a little as you put a little oil in the bores . well done great work .

[@johnhaggerty4257]

A clever clever man you are. Common sense at its absolute best. Well described &, a joy to watch. Well done you.

[@jmpersonal2402]

Brilliant work. When I was younger, I had a Halvorson Island Gypsy with Lehmans. My mechanic and I got on fine, but his boss billed extraordinarily!! I changed shipyard... I loved the old girl. I got sick of redoing her varnish. Like you, we did mechanical repairs the right way, with no cut corners. It was a labour of love indeed, but age creeps, so she has now gone to others. Top effort, great video... thanks and enjoy your vessel.

[@TechOne7671]

Proper job mate. We used to use Belzona Supermetal for thread and casting repairs. It would have been good for filling the small gaps between your piece and the block. All the best.

[@scottvirgogp]

A brilliant example of a skilled engineer at work, doing an appropriate repair with care. Thanks for the update!

[@user-lj2ip5wo4e]

Great job. pleasure to watch your vlogs. 🙌🙌🙌

[@nkdm157]

Congratulations, when i see your work, I feel like someone still knows how to work conscienciously. Keep going !

[@dennyoconnor8680]

Bravo. In my engine guy circles you are a a good wrench. (US slang) A high compliment. As an old Chevrolet Plant Engineer, I would have loved to have a man of your caliber as Foreman over my skilled tradesmen crew.

[@bencolby6546]

Very impressive and good workmanship.

[@jonathanlevoir4998]

The first ever video of yours I’ve watched - absolutely loved it. You have some really fantastic skills and knowledge. I’m off to watch your whole back catalogue of videos

[@lmbfr1]

Toolmaker doing the diesel fitting, the best boat KZbin, thank you..

[@JPMotorhead1993]

I really enjoyed this. Great ingenuity and quality of work.

[@gavinralph2910]

Amazing job! most would have given up and run around on one engine whilst saving up for a replacement engine. Just a note on fully synthetic oil (you knew it was coming) for flat tappet engines, a higher zinc content is recommended, fully synthetics oils are normally low zinc blends and therefore not recommended for flat tappet engines.

[@Mantaman400]

Hobbyist ha, you’re a hero. Great video again and glad to see a good engine saved. Keep it up your one of the very few with the know how, equipment and enthusiasm for this work and best of all you share it with us and make the parts available to others. Keep it up.

[@jglerum6472]

I have repaird the same Ford engine,all original mend to be in a tractor,and notist that the dieselpump is not beiing old from the engines oil pressure,but must the level be checked by hand,dont forget this............................Great repair ,greetings from Holland.

[@MRBIGH21]

Remove engine & rebuild with new parts on a engine stand, KZbin is full of it! Using your head, making a solid robust work around! Separates the boys from the men! 💪I subscribed from this video! Great video, and thank you so much for putting this on KZbin. 👍

[@MgBaggg]

That was a lot of fun to watch! Great engineering solution

[@nkelly.9]

A man in pursuit of quality. Sadly all too rare these days. Terrific job.

[@mikelclark101]

Cracking video - really high-value content and loved every minute. Really skilled workmanship.

[@chinesepopsongs00]

So much love for engines, this guy is a fantastic mechanic. Funny that i never heared the full synthetic oil hoax story. I put it in all old engines. The only modern thing you do not want in old systems is modern brake fluids in a system of a old car if you are not sure the seals are replaced for modern ones. As soon as all seals are replaced the newer stuff is always better.

[@spideybrent]

Hello from Moosomin,Saskatchewan you have great videos and great at communicating. Thanks for sharing

[@peterthornton2396]

I dropped on this man’s work shop the other week whilst out on a job. This is absolutely nothing compared to what they do. Quality work ❤

[@Takticals]

Fantastic engineering and repair

[@stevebell1128]

Lovely repair. For studs into blind holes I usually turn end few mm to root of thread so definitely bottoms in bottom of hole, rather than maybe gauling threads at bottom.

[@stephenward3468]

My dad taught me how to work on engines and how to do a proper job.I went on to do a mechanics appy ship. I can relate to the work repair you did well done.

[@jackrussel853]

Excellent video and repair, very enjoyable, i hope the other engine doesn't get jealous!

[@theCybershot123]

Well impressed have not seen workmanship like that for a long time . Ex Merchant Navy wow 10/10

[@beboboymann3823]

From the states……awesome job indeed.

[@grantghinn104]

Love how refreshingly straight forward he is 😅

[@andrewsmart2949]

great description of the ford lehman forum LOL

[@smgw15]

really enjoyed it, i love seeing somebody fix something, a lot of people replace things

[@julianchambers8372]

Top job Luke mate. I worked on these 2700 range engines many moons ago, some with very heavy site usage. Never really had any head gasket problems. Also I have used in the past helicoils with success as always it depends on the person fitting them. However I do like the inserts you used they seem much better quality and as you say studs are always a better engineering design for this application. I had a pair of 150s engines in my boat smoke always a killer.

[@threepotMR2]

That was a damn sexy repair and an equally sexy finished job. Subscribed!

[@KenMorgan-ku4kd]

I think you are one of the best mechanics and engineers I have seen for a long while you are very keen enthusiastic and brilliant and I think for the series are brilliant myself could do with a few more mechanics about a lot of new mechanics would say oh we want scrapping and replacing it with a Cummins but you are a proper man and realise bending things is better and cheaper and afford is better than any Cummins when Ford was making the series. There wasn’t much as good 6354. Perkins was a very good engine I prefer afford, Ken Morgan

[@stevenharvey4695]

Such a good sense of humour 😂😂😂

[@karlwatson45]

Good engineering to fix an otherwise scrapped engine. Hopefully it lives on for years to come. Well done

[@billday762]

Excelent repair. I spent a lot of my life repairing engines but I noticed @ 24.34min it looked like a couple of valve springs look to be installed upside down. the tight windings normaly go to the head . it will still run fine, I pulled a lot of engines apart that had the springs mixed up after being repaired by other people. but your block repair has impresed me beyond belief. Cheers & great work. you have a great talent.

[@davekreidenweis3126]

That was a fantastic job, I had a large twin engine boat and had to do a few repairs like that. Great job 👏

[@bigaljack56]

That's a fantastic video. I use the nord lock washers everyday in work but I didn't realise the were expensive or how they really worked, nice to get a bot of an education as well as entertainment.

[@SimonClaringbold]

1st class job - thank you for running through the steps to repair what I thought was a total loss

[@stumpertsailing3831]

A real pleasure to watch a dedicated professional engineer work

[@kennethney4260]

When i first started watching i was thinking "what is this guy going to do? Smear some JB weld on there and limp it home?" Well then. I was in for quite a surprise 😆

[@markvardy5479]

If you put synthetic multigrade in a Detroit Diesel engine it will die within 100 hours use mineral sae 40 only in the Detroits, Detroit tec for 37years. Not all engines are the same. Nice repair 👍

[@DieselPumpUK]

@@markvardy5479 make a video and prove it or it’s b/s haha.

[@mechanic4744]

​@@DieselPumpUK dont listen to him 10w40 is good

[@panther105]

I was all set up to see some in situ cast iron welding...... Beautiful repair..... Rewarding to watch a true professional share his wisdom and experience..

[@kierankay100]

great repair and knowledge ... i live on a canal boat with a 1970 lister 3 cylinder ive had to rebuild while in water im due to come out to get to the bottom end it is in good condition but would rather get to the rest of it ....

[@alexgoldstein7997]

Really nice boat....I like those cabin cruisers. Well worth your time to fix her up. Well done.

[@endamcdonald6166]

That was brilliant & the splint repair on the side of the block was genius ! 👏