Fixing my Boat's Engines (1978 Crusader 454)

[@KMLTimesTwo]

Glad to see you taking on this challenging work and learning to do it yourself. So many people are scared to take these things on.

[@rogerhansen1314]

you chose the BEST mechanic in north fla there is none better in florida I have used Tony for many years he can repair anything !!! Have him go through the entire engine room before you go on any trip you will be glad you did.

[@CullenCraft]

Tony is the MAN!

[@addictedtoboating9554]

Hi glad to see your doing a lot of the work yourself, I live on a boat in the uk a princess 470 and I love the life well done mate 👍

[@btasler]

I *just* bought a 50' 1980 Bluewater with the same Crusader (model 350) 454s, and after 3 SOLID months of work, finally launched it two weeks ago. It was pretty much written off for dead, and honestly, not one single thing on the entire boat worked- no steering, engines didn't run, generator didn't work, bilge pumps didn't work, waste tank corroded beyond usability. The good news is that I pretty much stole it- although I am in for a shitload of time and effort, I am in a great slip and have spent less than 15 grand. Sure there are many more projects, but she runs like a dream. I have no concerns at all about her seaworthiness.

[@CullenCraft]

Woohoo! You saved a great boat. Best of luck on the journey ahead. History will thank you!

[@barrylambert8572]

Blowers! Always run the engine room blowers for 5 minutes before attempting an engine start.

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

True, but he’s just been down there. The nose knows. He should have the blower running when the engine is running in case a fuel leak starts. 45 years ago, my job on my dads Chris was the “sniff test”. Jump down between the engines and bend low and sniff for gasoline fumes. All good, then yell GO! Then have a look and listen before jumping out and dropping the hatch. Miss those days.

[@darrinsinger4231]

Always use the blowers before starting as mentioned above for 5 mins, I have seen a number of boats burn to the waterline due to not following that simple rule, Another simple rule is to make sure youre impellor/water pump is working before taking your boat out

[@b.atwater3904]

Yes; make sure to use the blowers as a habit and routine before Every start! Make sure the blower intake hoses are pulling in air from the lowest possible part of the bilge area; fuel vapor is heavier than air. You have good skills and common sense that will serve you well.

[@michaelpettit9706]

Not disagreeing with any of you, Just reinforcing. When you are dealing with a larger boat it is more than just running the blower's. There is also the sniff test and there is constant human and mechanical Monitoring. This is one reason why diesel is better. It is not explosive. If any of you are live aboards or cruisers you know Green Cove Springs. So next time you are there ask Steve Glover and his former friend if they ran the blower and if they used the sniff test on their gasoline towboat, They blew up and Steve was left with life altering injuries. So just know when you are dealing Gasoline in enclosed spaces there is always something that can go wrong. If its diesel it just stinks like hell and leaves a big sheen on the water. If it's gasoline at 14% ratio there is a chance, albeit a slight one that it can blow up. As a life long mechanic always always have sniffers and constantly monitor your engine Room.

[@danielwymer1580]

I always went back and smelled the blower exhaust before turning the key to start the engine and smelled it again after the engine started because you can get a fuel leak after start up! Gas engine suck but when you’re young and didn’t have the money for diesels then you have to be careful

[@wanttoplae]

Good job. The hard work paid off. You should be proud.

[@TR4zest]

It was great to share your happiness in starting that engine after its 10 year hiatus.

[@jemano14]

That’s awesome man! Good job I learned how to do a lot of the work on my inboard diesels my self, it’s pretty fun and saves ALOT of money! Keep it up! You’ll be surprised at how much you will learn from doing this stuff 👍🏻

[@jebucha]

"Look away Mom!" , that was amazing! If I had a nickel for every time I needed to say that in my life lol. Good thing smartphones and digital cameras didn't exist in my younger days. :)

[@servicarrider]

That's way better than "hold my beer and watch this."

[@jeffkopher3468]

Love your elation in these episodes when you finish a task! One day you will button down all the little things and just be able to enjoy her. Spotted your boat while walking down by Friendship fountain last week, good looking boat. Was in town from Colorado, visiting my uncle (yacht broker) and looking at some possible live-a-boards myself. Seriously considering that avenue if I move back south. Keep on keeping on!

[@petemait]

We’ll done! I have a single 454 Crusader and it is fun to work on, sometimes

[@hotrodhog2170]

Bravo on getting it all back together and running! Must have felt great to accomplish that task!

[@CrazyWillification]

Just found your channel Awesome project. So excited to see how it progresses.

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

On something this age, while you’re in already in the bell housing, always replace the damper plate.

[@projecttrawler]

I know that feeling! Great job bro

[@stevenkirby7478]

Your vids are very well done and you keep them interesting.

[@CullenCraft]

Thanks! That means a lot.

[@123chooby]

Two of the best tools to own for boat work is a variety of flexible magnetic pick-up tools and an Endoscope. Find all those dropped bits. Paid for themselves on first use.

[@CullenCraft]

I had to get one to pull the sparkplugs out of my car and now I love my little picker upper lol

[@123chooby]

The endoscope can be used inside your risers and manifolds to check corrosion situation, or condition of internal flappers if you have em. DEPSTECH makes one that works with your phone.

[@Homeinspectorsny]

This is agreat way to get to know your boat.

[@rastagrastag9496]

Great job. You saved a considerable amount of $$$$. Keep up the good work 👍👍👍

[@mikebraun4098]

I love my crusaders, my wife says she’s painting her kitten blue

[@themystictraveler7268]

good job !! about the engine mount blocks .. they are original, mine look similar. a few different engines were used over the years and some were even equipped with diesels . it was probable easier to change the mounting block than the stringer that's why it looks added on ..you may want to have the timing check on that engine.... is the water in the bilge from the work you did to move the engine ?

[@JoanOfArgghh]

Lordy, you found a mechanic to work on that beast!? Impressive.

[@CullenCraft]

Boat mechs are hard to wrangle, but not impossible.

[@jeffpetrik8713]

If you moved your boat from a fresh water lake and into the ocean, you need closed cooling on your engines or the salt water will corrode and ruin them long term, Love your videos, great job!

[@danielwymer1580]

Jeff Petrik Best money I ever spent was going to close system, installed a block off gasket between the riser and manifold so I could run antifreeze to the manifold also, The problem with salt water is that you end up with sand in your engine eventually and the sea weed where are you can clean the exchanger easily by unbolting The end caps! I had a big sea strainer but you would be surprised the junk that can get through that, it cost me $1000 for the kit years ago but it is well worth it! Even in freshwater I would have a closed system because you’re just don’t have the problems like thermostat sticking, Etc.

[@ceb7894]

Working on a boat motor looks a little like a Medieval Torture ...... good job!

[@davidmartino2500]

It is a good idea to set the spark arrester back on the carb especially when using ether.

[@dbcooper692]

I bet your mom and dad are very proud of you!!

[@gman3725]

Hint...after an oil change or if the engine has been sitting for a while, pull of the wire going to the coil and crank it over for a while (10-15seconds) This way you’ve built up some oil pressure and got oil to everywhere where it needs to be. Then plug the coils back in and fire it up.

[@michaelwilson5090]

P

[@mikeyadrick5154]

flywheels are commonly damaged by the operator engaging the starter while the engine is running--a common problem with 2 engine boats--pay attention!!------Mikey, in Sequim

[@hildablanco1591]

The cams are toast on those engines

[@erike1235]

I'm a prospective live aboarder. I work on vintage motorbikes. For working with fasteners, especially in close quarters, I recommend checking out a Chapman Master kit (#5575)

[@mikeg0802]

Great videos, thanks!

[@CullenCraft]

Thank you, Michael!

[@tiaramisu]

Great Job! I feel your pain! Been there done that. :-)

[@coachjm310]

Those blocks are totally rusted which says they have been sitting submerged

[@Snowchris1]

You are amazing nice job

[@CullenCraft]

Thank you!

[@skipperrichman4278]

Hello Cullen, can you tell me if you can change spark plugs without removing the manifolds, maybe do a vidio on that. Thanks

[@CullenCraft]

Yes is the answer. Its fairly simple, you just need a spark plug socket long enough to reach

[@servicarrider]

Sounds like you have a collapsed lifter from sitting so long. If your lucky you can free it without pulling the head. You don't want to run it like that. Google is your friend.

[@michaelwike9572]

I was just about to say the same thing good call

[@servicarrider]

@butchtropic MMO is good stuff. Many uses. I use a touch in my 58 Harley, as well.

[@Mike383HK]

Yeah!! I hear slaps or knocks. I'd have to be up close with my stethoscope.

[@GurnBograt1986]

Very cool!

[@kaseykruiz]

I live on my boat in michigan all year. and scared of engine issues always.

[@CullenCraft]

Can't be afraid! No place for fear on the water haha. For real, I understand this feeling. Planning to take my boat out in a few days and I'm very anxious, but excited.

[@kaseykruiz]

Dedelec I'm excited for you. Idn how laws are in Florida. Michigan coast guard is pretty strict. I'm actually on a chris craft with twin 350s and thinking about selling my catalina 35 for one that needs less work. Electrical is spaghetti on these oldies 🤣. I wanna chat with you about chris crafts and how your journey is as a liveaboard in Florida.

[@UptownFights]

I have a 454 in a 1990 Four Winns Liberator and need some advice. Engine seems stuck, very hard to turn over with starter. Even frying my battery terminals to shite. What could it be?

[@CullenCraft]

Is it a single engine? I've never heard of a single gas engine before. You should probably try un-seizing the engine with pb blaster or some other anti corrosion compound. Spray through each spark plug port, re plug, and crank. It'll take a while but it's a big engine Remember the golden rules of engines suck, squeeze, bang, blow. If you have compression, look for fuel. if you have fuel look for spark, if you have all of that you've got a serious problem

[@UptownFights]

@@CullenCraft I haven't torn the risers off but I have a feeling its hydro locked. Yes my boat has a sterndrive 454 king cobra in it with a spitfire electronic ignition. They only made those for a couple years. Similar to a Volvo Penta set up.

[@hildablanco1591]

You place flywheel in the fridge and pound off the teeth ring and replace it with new one but those engines will always give you trouble replace them wth 383 strocker engines

[@robsycko]

Outch sounds like a lifter knock.

[@jonfife3637]

Finally a plastic boat vlog.....good on ya

[@CullenCraft]

Nothing but respect for woodies, but I would never be able to sleep on one. I'd be terrified!

[@robsycko]

You do not have to put oil in filter the viscosity of air is so thin it gets replaced almost instantly.

[@CullenCraft]

Well it can't hurt.

[@michaelpettit9706]

@@CullenCraft nope it cant hurt unless it makes a mess! His point is correct, not necessary. Positive lift pumps instead of splash has been incorporated since the 60's

[@steven6692]

You should really try to paint those parts before installing them Cullen... great job.!

[@hildablanco1591]

The sea strainers baskets should be wire brushed and you're transmission coolers are toast

[@troys2473]

Next time dnt put oil in those filters they will pressure up after u start

[@vetteman2920]

I give you a big atta boy for tackling the work yourself. Please, though, don’t start your engines without the spark arrester in place.

[@rayoncarruthers]

Hey, good work! I'm about to finally start working on my old Crusaders. They're old, I think 1974. I'm looking for a reliable source for old parts, any suggestions?

[@CullenCraft]

I wish I had a single source. I've bought from Michigan Motors, ebay, and a local engine shop. Never had any issues with nay of them. Good luck! Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[@rayoncarruthers]

@@CullenCraft That's good info, I appreciate it.

[@luigiluigini9500]

@@rayoncarruthers THE INTERNET IS THE SHORT ANSWER LOLL

[@2003bigsilverado1]

How much gas does that thing hold. I have a feeling it will empty it quick. I have a 454 in my 1999 4x4 3/4 ton suburban and gets on average 8mpg

[@CullenCraft]

Originally held 400 gallons but a previous owner took out one of the gas tanks so were down to 200. I'm thinking about putting it back in, but that's a huge project.

[@danielwymer1580]

Chevy Man2016 I have a 96 1 ton Chevy duly with 454 averages six mpg

[@2003bigsilverado1]

@@danielwymer1580 I had an OBS 2000 crew cab dually with 454 and got 10 mpg. And an 1983 crew cab dually with 454 and 3 speed turbo 400 trans averaged 4-5 mpg but loved it.

[@emanuelc3662]

Alternators? Are you using your engines to generate electric power? That is a very efficient way to make electricity. Cogeneration 😊

[@CullenCraft]

...

[@wickertwm]

Did you break in the new cam?

[@CullenCraft]

Check out the last few minutes of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4vSeGttd76Hn80

[@Dbars19]

any kinda belt driven motor spooks me out. Always have a spare

[@robsycko]

Hope the cam is not worn

[@michaelpettit9706]

FYI ...crusader engines are notorious for absorbing moisture so if you see milkshake oil dont panic! Wow its 0147 and I'm starting to think you are a liar :)😃 about being a newbie. You can't possibly know what a rocker is vs. Lifter. Even though you did miss name at one point. However enjoying watching you out of your element. That is what living aboard is.

[@michaelpettit9706]

Also NEVER put in the recommended amount at first.. always go a quart less then let drain to case and check.. then run for a few minutes, stop and let sit 3min and check again.. be aware of boat attitude, meaning weight distribution (more important with diesel)

[@duchess9093]

Looks like that is a fresh water boat. You might look at converting that to a blue water configuration. Not good to have all that corrosive salt water sitting in the block.

[@duchess9093]

Sorry, I spoke to soon you do have an exchanger.

[@CullenCraft]

And it goes without saying... I am not a professional! I did everything as well as I could, but please don't use any of this information without double checking it.

[@hotrodhog2170]

@Erie R You can't be older..ish because you write like a child. The tapping you hear is more than likely a collapsed lifter from sitting for so many years.

[@joesharp5602]

You are a responsible gentleman for saying this. Smiling, there are many of us that have been in the same situation you are in now. Expect the unexpected and keep doing as you are doing. I admire your efforts, wishing I was a bit younger and I would be tacking projects like this once again... Best regards... Joe

[@jaguar6680]

No..Those engine beds are NOT Original..Those are custom made..My 38 Ft 1973 Engine beds are straight into the fiberglass covered beams..Beautiful Boat. I would never part with my Corinthian..They are masterfully laid out. Mine is powered by twin Ford 427 Big Blocks..Happy Boating!

[@CullenCraft]

Interesting. If they are custom made, the next question is why? That would mess with the prop shaft angle and everything else about the geometry of the drivetrain. Food for thought, for sure.

[@jaguar6680]

@@CullenCraft I don’t know.. I can send you pictures of mine.. they are all fiberglass.. I have owned and worked on boats for 30 years.those look to be added? Is it possible you had Ford 427’s in your boat and got repowered to Crusaders?

[@brianohara5696]

I don’t believe those motormount wood blocks are factory. Would be covered in epoxy

[@mikeyadrick5154]

REPLACE the oil cooler--it is a "Wear" item, not advisable to attempt repairs. Hose Clamps--maintain good quality hose clamps--All Stainless---------Mikey, in Sequim

[@williambikash6645]

How much was the new flywheel ? Do you know that the flywheel ring gear is easily replaced. It is an automotive part probably 168 tooth ring gear. A fraction of the cost of the flywheel. Knock of the old ring gear with a large hammer . You could heat the old ring with a torch to expand it but they come off just with a hammer On land put a new ring gear on 2-3 bricks, heat it up with a propane torch to maybe 3-400 degrees , it expands and drops into place on the original flywheel. One torch, 2 pliers and one soft metal hammer to seat the ring gear all the way on the flywheel. The heated ring gear usually drops right on to the original flywheel. Cheap and easy. Your getting bad advice and no advice and it's costing you time and money!! I left another comment on another of your postings. Send me a response

[@CullenCraft]

Hey! Sorry KZbin auto deleted your comments for some reason but I manually put them back up. The flywheel was about 250 if I remember right

[@bd8839]

wow u have a bad knock in the port engine

[@CullenCraft]

Yeah its caked grease on the cam lifter chambers. Slowly getting better the more I run it, but eventually I need to open her up.

[@bd8839]

DedElec when u say open her up u get out and get on plane \ with the boat 🚣‍♀️ or open the engine up and look inside

[@CullenCraft]

Haha both!

[@bd8839]

DedElec wel be careful bro we have a set of model 270 horse / 350’s in our silverton. and when we were on plane the pistons in the port motor broke. / we knew because we took it apart and found out plus we had really good wix filters on it and guess what they did not filter the bug chips of aluminum out of the oil it was in the head.

[@gman3725]

Dedelec before your next oil change empty out a litre of oil and replace with transmission fluid. Run it for a couple of hours and It will de-gunk your engine and potentially clean out your lifters if they are hydraulic.

[@KK51500]

Loctite!

[@CullenCraft]

Yes!

[@johnd4129]

A lot of clicking and knocking there

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

I’m not even sure those engines are original to the boat. That’s not a problem because I prefer those engines over any other marinized engines. Very utilitarian, available and economically priced parts. I don’t like when others are around when I work, I’m more free to use some colorful words when I struggle.

[@CullenCraft]

They were an option on this boat when they were new. It was either this or a pair of detroit diesels i believe.

[@svechappe6075]

The 330 hp 454's were standard on this boat and these are the originals, you can tell by the Chris Craft blue paint.

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

SV Echappe' The OP mentions elsewhere that they were actually marinize by Marine Power for ChrisCraft. Before this the gasoline engines that ChrisCraft used were actually Ford 300hp. I was confused by the blue because it’s so close the color that Crusader uses.

[@CullenCraft]

These engines are an enigma to me honestly. I have the original marketing materials and manual that say it is Marine Power, but most of the parts are Crusader blue, and the exhaust manifolds, especially, are crusader OEM parts. I think a former owner wasnt able to find MP manifolds, and decided to use crusaders instead. And painted the rest of the engines blue to match.

[@svechappe6075]

@@SkypowerwithKarl Yes, the prior engines marinized by Chris Craft were 427 Ford's and rated at 300 hp. They used those from the late 60's until mid-70's. But they stuck with that same blue when they updated to the 454's. Same thing with the small blocks. Previously Chris Craft used 327 Chevy's rated at 230 hp and then updated to 350 Chevy's rated at 235 hp. They were all that same blue.

[@privateer0561]

You must adjust the lifters! Jesus, they sound like diesels. Learn the method, buy new valve cover gaskets.

[@bigblockcutlass123]

lot of valve clater

[@CullenCraft]

I just replaced the camshaft and most of the valve system. Check out my latest video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4vSeGttd76Hn80

[@michaelpettit9706]

Engine compartment is your least favorite place on the boat? Haha! For now! Wait until you are at anchor with a hot chick that has to shit but she just clogged up the Head!! Nothing worse than disassembling a shit system while rocking at anchor and simultaneously wooing the woman of your dreams!!! Just saying, from someone who has lived aboard for 20 yrs., get used to it. But its still the best way to live so take advantage and travel. Dont just stay tied to the dock, you will regret it. Good luck.