Skipjack Sailing 115. Engine issues. Will I need a new engine?!

[@shaneparrish9991]

Look at your engine video,the motor mount bolt is loose. Not crushing lock washer

[@skipjacksailing8986]

Thanks. I will inspect them all today. This is the kind of awesome-helpful comment that I love!

[@johnowens8372]

Great video! A month in the yards for repair is better than an outage at a nuclear plant 😊

[@skipjacksailing8986]

Thanks, John!

[@wildbeastescapes]

I think replacing the engine, albeit 45 years old, is probably OTT. But it’s worth thinking about spare important auxiliary parts you may need. Last year I bought replacement starter motor, alternator and raw water pump, and will keep the old parts as working spares.

[@skipjacksailing8986]

Thanks, David. I think that the core of the engine is still good, although I may measure compression ratio. I am not an expert, but I believe that compression (or lack thereof, more correctly) is the defining criterion for an engine replacement. There is a gent in this "neighborhood" that is a retired Perkins 4.108 mechanic, and he says that he has a lot of spares that I can buy. New starter, fuel injector pump (existing is leaking), and other auxiliaries ....I can get it all. May as well buy injectors and the tubing kit, as well as the water pumps (fresh and raw) and the fuel lift pump.

[@saltshaker226]

I noticed your motor mount bolt loose as well, could use new mounts.... can you not access your engine thru the companion way stairs?

[@skipjacksailing8986]

I think I can get to the mounts. I guess I'll add it to the list and start figuring on what exactly one does to "service" a motor mount.

[@SavingMaverick55]

Good plan. There's no point trying to go anywhere if your motor is iffy.

[@skipjacksailing8986]

Trying to decide how much to tackle on an engine that generally runs pretty darned well--that's the dilemma. I don't want to charge into some massive teardown project and get myself to the point that I've killed the engine. I'll lay out the detailed plan for next episode.

[@SavingMaverick55]

@skipjacksailing8986 It'll be interesting to see what you do. Engine work is not something that's in my wheelhouse, but I have a rusted old Volvo Penta diesel on the neglected old wooden boat I'm restoring and don't really have the money to have professional marine diesel mechanics do an overhaul.

[@johnlove4183]

Hope you made it through the storm that just roared through Florida ok!

[@skipjacksailing8986]

Really, it was a nothing-event down here. A few days back the forecast was UGLY, but the front passed last night with just rain for an hour....no winds to speak of. Already watching the next one on the way! hahah

[@leonardwiegand8389]

If it’s not broke don’t fix it, old saying but, the job weld is doing a good job. I would order new pump and have it on hand when needed. Set up a pm to check started bolts after some number of starts. And finally enjoy the weather. The storm just past through Charleston with 69 mph gusts at the airport. Check out all the interference that has to be removed to replace spark plugs on a 2012 Toyota Highlander. Makes your job lot easy, if you don’t break a bolt.

[@skipjacksailing8986]

I think we are just far enough south to dodge the brunt of this cold front, Leonard., Right now it is a quiet gentle evening, but the front is supposed to pass around midnight. I'm reading other comments, too. Certainly I can relocate the HX easily enough, and that'll put me in position to make future repairs easily. I was already planning to buy a kit to replace all four injectors, and to bend/replace the little injector lines (tubes).

[@skipjacksailing8986]

I am making a P&ID for the oil system now!

[@chhindz]

Seems to be working fine, If you did buy new engine seems to take many months fort it to arrive.

[@skipjacksailing8986]

And it would be pushing $5-7000 to buy an engine, and a boatyard would charge 3-4000 for the job. A hard pill to swallow on a 45-year-old boat worth 25,000--35,000. As always, appreciate the comments.

[@daveyoung3880]

Used to be. Perkins and westerbeke exactly the same westerbeke parts are less costly owned 2 1o8's. Check it out high pressure pump pretty important have fun

[@skipjacksailing8986]

Oooh....did not know that bit about Westerbeke. I am starting this little project in earnest tomorrow. Measuring hoses and calling that shop in Ft. Lauderdale, etc... I am liking these comments from folks who have a lot of sense and experience. Thanks!

[@paulkube3901]

Hi Russ....step 1.. Before starting, be sure to have sufficient funds to pay diesel guys to come and fix it. ;) Heaven forbid if pump is toast/ unfixable, to find out *then* what a new one costs! :eek: Extending the heat exchanger lines might cool fresh water sufficiently to make the calorifier run considerably cooler water? Just tryin' ta think ahead Best to ya's

[@skipjacksailing8986]

Good thoughts as always, Paul. Wish you were here to have a look. I will lay out my detailed plan-of-attack for next episode. Will start with the relocation of the HX, and then (see Leonard's comments below) will decide on whether to take on the starter replacement and the fuel injector pump leak. A little nervous about the f'ing up the injectors. Hell, it was a bitch just to get her primed last time. Always appreciate your comments---gotta' get you aboard for a sail sometime.

[@pontoonrob7948]

Your motor mounts at least need servicing and tightening. More likely they are due for replacement. I know this is the internet but I have just sold my marine service business. Planning on sailing away hence why I am perusing sailing videos.

[@skipjacksailing8986]

What do you do to service a mount? Not my strength area at all. I am happy to share any insights that I have--handy at most things but expert in nothing, it turns out.

[@pontoonrob7948]

@skipjacksailing8986 1st you have to determine whether the mount itself has failed. Many times a loose top nut will be due to the urethane or rubber isolation pad has failed. By using a pry bar you can determine if the mount has excess play. You must also remember to check your engine alignment by use of a feeler guage or indicator at the shaft flange. These will give you clues. With a vessel of your age and not knowing the service history, at my shop, we would have just replaced them. Faulty mounts can cause significant damage to other parts of the drive train. They do not last forever. Mounts are a consumable part, like an impeller or a belt, longer lasting but consumable.

[@skipjacksailing8986]

@@pontoonrob7948 That is really good stuff. So much appreciated.

[@akllera]

Your wife sure knows how to be quiet. My wife is dieing to see her. 😆 She's so nosey.

[@skipjacksailing8986]

Ha! Let's give her an episode or two. Today she was learning to use the cameras...so it can't be too long before she's on-screen!