1976 C&C 25 Vire 7 Engine maintenance - How to reach??

[reallybigwhaleshark]

Hi,

I just purchased a 1976 C&C 25 with a Westerbeke Vire 7 2 stroke gas engine, which will not start.

My question is, this thing is wedged in so tight in the hull cavity, I can only see the front face. Not sure I can even get a hand past the sides.

How do you owners do maintenance on this puppy?

Thank you!
RBWS

 

[kloudie1]

Looking at the little fella, it looks like your best option might be to pull it out and do a major cleanup/service.. It weighs about 150 pounds so two people should be able to handle it along with a little lift rigged to the boom .. Make sure the topping lift and the lift rigging can handle that load.. I would first look to see if it has spark at the plug. The engine probably has a points type ignition and in a boat environment, points are probably corroded. To get at them, the front housing and flywheeel may have to come off; if you can get that cover off without pulling the engine out, that'd be good.. after that, a compression check and carburetor cleaning as well as making sure that the fuel supply line is clear and flowing. I've never seen one of those so I am going on the pictures from Westerbeke.. Good luck! A good small engine mechanic familiar with two stroke engines can probably help..

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I had a two stroke OMC Saildrive. Few mechanics would touch it. I was surprised that there was another two stroke similar to the saildrive.

I did a quick search and found this site that sounds like an excellent resource.
vireengines.com

Use good oil. It'll substantially reduce the smoke and smell less. Amsoil 100:1 was the best I've found