My little 1982 2GM is still going strong with routine annual oil/filter and fuel filter changes, annual inspection/semi-annual impeller changes. It sees only 70-80 engine hours per year on average in our short sailing season and has been in fresh water it’s entire life. Repairs and other maintenance to date include: valve spacing adjustment in 2017; transmission rebuild, new fuel hoses and shaft log in 2014; new starter motor and new fuel injectors in 2018; new rear seal, exhaust hoses and fuel lift pump in 2024. The original exhaust elbow is clear with little or no visible corrosion.
However, there has been a minor but growing oil leak at the cylinder head gasket for a few years now. I mis-diagnosed this last year and had the rear seal replaced, learning the hard way to trace oil leaks with UV dye. The head gasket leak won’t fix itself, so I’ve decided it’s time for what my mechanic calls a “Top Overhaul”. To my understanding, this will involve taking the engine out and to the shop for new head gasket, valve lap, all new seals and inspection. I assume this inspection could lead to additional work, potentially a full overhaul/rebuild. I have a trusted relationship with him and have no reason to think the work scope would increase unless necessary.
Additional work already on the list includes new engine anodes (They’re seized, haven’t been replaced in years, but will be easy to reach and repair if needed while the engine is out.), replacement of a couple still functional but original cooling hoses, new throttle and shift cables, and new engine mounts (Originals were surprisingly good until late this year when engine vibration increased and at least one engine mount began to show signs of settlement or sheering.). I’ve yet to research and decide between Yanmar, Ellebogen or others. It seems like much of what an engine this age might need has already been done.
The previous owner sailed this boat until he was 83. I’m 65, in good health, and hope to beat his record. That is to say, I’m looking at the long haul, with no intention of selling the boat anytime soon, and want it to be as trouble free as possible in the coming years.
So…. after all that background, my questions are:
1) Should I request a full engine overhaul/rebuild now instead of only a top overhaul or just wait and see what my mechanic finds?
2) What else should/could we take care of while the engine is out?
3) Does anyone who has replaced engine mounts recently have recommendations or wisdom to share?
.
However, there has been a minor but growing oil leak at the cylinder head gasket for a few years now. I mis-diagnosed this last year and had the rear seal replaced, learning the hard way to trace oil leaks with UV dye. The head gasket leak won’t fix itself, so I’ve decided it’s time for what my mechanic calls a “Top Overhaul”. To my understanding, this will involve taking the engine out and to the shop for new head gasket, valve lap, all new seals and inspection. I assume this inspection could lead to additional work, potentially a full overhaul/rebuild. I have a trusted relationship with him and have no reason to think the work scope would increase unless necessary.
Additional work already on the list includes new engine anodes (They’re seized, haven’t been replaced in years, but will be easy to reach and repair if needed while the engine is out.), replacement of a couple still functional but original cooling hoses, new throttle and shift cables, and new engine mounts (Originals were surprisingly good until late this year when engine vibration increased and at least one engine mount began to show signs of settlement or sheering.). I’ve yet to research and decide between Yanmar, Ellebogen or others. It seems like much of what an engine this age might need has already been done.
The previous owner sailed this boat until he was 83. I’m 65, in good health, and hope to beat his record. That is to say, I’m looking at the long haul, with no intention of selling the boat anytime soon, and want it to be as trouble free as possible in the coming years.
So…. after all that background, my questions are:
1) Should I request a full engine overhaul/rebuild now instead of only a top overhaul or just wait and see what my mechanic finds?
2) What else should/could we take care of while the engine is out?
3) Does anyone who has replaced engine mounts recently have recommendations or wisdom to share?
.
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