A story of the engine that could.... Then didn't…NOW DOES

jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,048
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
While the engine still lacks it Varoom having lost the magic smoke, progress has been made on the boat.
IMG_3753.jpeg
We have completed the blister repairs and painted the bottom.
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We were lifted out of the chocks and carried to the waters edge.
The lift operator lowered the boat into the water. I scrambled aboard and dashed into the cabin to check the 3 through hulls and the new dripless shaft seal for leaks. Our work proved to be successful. The through hulls and the Dripless Shaft seal were all bone dry.

Not to be to gleeful, I gave the boat a a few minutes sitting in the slings and checked again. Again rewarded with dry fittings. Encouraged we cast off, being towed by @LeslieTroyer in his 36ft Catalina Mahalo. Les lead the way back to my slip and with a modicum of energy cast off the tow line. Hadley slid gently into her slip. I tossed out my spring line and she came to a gentle stop.

I went to help Les secure Mahalo in her slip and we adjourned to a local restaurant to celebrate.

The ENGINE is not in the boat. My mechanic is in Japan on a vacation with his wife and in-laws. Later this month I will be back to resolve the engine dilemma and restore Hadley to her former glory.

I have to admit, I like the Orca Black bottom paint.
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,048
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
I hope the past beautiful weather has brought enjoyment and outdoor boating to all, replacing the weather dreariness of this long spring.

I was reminded of the weekends past, spent in the San Juans at the beginning of May. Sunshine, breezes, boat cruising.

As of yet, the little engine still lacks that magic smoke which goes Varrooommm.

Last week the 3rd element of successful diesel engine performance was tested and found lacking. My returned mechanic was able to test the compression. It was found lacking.

To remind all, the engine was disassembled and all parts laid bare. After the machinist worked on the block and head, the rebuild was begun. New sleeves, pistons and rings were installed. It is directed in the shop manual, after rebuilding the engine needs to be started to properly seat the rings. When the build was completed attempts to start engine were met with no success. First the oil pump did not pump. Once pump was fixed, the lack of starting was thought to be fuel or timing. The injectors were again examined and and the timing was matched to spec. Still no varoom.

Compression being that 3rd element showed 190 psi on cylinder 1, and 100-110 spread across the other 3. This leads us to conjecture that the rings have not seated properly or the valves are a problem. My mechanic Scott says this week he will open up the engine to resolve the issues.

When reminded that I want to be sailing in June, he said one way or another I should be sailing in June.:biggrin:
Maybe.:banghead:
 
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Richard19068

Richard19068

.
Jun 11, 2004
1,698
Oday 31 Redondo Beach
jssailem said:
My mechanic Scott says this week he will open up the engine to resolve the issues.

When reminded that I want to be sailing in June, he said one way or another I should be sailing in June.:biggrin:
Maybe.:banghead:
Click to expand
Oh man! I feel your pain. Do you still have any hair to tear out?
 
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Ward H

Ward H

.
Nov 7, 2011
3,747
Catalina 30 Mk II Cedar Creek, Bayville NJ
John, I admire your control when telling us about the on going issues with your engine and mechanic. I doubt I would be handling it very well.
Good thoughts to you, your engine and the mechanics success in resolving this very soon.
 
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Hayden Watson

Hayden Watson

.
Apr 5, 2009
2,942
Catalina '88 C30 tr/bs Oak Harbor, WA
Last edited:
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Terry Cox

Terry Cox

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Dec 25, 2000
5,854
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Sheesh, John. This is becoming a thread of epic proportion. Almost as much as the, "Boat babe on Strike", thread. :D
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,048
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Terry this story is - No where near as beautiful as the Babe..

Yes the delay is wearing on me.

In the past couple of weeks... we have identified that the cylinders were not holding compression.

The mechanic's shop, over the winter, was located in an unused portion of a warehouse in the Port of Everett. He thought working on the engine between his other jobs would help manage his time getting him thought winter.

What with the freezing temps this winter, the damp marine air and the personal challenges of covid and a promised trip to his in-laws in Japan, the environment conspired against him. He got the engine put together, but we could not get it to fire up. Lack of compression. So he removed the head and found condensation in the cylinders. The rings never seated in the cylinders.
Here are a couple of the pictures.
1684254013955.jpeg 1684254049475.jpeg

1684254094262.jpeg

Rings failed to seat. Believed due to the water in the engine. He resolved to order a new rebuild kit. This arrived last Thursday. We talked Friday. His plan is to complete the rebuild this week with any luck have the engine running in the shop Friday. If all works to plan, we should be able to install the engine some time the first week of June.

Fingers crossed and I can get an appointment with the travel lift.
 
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BigEasy

BigEasy

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Jun 21, 2004
2,652
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
jssailem said:
. His plan is to complete the rebuild this week with any luck have the engine running in the shop Friday. If all works to plan, we should be able to install the engine some time the first week of June.
Click to expand
Hope this comes together for you soon. Really sucks when you are having boat problems that are ongoing; I feel your pain. Keep us updated!
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,048
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
@BigEasy , while the long pause has caused frustration, I have been directing my energy in other endeavors.

I have been searching for a good wine. I've spent time sampling in the vineyards of the Willamette Valley.
Pinots are a big time focus.
Here is one of the crew I spent time with pouring samples at Domaine Willamette.
1684258313525.jpeg
They are a happy crew.

The leading surprise candidate:
Founded in 2007, Maison Bleue is dedicated to the production of terroir-driven wines from the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA focused primarily on Rhône varietals such as Syrah.​
IMG_3797.jpeg​
​
And baking Artisan Sourdough bread.

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Now if I could just get back on the boat.... Wine, Bread, Fresh Salmon...
It is a dream.
 
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Terry Cox

Terry Cox

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Dec 25, 2000
5,854
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
I have been searching for a good wine.
[/QUOTE]

Rodney Strong makes a very good Pinot. A bit pricey, but...
 
Mark Maulden

Mark Maulden

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Jan 25, 2011
2,429
S2 11.0A Anacortes, WA
jssailem said:
Terry this story is - No where near as beautiful as the Babe..

Yes the delay is wearing on me.

In the past couple of weeks... we have identified that the cylinders were not holding compression.

The mechanic's shop, over the winter, was located in an unused portion of a warehouse in the Port of Everett. He thought working on the engine between his other jobs would help manage his time getting him thought winter.

What with the freezing temps this winter, the damp marine air and the personal challenges of covid and a promised trip to his in-laws in Japan, the environment conspired against him. He got the engine put together, but we could not get it to fire up. Lack of compression. So he removed the head and found condensation in the cylinders. The rings never seated in the cylinders.
Here are a couple of the pictures.
View attachment 215717 View attachment 215718

View attachment 215719

Rings failed to seat. Believed due to the water in the engine. He resolved to order a new rebuild kit. This arrived last Thursday. We talked Friday. His plan is to complete the rebuild this week with any luck have the engine running in the shop Friday. If all works to plan, we should be able to install the engine some time the first week of June.

Fingers crossed and I can get an appointment with the travel lift.
Click to expand
John, just some comments. I’ve had numerous engines apart (and back together) over the few decades. The reason the rings didn‘t seat is because the engine never ran. When I reassembled, I coated the ringed piston skirts with Power Punch which is a thick sticky “oil” and then stuff it into the cylinder. The Power Punch will not drain off thus increasing compression during the initial start. This is why I suggested putting some oil in the cylinders prior to first start. The pics show some oil but not much. And I have tell a story. Back in the seventies, I rebuilt a Chrysler 318 CID engine. I did not use Power Punch as I thought I would be starting soon enough. WRONG!! The engine just would not start. So, during starting, I poured (trickled) ATF down the carb. Smoke appeared and it started. It turned out over time that engine was one of the best I’ve had.
Last thought..You can put 24V to the starter for short periods to gain some compression..
Good luck and hoping for the VROOMMM!
 
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