Got a Vega, got a Beta, how to put 'em together??

[Gene Neill]

It won't be long now before I start pulling out the MD7a ... or trying to ... I haven't even figured out how to remove the PROPELLER yet. LOL I understand I will need a Prop, Shaft, Bearer Plates, Feet, and exhaust fittings, among other things ... and I'd like to locate a source for those as soon as possible and get them bought. But mostly what I need is knowledge, of which I have almost none.If anyone can point me in the direction of the parts I will need, or the knowledge I need, any help at all will be much appreciated. I'm busying myself with other projects on the boat for now, but the engine is steadily rising to the top of the "to do" list.Thanks in advance!

 

[Trevykins]

hey gene - sorry no tips viz the beta, but if you are scrapping the md7, i would be very interested in your old combi, shaft and prop. where are you located? i have experience removing the engine and combi without damaging anything. thanks, trevor (V2915
- Mystic Rose)

From: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com on behalf of gene_neill@... [AlbinVega] AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: November 29, 2016 7:31 PM
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlbinVega] Got a Vega, got a Beta, how to put 'em together??



It won't be long now before I start pulling out the MD7a ... or trying to ... I haven't even figured out how to remove the PROPELLER yet. LOLI understand I will need a Prop, Shaft, Bearer Plates, Feet, and exhaust fittings, among other things ... and I'd like to locate a source for those as soon as possible and get them bought.But mostly what I need is knowledge, of which I have almost none.

If anyone can point me in the direction of the parts I will need, or the knowledge I need, any help at all will be much appreciated. I'm busying myself with other projects on the boat for now, but the engine is steadily rising to the top of the "to do" list.

Thanks in advance!

 

[gene_neill]

Trevor - The MD7A might already be spoken for. I have a mechanically-inclined friend who is willing to help me with the repower job, and he has expressed an interest in the old engine. If he doesn't take it, I'll give it to whomever wants to come get it (I'm in central Florida). It does run, or at least I saw it run for a moment this spring, but it gushes water out of the exhaust somewhere (elbow?). BTW, I also have a set of window panes I won't need (replacing with acrylic), if anyone is looking.

 

[gene_neill]

I'm getting ready to get out the wrenches and the hacksaw! Still hoping to hear from someone who has removed an MD7a and replaced it with a Beta, and is willing to give some basic advice.I guess the first step will be dismantling the Combi, somehow, and try to remove the shaft and prop. How that is done, I have no idea. LOLAlso looking for a source of parts needed. Thanks everyone, and Merry Christmas to all!Gene and Carlotta Neill

 

[SVFlyAway]

Attached is the Beta install guide put out by Steve at Albin Vega Parts (or
whatever his business is). I put in a new shaft, volvo coupler,, and prop I
bought all my stuff from Steve and it arrived quickly even from GB to
Seattle. He even had the mounting steel plates he shipped (though I could
have easily done these myself, he was shipping all the stuff, so easier to
have a one stop shop.

Also, I did my work on the hard, in a yard with a mobile crane. Other
people have done it in the water, but I was doing the bottom anyway, so no
extra expense there. First I removed all the cables, hoses, and mounting
bolts so the engine was unattached. Then I built a quick and dirty engine
cradle to put on the cabin sole as I didn't want the engine to scar
anything. I built this of some old 2X6 or 2X8, angled slightly and nailed
to a piece of plywood. Nothing fancy just the two verticals held together
with the plywood.

I then used a rope loop tied to the old engine and, using the main sheet,
removed to the center of the boom (with a strop holding it and the topping
lift supporting it at the lift point), I lifted the engine ever so little
and two of us swung it onto the little 2X6 or 2X8 cradle. Then I had the
yard crane lift the old engine out of the companionway and put it on the
ground.

Then I did all the stuff in the attached manual to get the engine bay
ready. By the way, if you have a little drill press it is easy to drill the
steel plates. I did all my steel adapter plates on the ground as it was
quick and easy. Also, don't try to use a cheap tap when putting in the
holes for the beta mounts (I tried and it took forever to try to get it
through the first one. I went to an industrial supply and bought a really
good (expensive) matching drill bit and tap -- went so fast I couldn't
believe it when I did the first hole.

Then I had the crane lift the Beta to my cradle and we reversed the removal
process (far more scary to see my new Beta dangling from a crane way up in
the air than when the old engine was removed!!!!). Then just put in the new
thruhull (bigger than the Volvo) new hoses, water filter, and fuel filter,
new fuel lines. I put the water filter in the starboard cockpit locker as
things were getting pretty tight in the engine compartment.

On Mon, Dec 19, 2016 at 8:42 AM, gene_neill@... [AlbinVega]
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com wrote:

 

[rolyatad]

I cut through the Combi prop shaft with an angle grinder when I replaced an MD7A with a Yanmar. Brutal but quick.Sent from my iDog

 

[newboldnoyes]

My cousin & I took a md6a combi out & put a beta marine 14 in a couple of years ago. He did most of the work - me passing wrenches & hauling on the hoist & asking questions & writing checks.We're in down east Maine near Bar Harbor. Drop a line to me & between him & me we can let you know what you're in for. If you've never done serious engine work before you're gonna need somebody who knows what he (or she) is doing. My cousin does. You'll need a new shaft (we prop, transmission, control system, etc. myphone battery is almost dead so contact me if you want help at newboldnoyes@... & I trust you will have interesting holy days & a hard working new year. The difference between knowing your engine will start & run properly for hours & just hoping it will start never mind run for hours is night & day. The difference was described to me as priceless but as you already know there is a significant price to be paid... but you will get what you pay for with the beta; it is simply smooth & delightful & I don't even like engines much... but I'm learning.from myphone nn

 

[gene_neill]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated!! Newboldnoyes, if I may, I'll hang on to your email and perhaps drop you a line, like you said. I do have a sailing buddy who's eager to help me, and he's practically a savant as far as engines in general are concerned. But he's never installed an inboard diesel before, so I'm sure we could benefit from some advice along the way.