Engine Room Lights Really Help
To make maintenance easier on our HL-35 I added a couple overhead lights, one on the port side and the other on the stb'd side, in the engine room. This really brightens things up and makes the engine room more user friendly. Also, it's much easier to spot the oil dip stick hole. Mixing elbow access: I've replaced mine twice now and had it off a couple other times for cleaning but I don't remember how difficult it was from a working standpoint. Part of the access is from the aft cabin. The biggest problem is removing the double threaded coupling because it really galls up. The trick, I've found, for easier removal is not to tighten it up so tight and never use anti-sieze on the threads - this will only make it worse! I used a graphite based thread lubricant that is recommended for use on aircraft spark plugs and this works good. Other questions/considerations: Soundproofing - a good seal around all corners and areas is important for optimum efficiency. It's been found that if just 1% of an area is not soundproofed that a very high percentage of noise can be transmitted. Water tightness: I've found that I can get a fair amount of moisture/water on the top step (yes, it rains here!) and this is stopped from geting down into the engine room with sealant around the joint. Having this so it opens might allow water to get into the engine room. Maybe? Structural regidity: This would be something else to look at. As for the drawer, my wife likes to use it as a "warming oven" for things like rolls! Other than that it's not a very useful drawer. Just a two-cents worth. The lights make a big difference though. John Nantz '88 HL-35 "Servus" Poulsbo/Semiahmoo
