I have a 1982 Catalina 27. I need advises if I should replace some of the parts if I take the advantages of empty engine compartment space when my A-4 engine was removed for rebuilt. As seen in the attached picture, the couplings connected to the shaft is pretty rusted that it might be replaced. Where can I order the couplings? And, should I replace any other part inside the engine room such as the throttles cables or steering cables? Anyway, what advantages I can have during the engine rebuilt when empty space room is available? Thanks, Leon kuoliangloh@yahoo.com
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Engine Space
Leon Why not take the time to check all the hoses and exhaust riser. This would be a good time to replace them, even if they still have a "few good years left in 'em." Stu
Leon Why not take the time to check all the hoses and exhaust riser. This would be a good time to replace them, even if they still have a "few good years left in 'em." Stu
Cockpit Drains
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, at least it better be, to get at the back of the engine compartment. If I had had the opportunity I would have replaced the exhaust outlet through the transom with the stainless steel version from Catalina Direct. It fits in the existing hole and has a stainless flapper to keep following seas from running into the exhaust. I would also take the opportunity to replace the volcano thru hulls for the cockpit drains. I have posted a long description of thru hull replacement when I did the rest of mine but I never had access to the cockpit drains. If I thought I could reach them in an emergency I'd put sea cocks on them. But even changing to bronze thru hulls would make life more peaceful. I'd also replace the hoses which appear to be lengths of garden hose. After all the purpose of boat maintenance is peace of mind (apologies to Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance).
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, at least it better be, to get at the back of the engine compartment. If I had had the opportunity I would have replaced the exhaust outlet through the transom with the stainless steel version from Catalina Direct. It fits in the existing hole and has a stainless flapper to keep following seas from running into the exhaust. I would also take the opportunity to replace the volcano thru hulls for the cockpit drains. I have posted a long description of thru hull replacement when I did the rest of mine but I never had access to the cockpit drains. If I thought I could reach them in an emergency I'd put sea cocks on them. But even changing to bronze thru hulls would make life more peaceful. I'd also replace the hoses which appear to be lengths of garden hose. After all the purpose of boat maintenance is peace of mind (apologies to Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance).
Shaft and Coupling
Leon, While the engine is out, it would be a perfect time to pull the shaft and check it for trueness(sp?). I would also take the coupling off (if you can), take a wire bruch to it, give it a nice coat of primer, then your favorite color paint. (leave the mating face and inside clean)If you can't get it off, what you would do if the shaft ever got bent while in the water? Cut the shaft off and have it pressed out? Replace shaft and coupling with new? Also, you might consider putting in a dripless shaft packing, or at least repacking the old one. Paint the inside of the engine compartment white to make it brighter and easier to spot leaks? Paint the engine while it's out? (The matching color to Universal copper is GM #286-Camel) Just a few thoughts.
Leon, While the engine is out, it would be a perfect time to pull the shaft and check it for trueness(sp?). I would also take the coupling off (if you can), take a wire bruch to it, give it a nice coat of primer, then your favorite color paint. (leave the mating face and inside clean)If you can't get it off, what you would do if the shaft ever got bent while in the water? Cut the shaft off and have it pressed out? Replace shaft and coupling with new? Also, you might consider putting in a dripless shaft packing, or at least repacking the old one. Paint the inside of the engine compartment white to make it brighter and easier to spot leaks? Paint the engine while it's out? (The matching color to Universal copper is GM #286-Camel) Just a few thoughts.
Here is the Phto of my Shaft Coupling
Thanks Tom, Garry and Stu I failed to remove the rusted coupling as shown in the pic. I am studying your proposal to cut the shaft and replace the shaft and coupling. However, I am not sure if I can complete the task when my boat is still in the water. The coupling and shaft were working fine except rust. I am now kind hesitate to make it worse if I have the shaft / coupling replaced, especially with the troublesome alingment issue. So... i am still struggling.... BTW, any suggestion about throttles or steering wheel cables down in the engine comnpartment? Leon
Thanks Tom, Garry and Stu I failed to remove the rusted coupling as shown in the pic. I am studying your proposal to cut the shaft and replace the shaft and coupling. However, I am not sure if I can complete the task when my boat is still in the water. The coupling and shaft were working fine except rust. I am now kind hesitate to make it worse if I have the shaft / coupling replaced, especially with the troublesome alingment issue. So... i am still struggling.... BTW, any suggestion about throttles or steering wheel cables down in the engine comnpartment? Leon
Attachments
In the Water !?!?
Leon, You didn't mention that the boat was still in the water. Obviously you should not pull the shaft until the boat is hauled. With the extra room you have now, you might want to work on getting that coupling off, though. Start by soaking it with something like PB Blaster (at NAPA), and then pry/compress the shaft out. Hard to explain, easier to do??? Good Luck.
Leon, You didn't mention that the boat was still in the water. Obviously you should not pull the shaft until the boat is hauled. With the extra room you have now, you might want to work on getting that coupling off, though. Start by soaking it with something like PB Blaster (at NAPA), and then pry/compress the shaft out. Hard to explain, easier to do??? Good Luck.
Pulley puller
Can't you get the coupling off with a "pulley puller", I think this is a tool that presses a threaded shaft through the coupling and has a couple of arms to grasp the outside of the coupling. I know I didn't describe it very well, but there are some such tools. That in combination with penetrating oils..., heat, and time, should do the trick. At that point you could at least proceed and put in the dripless shaftseal even in the water.
Can't you get the coupling off with a "pulley puller", I think this is a tool that presses a threaded shaft through the coupling and has a couple of arms to grasp the outside of the coupling. I know I didn't describe it very well, but there are some such tools. That in combination with penetrating oils..., heat, and time, should do the trick. At that point you could at least proceed and put in the dripless shaftseal even in the water.
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