Engine Removal & Leaks

20 & 22 March 2021

Un-mounting the Engine

This week was really all about the old Westerbeke W-30. I needed to get it ready to be hoisted out, which meant disconnecting the throttle, clutch, prop shaft, and engine mounts along with any remaining connections. Most of the wiring and hoses had already been removed, with the exception of the fuel filter. 

Once it was ready, I called to schedule its removal. The idea being to have the mast unstepped at the same time the engine was being removed, since both require the crane. Unfortunately that didn't work out as planned. A bit annoying since the race to get the engine out, really had everything to do with unstepping the mast. Now that they won't go together, there's really no need to remove the engine, but it will be good to be ready ahead of time, and getting it out will give me some indoor work, should I need it. 

Just before the office closed for the day I got a call that the crane is available tomorrow at eight in the morning. Given that I still needed to get up there, remove the galley counter, and the dodger, I negotiated a start of ten. Still theres a lot to do. 

Ran out side and removed the cover from my truck, then built a mount for the engine to sit in.

24 March 2021

Engine Removal & Leaks

Removed the dodger. Thankfully this went quickly and without issue. 

Removed the Galley counter. Due to the rush, I was not able to be gentle. While I was not intending to redo the galley till after Windborne was back in the water, that job might be bumped up a bit because the galley counter, which also serves as the companionway step, had to be quickly cut out. The crane would not have been able to hoist the engine without ripping the counter off due to the position of the rear engine mount. 

Once the harness was on .... after two gentle lifts, it was apparent the engine was still stuck. After a quick look I noticed one back bolt I had loosened but not fully removed. Also the exhaust elbow did not clear the plywood, so out came the saw for a quick and crude cut... something else to repair later. 

After the engine was out, I was soaking wet and had no desire to stick around in the wet cold, plus there wasn't much I could do in those conditions. I did take a few moments to trace down a few leaks, since I'm rarely at the boat when its raining. I found the cockpit drain was leaking where it attaches to the seacock, as well as one of the holes from the old toe rail screw that must have been missed when I filled them last year. Other than that, there were a few holes from the removal of the cockpit combing, and the two broken opening portals and center hatch, which I already knew about. Not too bad. 

Got out of there, and ran home. Made a few calls and found someone to take the engine, so I quickly ran off to deliver that and get it out of my truck bed.