engine caught fire

[salad]

I know nothing about sailing, but from an insurance point of view, if you can "prove" it, the reluctance of qualified engineers to work on the engine could potentially be used as evidence for the underwriters that it is beyond economical repair. If you really cannot obtain an estimate, again, further evidence that a replacement is the reasonable solution. Sole appear to be trading, so perhaps they could be contacted to see if viability of repair can be established? If they come back with a high price for inspection, it adds more weight to the argument for total replacement.

I would talk directly to the underwriters at length and explain what has happened, asking how they would like you to proceed. Following their guidance will support any future claim. I've had to do this in the past for a few things and it worked out in the end. Typically, all insurers want is the most economical route to resolution for them.

Oh and keep accurate records of all goings on. Dates, times, names, prices.

Good luck, hope you get sorted.

 

[scrambledegg]

What engine?

As per post #1 a Sole mini 33

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

As per post #1 a Sole mini 33

Try here they may be, maybe. able to help.
Home | South Coast Outboard Servicing

 

[Beneteau381]

Here's for those that like a picture, split diode unit dropped down bottom left.View attachment 139121

I would disconnect all the damaged wiring etc, keep in place to aid in replacement. Clean out all the burned stuff and thoroughly clean the area and replacethe sound proofing. I presume the alternator is knackered because of the shorting out of the components. Source a new alternator and throttle cable. Easy enough to replace. Then work out how to replace or splice the electrical cables.
Its not that difficult a job to do under all that burned stuff.

 

[colind3782]

There are plenty of Sole distributors in the UK or you can email Sole in Barcelona who I have found to be very helpful. The alternator connections on my Mini 34 are not standard and use what seems to be proprietary connectors rather than the usual terminals and I don't know who makes them.

Map (solediesel.com)

 

[Boater Sam]

I would expect Lancashire Rotating Electrics Ltd to be able to supply a new alternator and connectors no problem.
Making up a bit of a wiring loom is easy for any electrically minded guy.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

There are plenty of Sole distributors in the UK or you can email Sole in Barcelona who I have found to be very helpful. The alternator connections on my Mini 34 are not standard and use what seems to be proprietary connectors rather than the usual terminals and I don't know who makes them.

Map (solediesel.com)

Even easier
Sole Diesel – Call us today – Tel: 01452 729707

 

[colind3782]

Even easier
Sole Diesel – Call us today – Tel: 01452 729707

Thanks for that. I wasn't sure who had taken over from Diamond Diesels in the UK

 

[Graham_Wright]

As per post #1 a Sole mini 33

Sorry - missed that.

 

[Daydream believer]

I would have thought that the way an engine of that sort would be wired similar to any other. So if, for instance, a complete wiring loom & starting control panel were not available as a set from Sole then one from , say Volvo would do exactly the same thing. ie there would be wires to the sensors, heat, oil, charging, etc. then wires to the alternator- (get that repaired or ask any decent service agent to sell you the equivalent-)The starter & glow relays will come in a little plastic box complete with sockets for the relays will just bolt on somewhere. Might just need a fabricated bracket.

When it all boils down to it there is probably no more than 15 wires to connect up to the engine. You have not mentioned the starter motor. I am wondering if the people you are talking to are thinking that they are going to have to build a new loom complete- Obviously a nightmare.

If one purchased a prefabricated set ( in line with the idea suggested in the post earlier) then bought a morse teleflex control complete with lever etc to save the problem of trying to connect to the existing throttle/gear end one might be able to lay it all in place & an engineer need only come & connect it up.

You really ought to be able to do that yourself. Just get the wiring diag for the relevant engine & adapt it to your engine. The alternator supplier will show you what wires to connect to that, to give you a start, if you take the loom & wiring diag along to him.
So, tell the wife to F O & do it your self. You must have a mate somewhere, to help you (with the divorce)

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

I would have thought that the way an engine of that sort would be wired similar to any other. So if, for instance, a complete wiring loom & starting control panel were not available as a set from Sole then one from , say Volvo would do exactly the same thing. ie there would be wires to the sensors, heat, oil, charging, etc. then wires to the alternator- (get that repaired or ask any decent service agent to sell you the equivalent-)The starter & glow relays will come in a little plastic box complete with sockets for the relays will just bolt on somewhere. Might just need a fabricated bracket.

When it all boils down to it there is probably no more than 15 wires to connect up to the engine. You have not mentioned the starter motor. I am wondering if the people you are talking to are thinking that they are going to have to build a new loom complete- Obviously a nightmare.

If one purchased a prefabricated set ( in line with the idea suggested in the post earlier) then bought a morse teleflex control complete with lever etc to save the problem of trying to connect to the existing throttle/gear end one might be able to lay it all in place & an engineer need only come & connect it up.

You really ought to be able to do that yourself. Just get the wiring diag for the relevant engine & adapt it to your engine. The alternator supplier will show you what wires to connect to that, to give you a start, if you take the loom & wiring diag along to him.
So, tell the wife to F O & do it your self. You must have a mate somewhere, to help you (with the divorce)

No none has so far mentioned the engine mounts. Look a bit burned to me? If replacing then all four should be done at the same time!

 

[Aquanaught]

It looks to me (as a former insurer - not marine though) that you need a reputable engineer who will also guarantee their work. They would need to strip and test all components, probably partially strip engine to determine extent of damage, and then cost all replacement parts and labour. Without doing a methodical assessment you could end up having a partial job done and then find there are more damaged parts later. It could well be a case that the most cost effective solution is a new engine. It would probably be worth your while talking to someone like your local Beta agent, getting a cost incl. fitting and then discussing with your insurer. Given the difficulty in getting an engineer to do the work, they should be open to a fixed cost solution.