Ford mermaid 180

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gery w

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I've recently acquired a princess 37 with two seized Ford mermaid 180 hp engines, all attempts to free the engines have failed and am now looking to swap them out.

So on that note does anyone know what base model of engine that mermaid used for this package?
One of the boats guys at the marina reckons that they are ford cargo engines and are readily available?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Yes Ford, we have them in our old girl. Have you tried taking the heads off and then paraffin into the bores and burning it. Saw it done on television. Our engines were not seized but the rings were set, sent them to a recon man, came back as new. new rings, regrind crank new shells, recut valves and reseat, new valve guides.
You do not say where you are, we are in Essex home of the Ford. several firms around us. Will recon them. around 3 grand an engine. If your ancillaries are good then well worth a rebuild.
Sorry they boiled oil and or coke.
http://www.stationary-engine.net/forum/archive/index.php?t-7396.html
 
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Hi thanks for the reply, the boat has stood on the hard for some six or seven years and I believe that the rings may be seized on the bores.
We have tried all the usual tricks but so far they remain stuck fast and was thinking that if I could find out excactly what engines were used I may be able to find a decent pair and swap the marinisation parts over...unfortunately the budget won't stretch to rebuilds but i may try taking the heads off as I've nowt to lose
 
gery w said:
Hi thanks for the reply, the boat has stood on the hard for some six or seven years and I believe that the rings may be seized on the bores.
We have tried all the usual tricks but so far they remain stuck fast and was thinking that if I could find out excactly what engines were used I may be able to find a decent pair and swap the marinisation parts over...unfortunately the budget won't stretch to rebuilds but i may try taking the heads off as I've nowt to lose
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After that time I'd be surprised if every piston is seized , I'd be taking out the injectors to spray some penetrating fluid on and leaving it for a while , keep doing it , take the starter off and use a suitable bar in the ring gear to work the engine back and forth it may break free.
Spares wise your very limited for the Dover block , you can't get pistons anymore .
I know where there are 2 sabre engines there either 250or 275 HP engines .
 
If they are automotive based, the standard from Ford was 4 cylinder 254 Cu/in 80 hp non turbo. 6 cylinder 360 Cu/in 120 hp non turbo and 150 hp turbo, 380 Cu/ I n non turbo 130 hp .the problem is that Mermaid used to turbo all engines ! I'm away at the moment, till Monday, I will check my paperwork, so if I can help let me know.
 
http://www.jmgaskets-seals.co.uk/category.asp?c=322

CHEAP, GASKETS. and maybe other bits, where are you, and are your engines dorsets or dovers.?

HEN015_2_-450.jpg


Front and right Dorset, rear left Dover.
 
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Well after a 5am start I'm happy to say we managed to get both engines free, someone on the crank pulley with a large breaker bar and me with a large pry bar at the ring gear and a lot of back and forth.

Better still they both started on the second attempt������
Thanks for the advice chaps!!
 
Will however need to source a charge air cooler as the casing is badly corroded at the end cap apart from that they sound quite nice
 
Can be repaired with plastic padding/metal, just get new O rings. Are yours through bolts or a three set screw type with the horse shoe like retainer?, the water goes through the core, and the air is held in the case. So if they leak water seal with a generous bead of hylomar. If they leak air wrap with gaffa tape. Not very pretty but effective, in any case they are out of site. LOL
 
Will need to have a look but I think it's the through bolt type? Will need to try and scource one I'd imagine they'd be quite expensive?
 
gery w said:
Will need to have a look but I think it's the through bolt type? Will need to try and scource one I'd imagine they'd be quite expensive?
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Gery,

I believe you've already spoken to our guys at the Poole office, but if coincidentally someone else was looking for an intercooler then please give us a call as we can normally assist with all parts for Dorsets and Dovers. Not all parts are available new these days, of course, but we do have a good handle on where to get decent 'previously enjoyed' (second hand) parts too!

I hope you're sorted now.

All the best
Jon
 
Hi Jon, I have indeed spoken to martyn at mermaid and he has the intercooler in stock. However if I were able to purchase a good used unit at reasonable cost I'd go for that
Regards Gerry
 
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