I give Up

[hardy]

I have had trouble with my old GM v8 ever since I bought the boat, "starter motor in bilge water" Thought I had sorted it but the no start fairy has hit me again.
I either need to replace the engine or some how get the starter on the top of the engine out of the potential water hazard.
Anyone know where to get a used diesel engine at a reasonable price, needs to drive a 22 foot planing hull at round 25 to 30 knts, big question I know. I am having the boat hauled out to remove and reseal all stern gear to try to eliminate water ingress , as haveing exhausted all topside possibilties as far as I can.
The main trouble was a small amount of water in the bilge becam e a couple of inches when up on the plane, and of course thats where the starter was , swamped.

Gratefull for any advice, perhaps a glimmer of hope! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Buzz]

That sounds like my falcon i am thinking of renaming my one "Leaky"I thought i had cured my all my leaks at the end of last season started her up at the weekend and the seals in the raw water pump let go result one bilge full of water,rebuilt pump quickly on sunday so hopefully it should be cured.

I take it that you would not recomend fitting the gm diesel lump i only ask the question as i am trying to work out if it is worth while going deisel.Hope you manage to get yours sorted

Best of luck

mark

 

[cjrvernon]

between the top of the leg and transom there is a part that is only splash proof
water will get in there if it is under water
i was told that by a mechanic as i used to have a boat i converted to diesel
and was told the extra whight would put that under water once i was loaded up
but luckley the boat sat high out the water so i did not have that problem
but it is a commen thing on convertions

 

[hardy]

the gm diesel is fine, runs sweetly powers my Falcon to 40 knts, alledgedly, I have only done 30 in it, its just that the starter is mounted under the stbd exhaust manifold, mamouth job to get at. Its also about 25 yrs old If you are near Chichester come and have a look

 

[Nauti Fox]

Sorry to hear it Bruce, don't know what to suggest really. Could you make a watertight enclosure round it? Maybe glass some panels into the bottom? Maybe I'm talking crap?
Hope you get it sorted, getting mine replaced this year.

 

[Solitaire]

You could try Bill Brown at BBMS Marine based at Eastland's Boat Yard on the Hamble I re engined my Fairline Sprint with a second hand Yamaha 370 sti - it was also featured in PBO. I know he currently has another one in stock which I thin has been reserved for another boat, but he does get em in from time to time. The Falcon is about the same as mine, and I get around 32 knots max with comfortable cruising at 26-28. Burns less than a litre per nautical mile.

As to water in the bilge. I get it to and I always stand on the bow before leaving the pontoon so the water all drains towards the bilge pump. At least the bilge starts empty. The other problem with water in the bilge when on the plane is that it can be blown up by the flywheel and get spattered all over the rear end of the engine.

 

[hardy]

Hi
No not talking crap it is a thoght we had , but not enough clearence to build anything, this lump was squeezed in place and bottom end of bellhouse cut off to fit arse end in.Going to ring Mike liss this am see if he has any ideas
Hope your problems where soted
Bruce

 

[hardy]

Thanks for that will give them a ring, saw your conversion in the mag, glad all is still well.You are right falcon is very similar to yours, trouble is this old GM lump is some weight ,a more modern engine would be lighter.All is open to experiment and cost

 

[Dave_Snelson]

Sorry to hear of the problems Bruce - but take heart, coz I think you are on the right track.

Point 1 - boats shouldn't leak...OK, maybe a little rain water, but nowt else. Dip your fingers in the water and taste it. Salty or fresh?? There's your answer!

If its salty, then you have leaking stern gear and you are on the right track in hauling out and fixing it. How do you know where a boat is leaking in?? Easy - haul it out and fill the bilge up with plenty of water. Where the water leaks out, is where it leaks in /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Tell me to shut up if you think I'm being too simplistic!

My boat leaked in through the transom shield on the stern drive and the leak eventually turned into a torrent, so its wize to fix it soonest. Check the flat surfaces for corrosion and get them filled, milled and drilled if they are corroded. It costs about £130, as against a new shield at £2000. Replace the rubber seals with brand new ones. Reassemble using Sikaflex.

Damn thing won't leak then...or ever! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Then your starter motor will be fine (get it refurbished) and you won't have to replace the lump. I quite like the GM V8, apart from the weight.

Keep us posted - cheers.

 

[hardy]

thanks for that,

 

[Solitaire]

Weight of my mine is 498 kilos. Friend put a Yanmar 240 into his Falcon, it was too long and he had to loose the midship fuel tank, put to tanks either side of the engine. Not best placed in my opinion - makes it to stern heavy and he is struggling to find the right prop combo on Bravo 3. I think he's at 26 or 28 now, claims to be getting around 35 knots.

 

[hardy]

Thanks
I like you would not want to lose the mid ship tank, I will get there in the end, she is just what we want but just wont GO!!!.

 

[Solitaire]

I know that feeling! Now it's like having a new boat and I just love her to death!! Good luck in your search.