Installing a deisel engine

[Guest]

Hi there,

I'm thinking of installing a replacement engine in my H22 ( a petter mini 6). I currently have a petrol honda, and all the stern gear seems to be OK.

How difficult is it? I can do basic maintenence on a deisel i.e change impeller, filters, bleed it etc, but other than that have very little experience.

Can anyone recommend any books on the subject? What about the RYA deisel engine course, would it cover installation?

Has anyone else done this from a "standing start", any pitfalls I need to avoid? Or would the wise of the forum advise against it at all costs.

I know I should get a pro to do it, but apart from the financial issues with this, the more I do myself, the more I learn about my boat.

All advice greatfully recieved
Cheers
Jim

 

[PaulJ]

I would say "Go for it"! Engine installation is not rocket science, the most critical thing is alignment and that is just time-consuming rather than difficult. If you are installing a different engine from what was there previously, it sounds obvious but make sure that the new one will fit with a bit to spare.... When I installed a new engine in a Stag some years ago, the new engine was an exact fit according to the dimensions but when I came to put it in, either the bearers or the sides of the engine compartment were not quite on centre and it was a hell of a struggle to get the engine to line up with the shaft.

The RYA course is pretty basic and does not cover installation per se but I guess it may make you more aware of some of the problems.... I am a great fan of Nigel Calder's writings and most of what you will need to know is covered in his "Boat Owner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual".

 

[Skyva_2]

Re: Installing a diesel engine

You will find some info at

http://www.moodyowners.org.uk/Library_Frames/Library_frame.htm

- article on engine replacement. Its a bigger engine but should be useful background.

Keith

 

[Eudorajab]

Not only the size but the orientation and line-up is crucial. I did one a few years back and had to cut the solid iron like hardwood bearers (damn hard work i can tell you) down to get correct prop alignment. Other than that ... go for it !!!

 

[Guest]

Installing a different power plant is quite possible with limited facilities but it is not, I feel, a job that should be undertaken without some experienced backup. It is a considerable undertaking but if you are the type of diy person who has always managed to finish your projects successfully then good luck!

 

[pete]

Before you go to far I would check the availability and PRICE of parts for this engine.I did a simlar job fitting a Petters mini twin12 HP to a boat that had never had a inboard engine, it went ok but parts were expensive, it had alloy heads and was sea water cooled I was told if the heads went (quite common due to corosion) they were about £750 each to replace and the water cooled manifold was unavailable.

Due to the time and expence involved you would be better going for a used Yanmar 1GM10, up to date, light weight.and parts are no trouble.

Good luck

Pete