Engine Work a Success

Murray Grooving on the Wind

We just returned to Vermont after a great cruise east.  The overall purpose of the trip was to get our engine repaired at Hanson Marine Engineering in Marblehead, MA.  On the way we decided to have some fun and relaxation.  After a strong wind, high waves and rain, we arrived in Cuttyhunk.  Getting into the protection of Cuttyhunk Harbor gave new meaning to the phrase "shelter from the storm."  The next day we advanced to Quissitt to pick up Chad and Tara for a little R and R on Martha's Vineyard (see prior post).

Cape Cod Canal
Heading East

The sail to Marblehead (2/3's the way to Maine) was beautiful.  Fortunately, we were able to sail most of it and avoid using the engine which was leaking oil at a rate of 2 quarts every 4 hours.  Hanson Marine Engineering provides high quality work including a specialty with older Perkins engines like ours.  Fred Knowles has been our engine guru for the past three years.  He indicated that the rear main seal needed to be replaced.  Hanson was the only operation willing to do it with the engine in the boat.  All others wanted to pull the engine at a cost of over $10,000 (which doesn't include the engine repair).

We were on a mooring at the Boston Yacht Club for four days while Dan and Robbie did the Job.

Dan figuring out how to Lift the Engine 

Day one: problem solving how to raise the engine in the boat (6 inches or so) so that they could pull off the shaft, transmission, bell housing, and rear fly wheel to get to the rear seal.

Engine Lift Plate
In Cockpit

Day two: actually lift the engine, disassemble and get the part to the shop for the install of a new rear seal.

Pulling the Bell Housing
Off the Perkins

Day three:  Put it all back together and make sure it works.

Tight Engine Space

Robbie and Dan worked tirelessly. Some amazing problem solving to issues that they were constantly being challenged by became the order of the day.  It was amazing to watch them work.  What a great team.

By 4:00 PM on Saturday, the work was complete, the engine ran flawlessly, and the problem was solved.  Hard to believe how much work it was to put in a $75.00 part.  I cannot say enough good about Hanson and the job Robbie and Dan did.  Thanks Fred for making it all go so smoothly.  Now Kay and I feel the engine is ready for our journey south!

Robbie

Tools of the Trade

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