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| Engine going in again |
So, almost a year has passed since the last post. So a quick report back: The outboard carburetor parts did arrive, but solved only half the problem. We eventually got it to run, but now there was a water pump problem. Another import, parts fitted, and still no proper water circulation. We'll see if it works better once on the water.
I obtained bilge pumps, they work, but the flat bottom of Dreamtime means that it has to get a lot of water before the pumps begin to suck. A 50watt solar panel and a deep cycle battery means we now have a sort of electrical system.
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| Alignment |
The diesel went back in, we aligned it carefully, and all seems to work. But two problems arose when we launched: The UHMWPE stern gland worked, but I did not leave enough clearance. It expands when hot, and that caused it to bind on the shaft. And it did not fit properly in the stern tube, resulting in a slow but persistent leak. Not enough to activate the bilge pumps though.
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| Carmi working on the engine controls |
We also had problems with the shaft slipping in the clamp of the flexible joint. That was solved by installing a pin through the collar. And we anticipate that the propellor might slipp as well, it is held only by three grub screws. The control linkages of the motor needed a few changes, but are now working, at least for now.
We managed to sail a few times, but in every case had so little wind that we basically drifted from one
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| Reinhard installing hatch surrounds |
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| First version: UHMWPE gland |
side of the basin to the other. Still, we had six adults on board one day, and everything worked as it should. She is very stable and spacious enough for three to sleep in comfortably.
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| Plans for the next version of the stern gland |
So we go to the next level. I found an engineering place to make me a 316 stainless steel stern gland with vesconite wearing surfaces, and a keyway for the propellor and shaft. They also suggested a Vesconite cutless bearing. That will, we hope, be installed in the next weeks.
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| At least she floats! |
It is winter here, and the water is bitterly cold, so no sailing for the moment. But we are working on a few things: I managed to find the original propellor for the engine. It had been cut off the shaft, so the hub is in parts. And the blades I got are for a left handed motor, mine turns right handed. I hope to get the right handed blades, but I am also getting ready for some backyard foundry work. The first plan is to cast the hub and have it machined, hoping that the right blades do appear. Otehrwise it will be necessary to make new ones based on the left handed ones: First a pattern and then some serious casting. We learn.
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| Next project: Remaking a folding propellor. |
