While I fly home to visit my Mum and see friends David uses my absence to give the engine a thorough clean and address some small issues which have been niggling for a while.
With the Admiral on shore leave the Chief Mechanical Genius can spread out, leave tools and engine parts on work tops and dining table. Out of consideration for David's plight as I abandon him to work while I play I've left a microwaveable meal in the freezer for every night I'm away.
The following is David's account....Whilst we were tied up and had shore power and water, it offered me the opportunity to strip down the motor. It's a Volvo Penta turbo diesel marine engine producing 78hp from its 2000cc 4-cylinder lump. That's the expensive label. In reality it's a Perkins design that sees life as the much-tested London black cab uses, but without the turbo or water intercooler. It's amazing how these two items double the price!
It also amazing how when the floor under the motor stays put unlike a car, so any oil or water leaks are magnified out of all proportion and leaves the 'stain of shame'. It makes you feel guilty of 'motor neglect' . Once the slightly seeping rear crank oil seal was exchanged, (£17.50 for the Volvo Penta supplied one but once I was able to research it on the internet - £2.50 from the MGB owners club - same seal and Jacqui could bring it back with her), and 4 new core plugs replacing the porous old ones, hopefully the leaks are cured but I didn't have the heart to simply bolt it back together without an extensive wire brushing, etch primer paint coat and special - expensive - correct coloured green gloss paint.
When I
returned it was amazing to see the transformation – our old engine
looks like new(ish). I'd left with two empty bags and came back with
two very full ones; some small engine parts, new sandals, new clothes
and some gourmet treats for Christmas.heat exchanger, core plugs removed
 |
| cleaned, primed ready for green paint |
 |
| back together |
 |
| transmission serviced |
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