Empty Engine Compartment Equals Expanding Project List

Removing the Yanmar from Pilgrim provides rarely available “easy” access to mechanical and storage spaces in the vessel.  Gaining additional access equals expanding the project list. 

The process begins by removing all unnecessary hoses, wires, etc.    Next  the shop vac extracts all the loose debris.  Finally all painted surfaces and exposed hull receive a scrub down with Tri-sodium Phosphate (TSP).  

Pilgrim’s engine beds required some de-greaser in addition to the usual TSP.

The cleaning phase provides me opportunity become intimately familiar with the space and systems.  Thus during the cleaning I typically add to the basic project list.  The project list requires the prioritization for projects.  While we have unfettered access to the engine compartment now is the time to…

Service or replace the packing gland…

Rebuild Pilgrim’s decrepit  “torpedo tube” drain manifold…

This sad looking system of hoses & PVC pipe feeds the deck drains, shower pan drain, and bilge pump to the "torpedo tube" thru-hull drains.

Add a pedestal guard in the cockpit…

Run wires for electronics through the new pedestal guard…

Replace the failing throttle cable…

Service the steering pulleys…

Add a small, secondary fuel tank provide a gravity fuel feed to the engine…

Fabricate a proper wall for the port side of the engine compartment (Morgan 382 owners will know what I am talking about.  For the rest of you I’m certain there will be future posts, and likely a photo album, devoted to the project…

Paint the engine compartment…

Add sound proofing…

All the above projects are supplemental to the primary task at hand… install the Beta Marine engine.  Switching engines offers its own project list and priorities:

Modify the engine beds…

Modify the engine coupling…

Rebuild the exhaust system…

Rebuild the raw water intake…

Rebuild the fuel delivery and filters – this goes hand in hand with adding a fuel tank…

Install a new engine instrument panel …

We will not be lacking for content to share on the blog.  Now if I could only find the time to keep the blog updated…