Blue Moonlight: The New Engine

So here is the account of fitting a new engine.

First, decide what engine. After taking advice from other owners, the WOA, YBW, Engine makers and the like, the Beta 20 seems to be the most suitable. 3 HP less than the original MD11c in theory. But almost a 3rd of the weight (90kg),
. Modern, 3 cylinder smooth running and capable of heating a calorifier.

So step one is removal of the MD11c which weighs in at 247Kg. My advice is to not spend too much time researching this as you'll scare yourself and get to tied up in wondering how difficult it is to do. Two mistakes that I made.

You'll need.... An angle grinder, a 2 1/4 AF socket with massive breaker bar, various cold chisels and, big metal wedges, crowbar, a chain hoist, two lumps of 4x6 timber and assorted other tools.

It's wise to remove some of the eaily removed items. Such as the fly wheel that weighs in at 35Kg, the starter and the alternator. The latter being easy! For the flywheel you'll be needing the 2 1/4AF socket and bars to get some leverage on it. In my case Mike, who is really doing the job! Got the nut started by bending back the lock tab and whacking the nut round with a cold chisel and club hammer. The chances of finding a puller big enough for the wheel are slim... I tried a 10ton sealy and its not a good fit. But wedges behind and levers soon shifted it.

So with that lot removed you've probably got the weight down to 200Kg ish. Now some will advise to take the head off... but at the end of the day you're going to need a crane to lift the engine out of the cabin, or the nerve to do so using the boom. So if you intend to get a crane to do this part you are now ready to move the lump from the engine bay in to the cabin.

So, disconnect all the services. uncouple the shaft and control cables. In all honesty this is all pretty straight forward.

Finally you need to detach from the bearers.

If you undo the two nut/bolts that hold the feet to the bearers you reduce the amount of lift needed to get the engine out. So 2 7/8 Af sockets and some force.

Useful idea number 1.... apply easing oil the night before!

once disconnected you'll need a plank of wood to slip under and slide the engine along.

Then you put your two lumps of wood across the companion way hatch, attach the hoist and lift/pull.

Eventually you'll end up with an MD11c propped up in your cabin and a feeling that it all seemed too easy!