Best Of

This was bound to happen sooner or later ... the aftercooler failed on the port engine.  It was original from 2011, and it pressure-tested fine in December.  But when I saw white smoke in the exhaust and found coolant dripping from the induction manifold, I knew the cause right away.  

The starboard side was replaced in 2023, so this one was living on borrowed time.  I added a shiny coating of gloss white paint, and now the boat is ready for another 15 years of cruising!  

Thanks to the great info from @ReneeChris14 and @rmfriday in this thread, I tackled the Simpson-Lawrence Horizon 600 windlass fix...no pictures of it reassembled, but here she is in a scary pile of parts.  

It was a little more difficult getting it back together, but nothing a step drill and dremel couldn't fix. Also had a spring from one of the brushes depart, luckily I found it before I stepped on it and broke it. 

For those that might try to tackle this, here is a pdf of the instructions with some editorializing by myself. 

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/atfaai0isgryg8xbhtbx7/Simpson-Lawrance-Horizon-Windlass-repair.pdf?rlkey=ftgqezmc7i1i8kax280cq1w73&dl=0

After years on the waiting list we finally got the call & have a slip set up for this year. Yesterday was the first time seeing it in person. Can't wait for the weather to get nice

Yeah, it's the valve cover to have when you're only having one!

I had a quote for $2k for valve adjustments by a pro.  After a lot of research and tool-buying, it's not that hard. Diane helped!

Did valve adjustments on both engines.  First time for them (and for me).  Now they are back to purring like happy little kittens.  Also replaced the valve cover gaskets, which should clean up a couple minor oil leaks.  

You guys are really ahead of us here in Canada, with a long winter and more Snow this Sunday.  Looking like May by the time we can be in the water.  But working on another big block fibre glass project