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From: Norm of Bandersnatch (no email)
Date: Fri Jun 15 2007 - 09:31:54 EDT
All,
The new blower shaft did arrive the next day ($89 + $20 Fedex overnight
COD), we installed it and the engine was back up and running fine in
minutes. An interesting point was that the new shaft is significantly
thicker.
For those unfamiliar with Detroit Diesels, they require a blower to blow
combustion air into the cylinders, they don't suck it in like other
diesels. This blower is a Roots blower consisting of two lobed
counter-rotating rotors in a housing, somewhat like a gear pump, which is
driven by a shaft connecting from the gear train that drives the cam
shafts. This is the shaft that shattered into two main pieces and two
other bits.
After we were underway again I began seriously thinking about what I would
have done if it had happened offshore. Towing with the dinghy would be
almost impossible in the seaway, and at one mile per gallon we would not
have enough fuel to get to port. (Although I have it on good authority
that gas engines can be run on diesel fuel once started on gas!) Calling
the CG to send a towboat would be very expensive, and there was always the
probability the towing people would claim salvage and gouge me for a huge
bill. Then I considered the possibility of repairing the shaft.
The old shaft consists of a piece of hardened steel 6 1/2" long. The
splined (48 splines) ends are 3/4" diameter, while the shaft itself is
7/16" diameter.
I have TIG welding gear aboard and with the 8 KW genset can get about 120
amps of welding power, not enough for my stock 1/4" aluminum, (because it
soaks up heat so fast) but perhaps enough for a bit of steel. I would cut
out the bad part, about two inches, and cut a high grade bolt (I have
several for coupling bolts) to fit with tapered ends (I have lots of
grinders), clamp the three pieces in a piece of angle with hose clamps and
shims and have at it with the TIG welding just a bit at a time rotating the
piece and welding more. It would be difficult rolling in the trough of a
four to six foot seas, but given time and energy I think it would be
do-able and the shaft might hold if I kept the rpm's down to idle, 750 rpm,
which in flat water gives us 3.5 mph.
I cannot say too much positive about the River Forest Manor marina, the
owner Axson Smith, and his staff.
As he does to all visitors apparently, he loaned us a golf cart to go to
the marine supply store where we got two bilge pump switches and a pump to
complete a
project, then cruised the half mile or so the center of town to visit the
Wachovia bank and Ace hardware store while our laundry was in the dryer.
We had given his front desk clerk cash for the Fedex COD, but cash is
unacceptable to Fedex (probably to avoid being robbery targets), they only
accept checks or money orders, but the staff covered it by cutting a check
in lieu of my cash.
We did have a memorable ($120, including $50 bar bill!) anniversary dinner,
but we did not rent a room, nor did we rent dock space, yet the entire
facilities were open to us and everyone was so hospitable. We were
impressed!
Another interesting point I missed in my first message is that the Manor
House is actually a Sears kit house! The Magnolia model. Shipped in large
crates, Sears kit houses were conventional, fully-found, houses. The
crates contained everything required to build a house, doors and windows,
all lumber, siding, shingles, electrical and plumbing, even the nails! The
basic building was elaborately enhanced and added to over the years and is
a wonder to tour.
All in all it was a prime example of one of our basic principles: we cruise
to allow serendipity a chance to happen!
Norm
S/V Bandersnatch
Lying Norfolk VA
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