In-Frame Major- Ran and Hid

[spartonboat1]

Well, I was pumped up about doing an in-frame on my Port 6-71N. The first tech bailed on me, due to family circumstances. I just got off the phone with the 2nd, and the estimate for the work rose (jumped?) from around $7,500 to $12,000, incl re-building the blower. Maybe this belongs in the Sand Bar?

So I ran and hid from the 2nd estimate and withdrew my work order request. I guess I'll just run the block heater again next summer.

I am going to run her from N. Mich, where she has moored, since 1997, down to Grand Haven, MI, in the Spring. That Port engine runs the same now, as she did when I got her, with three weak holes. So I assume a couple all day runs shouldn't be any more stress on her than normal.

Then I'll consolidate any work I have with the new marina. Have several areas of work I have been deferring, due to difficulty securing good techs. My new place inspires more confidence. Hope they come through with a slip, although they are sure they can.

That's the latest...

 

[SeaEric]

Even a very sick 6-71N will run fine and make its power once you get it running. Lots of smoke at start-up is annoying, but you have that handled with the block heater. I'm sure the "experts" will weigh in, but unless there are other mechanical issues beyond low compression I don't believe that you will do any harm by just running her as she is.

There is a very nice looking 53 Classic MY (8-71ti's) that I know of has been running and used regularly with compression below specs for well over a decade. She has, in fact been sold twice to new owners in her current "below specs" condition.

Go figure.

 

[Walter P]

Kinda (new word) makes you think... Why spend 12 Grand or even 7.5 Grand to rebuild an engine that seems to be doing what it's supposed to? While I agree that it's good to have everything as close to perfect as possible, the fact is that the vast majority of boats in our average size range are run at displacement speeds mostly due to the cost of fuel as well as better range and so on. Let's see, running the block heaters 24/7/365 will cost X $ per year as compared to rebuilding and still running them at displacement speeds.... hummmm... re-read Eric's post...makes sense to me.

Walt

 

[rsmith]

Take your time and find the right guy. I hired a retired bus mechanic when I did my 12's in 2002. Worked out great. But unless you have a broken ring or something cracked I'd just run them. Do you you really run enough hours to justify the $$$.?

 

[dastahl]

I was quoted in frame re-build 6-71N 175 HP (without new pumps blowers ect.) $26K for both. Convington Detroit Diesel in NC.

I bought the boat with about 14,000 hours on the motors (nobody knows for sure). i calculated in the re-build in the price.

However they run fine and the engine survey went fine considering the hours. I did not do a compression check but did scope the holes and they had hatch marks left. Bottom line is they started this morning after sitting for 5 weeks and the engine room was 46 degrees, no smoke, fired right up.

When I brought her north in the spring We went none stop from Fort Pierce to Moorehead city. The engines ran much better after 80 hours at 1500 rpm. They burned some oil in the first 20 hours then not much at all since.

I would not be afraid to run them, It may very well be good for them.

Skooch
58 LRC

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Quincy,
If you can't get a slip in Grand Haven, we will get you one at our club in White Lake. It's only 20 miles north of Grand Haven and most of the service guys will travel up here with no problem.

 

[RT46]

If you can get by with block heaters and your arent burning excessive oil, then you may have more time left before you need to do the kits in a 671N at that HP.
I bet you have more life left in those 671s
good luck

 

[spartonboat1]

If you can get by with block heaters and your arent burning excessive oil, then you may have more time left before you need to do the kits in a 671N at that HP.
I bet you have more life left in those 671s
good luck

The weak engine (Port) has been known to start in a very cold MI spring, without heaters, but it took about 20-30 tries, rolling over with the stop button down, then releasing it. Poor dear. But last spring I couldn't block heat as long as desired, and a rag-boater with a heavy German accent cried all over cuz' of the smoke. That kind of shamed me into pursuing the in-frame.

Thankfully, and luckily, the stbd had been re-built before my purchase, although the engine survey reported the stbd was a weak as the port. She starts well at ambient and clears up in the ubiquitous 10-15 secs of running....cool.

Oil consumption on both engines seems to be out the inspection ports, as I pulled one and found a big gap, where a chunk of gasket was missing. So I am installing new insp. port gaskets all around. One is nearly impossible to reach and was a 2 hr. job, but it is done. I am a big fan of a high temp rtv gasket helper, so I applied some to the gasket installed. Now I must do the others, which are easier.

The 1st tech told me some rings were 'floppy', but found none broken. But I think they have been that way since '97, and I only put from 20-30hrs/year on her. The oil pressure is at spec all the time running, actually reading a little high, and is at 15#'s at hot idle, which I hear is decent.

So I may well defer the re-build for awhile longer, as you said.

 

[spartonboat1]

Quincy,
If you can't get a slip in Grand Haven, we will get you one at our club in White Lake. It's only 20 miles north of Grand Haven and most of the service guys will travel up here with no problem.

Thanks, Sky. Also, Muskegon has a lot of slips and one of the bigger marinas has the husband and wife living on the premises, which is nice. He is a nice guy.

I am holding out for N. Shore, as my G'Children may not be around for many more years (graduation), so I want to 'attract' them as much as possible. Actually, they want a jet ski, so may moore that off the dock! Also, the NS techs all seem to have a good rep. and the owner is very professional. He also bought Barretts and did some upgrades. They have good ships store there now; hope to avoid W...M...