|
| Monterey clipper fishing boat engine ... |
| Author |
Message |
    
Mark Smith
Visitor
| | Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 03:33 pm: | 
|
I am an author with little marine engine knowledge. I have a character in a 28 foot Monterey Clipper built in early 1930s. I understand they had gasoline engines starting at only }} one cylinder in early 20s but increasing #cyl thereafter. Boat develops engine failure off NW coast & is helped by engineer on a Japanese sub. My questions: What type of engine? What common problem might be plausible (eg, fuel pump blockage etc)? How might it be temporarily repaired with readily available materials by knowledgeable engineer (albeit on diesel sub) that competent fisherman didn't figure out already? Any comments (and links to engine etc.)would be appreciated. |
miro
Senior Member
Username: miro
Post Number: 292
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 04, 2007 - 07:30 am: |
|
The old rule of thumb for these old marine engines, is that 80% of the problems are electrical in nature. That is for some reason or other, the engine loses spark.
It could be a problem with the coil, or the timer or the batteries that were typically used to provide the in put voltages ( usually 6 volts - 4 x 1.5 volt dry cells.)
The most difficult repair is a repair to the timer . If a coil fails, then there is usually no way to repair it.
The timer is essentially a mechanical switch with moving parts that wear out, so repair on the open ocean is possible, but usually needs a piece of brass or bronze or a small screw or spring. These parts would be in the complement of spare parts that any ship's engineer would have on hand.
miro |
|
|
|
|
