HUMPH
Well-Known Member
- Nov 4, 2009
- 7,618
- Boat Info
- 2003 410DA
2009 Walker Bay 13’
- Engines
- CAT 3126TA's 350HP/
50HP Honda
So you are say that it would be cheaper to fly you out for a vacation?Ken,
What Frank said. I've built a few of these, and it's not for the timid. The mechanic needs to have familiarity with precision measuring equipment, dial indicators, etc. And when building one of these, cleanliness is the word of the day. You can't do one of these on a wooden workbench in the back of an open shop. At least, you shouldn't. I have a 16 foot long stainless steel topped bench for jobs like this, and I clean it with solvents, followed by Windex and paper towels, before I lay down the first part. Every part has to go through a wash tank, followed by cleaning and drying with compressed air.
I have found that it's often just not worth it, depending on the level of damage. By the time you pay for parts, labor, etc. you're better off just buying a new one. Most of the time, you get trapped in the "well, while we're here" syndrome, and you're replacing ALL the bearings, races, clutch packs, seals, etc. Price it both ways, and make your decision, but the peace of mind from a new one is hard to beat. This isn't a job you want to do twice!
Frank - question. I was speaking to a friend of mine, who owns a Sportfish with a pair of 3116 Cats. He had both engines out last year, and was told he needed to replace the damper plates. So, he found an online supplier, and the plates he received were for 3116 Cats, but they were not like the originals - thinner metal, and made with springs, not vulcanized rubber. They did appear to fit. But, the CAT mechanic saw them, and recommended not using them, due to the prodigious torque output of the 3116 Cats. So, he wound up buying the Cat plates, at twice the price. Have you ever had experience with the aftermarket plates?
Dale