Overstaying

So for the last month nearly my engine has looked like this

 

Last year I had the python drive sorted (new universal joint) which stopped most of the engine juddering but not all.  But it was a huge improvement on before.  So I bravely set off for the Thames and beyond.  As the juddering only happened in tickover the Thames and rivers generally were lovely.  Back on the Oxford and the long lines of moored boats were an annoyance.  So I resolved to have it looked at again.

 

For some reason on leaving Kings Bromley in February it wasn't doing it and so when it was removed from the water to check the propeller rudder etc at Shobnall Marina it was a mystery.

 

However the juddering came back in March and I returned the boat to Gareth in May and he still couldn't work out was wrong.

 

I brought it back to Dave Freeman who did the work last year and we decided that perhaps the original problem with the Python Drive had travelled further forwards and affected the gearbos and/or the drive plate.

 

When they removed the gearbox it was clear the drive plate was a little wobbly and probably on the way out.

 

It then turns out that I do not have a 'normal' drive plate.  Beta told him that that particular set up was for one specific client only.  I presumably got lumbered with it because I bought my engine at Crick at show prices. 

There is always a catch to a 'sale'! 

Beta searched the back room and found another one in a dusty recess somewhere and offered it up for the princely sum of £300 plus vat.  Dave said it was cheaper for RD (?) to make a replacement.

However cheaper still for him to remachine my engine to accept off the peg drive plates from Midland Chandlers at £90 plus vat a pop!

So he has future proofed my set up and on Saturday all was back together.

 

Yesterday I was a little concerned to come back to the boat and find these

 

 

I know when you take something apart and put it back together there is always some little piece left over but .....

 

 

I was fairly happy that I knew what the six bolts and washers were from

(new drive plate needed longer ones)

 

But the five washers and 1 spring washer I found right under the engine was a worry.

 

Turns out when he went to fix the oil lift pump back on there was a large gap. 

He used a large nut -

clearly in it's previous incarnation those washers had done the same job.

 

Well I am hoping that is indeed the case.