Monthly Archives: August 2012

Engine saga

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Diesel: Working! I managed to find someone (Discount Marine Source.com) that had the offending dipstick tube. They express shipped that to us and I got it in today. So our main engine seems to be working pretty well right now.

Outboard: Not such a happy story. The shop says it needs a new carburetor. It’s only a couple of years old so I’m hoping it’s covered by warranty (Honda). Best case scenario is that we get it back by the end of next week.

Plan: Who needs an outboard motor? I think we’re going to leave Sunday or Monday morning. We’ll head over to Cuttyhunk for a few days. I’ve got oars. Hopefully the engine gets done in a few days. Then we’ll sail back to Dartmouth, pick it up, and head off again.

Setback

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The goal was to leave by August 1st (today), but a few unexpected things happened.

1- After launching Catalpa I decided to take the dingy out to locate our mooring as we were moved to some deeper water last winter. I brought our little Honda outboard out of winter storage but wasn’t able to get it started. I spent a day or so fooling around with it but still wasn’t able to get it going. I brought it to a mechanic. They have to rebuild the carburetor and I should get it back by Friday.

2- After resolving the outboard dilemma I opened Catalpa’s engine hatch, for some reason, only to find oil pooling under the engine.  Big problem. I think its leaking from the dipstick tube which is very rusted. Apparently it must have cracked when we took our first run through the harbor to get to the mooring. I’m not much of a diesel mechanic but it looks like it’s only 2 bolts holding the thing on the engine so I figure I might be capable of replacing it. Unfortunately, our local distributor says it’s going to take two weeks to get the part from the factory. I spent half the day trying to locate the part elsewhere in the US and have it express shipped to us. I’m currently waiting on this.

IF I get the part, AND I can install it, AND I get the outboard back then I’m hoping to leave Saturday or Sunday. As I mentioned before – big problem.