Repowering a dual engine 1970's Trojan

[Big D]

A couple of things to consider before rebuilding are; Have they been rebuilt before, and if so, I'd try to find out to what spec. I'd also think twice about rebuilding blocks that have seen salt water for most of their life so look at these things first at least.

I wouldn't go "minimum" with this vintage. One rebuilder's idea of a rebuild may be different than someone else's. Compare apples to apples on what they'll replace. Major components will be measured and reused if they fall within spec or machined if possible. The typical hardware will be replaced like bearings, seals, valves, springs, rings, etc. etc. Ensure the oil pump actually gets rebuilt or replaced, and consider new distributors, preferably electronic ones. Rebuild the carbs and have the intake and exhaust manifolds checked, and if the budget allows, replace the at least the exhaust manifolds. Nothing worse than going through all this trouble, having an almost new engine only to have a major failure because an old manifold started leaking into the engine.

Can't reset the hour meters but you should record the reading after the rebuild for future reference.

If you don't already have it, a nice upgrade would be closed cooling, especially if it's a salt water application.

Some of the items I mentioned in the previous post should still be considered while the engines are out like ensuring you won't have to pull engines again to get to failed fuel tanks, and given the space you'll have, it'd be a good time to replace seacocks, blower hoses, etc. Anything that is easy to get at should be considered while the engines are out (within reason), again, the wallet dictates here.

Are you having problems with the 318s?

[Svend]

Great thoughts BIG D!

I love the idea of replacing and checking a multitude of other boat things while engines are out!

I don't know the past history of the engines, so I am not sure how I would know if they were rebuilt?! Is there an easy way to check?

Speaking of engine hours, my meters are at 2300ish... is this a lot, normal for 1977, or low?

My boat is on fresh water, but what is involved in doing a closed cooling system?

No problems with my 318's, but then again, I don't know what a brand new pair run like or fuel usage. How involved are flow meters to install? do you have them?

Thanks again for your great thoughts... I did not find such good advice on google searches... lol

Svend

[Big D]

That's pretty high hours. If they were rebuilt before, a good rebuilder will tag/label the engines indicating the spec they were rebuilt to.

Closed cooled systems are available. It's a nice upgrade but if you're in fresh water, it's not as critical. They are pricey and the cash would be best spent in other areas of the boat that may require attention of upgrading. These guys sell Chrysler 318 kits, I'm sure there are others http://www.oceaneastmarine.com/html/freshwater.html

I do not have fuel flow meters personally but they are a good tool if you're concerned with fuel burn rates. They'll help you find a sweet spot for the best speed/fuel burn. Pretty easy to install if you're handy. http://www.floscan.com/html/blue/gasmodels.php

[Svend]

awesome ideas!

I think the flow meter would be very cool...
to know what low RPM gets good flow rate and what high speed rpm on plane gets best gph

thanks again for the great ideas and thoughts and advice!

you are a great asset to this forum!

thanks

Svend