Posted: February 19 2009 at 14:00 | IP Logged

I picked up a Catalina 35' aft cabin "project" for cheap and it looks like I might have to replace one or both engines. One engine will not turn over and the other clanks alarmingly. I filled the seized engine completely with ATF and let it sit for 3 months and it still won't budge. The engines are possibly the original 1974 and I feel that replacing might be the best return on investment. I can get remanned blocks for about $1600 apiece and can do the wrenching myself with the help of a mechanic friend.

My big challenge is how to swap the engines in and out of the engine room. They have to in to the main cabin and then through the floor hatches. No way they will go through the hatch or the side windows intact.

I only see two options:

1- I will have to do some surgery on the cabin top. There does not seem to be a pre-framed opening as in some of the larger Chris models, so I don't know how best to proceed.

2- I could disassemble the engines and bring them in in pieces. That would be a lot less work and damage, but

Has any one done this operation before and if so, what worked best?

Thanks

Posted: March 18 2009 at 11:19 | IP Logged

Mark... you are the man! Someone who's actually done this before. 

So the heads can stay!! This is particularly important in installing the new engines as I wouldn't have to pull them and re-install them. We are a very small self-help boat club with no equipment, but plenty of strong backs and ingenuity. Photos and ideas would be great. Others might benefit from this as well.

Thanks!

Posted: March 18 2009 at 14:02 | IP Logged

you can go here and see this thread and more on the rebuild of a chris craft q motor at the master index but here is the hoist thread

http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1197132572/Mot or+Issues

if you want pm me and I will get you my phone and email for any help you may need.