Topics

1

Engine and Drive Train / Transmission Failure Experience

« on: April 26, 2014, 02:24:20 PM »

Hi,
This week the transmission on my Volvo MD11C stopped shifting into reverse.  I removed it this morning to see about getting the cone clutch refaced, or getting some new gears installed.  Has anyone had any experience with this lately?  Any shop to recommend?

One note:  If you do ever have to remove the transmission, make sure the oil is drained from the engine first (duh), or it's likely to start pouring out as the last bolt comes undone and you are now holding the 50ish lb. hunk of metal and gears in your hands.

At least this happened before we left for the Bahamas...ugh.

2

Cruising / Heading Out

« on: April 13, 2014, 10:13:27 PM »

We'll be heading out for a cruise around some of the Keys and then over to the Bahamas later this week.  Lots of work went into getting the boat ready to go!  If anyone is interested in reading about some of the projects we've done or following along on the cruise check out the blog:
www.sailingwanderer.com
Thanks!
-Bill

3

Ports & Hatches / Re bedded some ports!

« on: December 01, 2013, 06:45:08 PM »

We had some serious rain the past couple of weeks and noticed that both of the larger fixed ports on the port side of Wanderer had some leaking. After some online research and a bit of procrastination, I decided to tackle the project over the long weekend.

Getting the ports out was a little tricky as they were attached with the original foam type weather stripping and a pretty bad silicone caulk a PO had spooged in there. But after some prying, giggling, and cutting with a razor blade they gave way.

Once they were out, cleaning them up became the most time consuming part of the process. Liberal amounts of Goo Be Gone were applied and lots of scraping ensued. Once clean, I had decided on Butyl rubber tape as my method of sealing and bedding the ports. I bought a role at my local Napa for about $23. It was very easy stuff to work with. Certainly a lot easier than my experiences using 5200.

The ports went back in pretty easily and after tightening the inner flange/liner I gave it a pretty good soaking with a hose and found no leaks! 

Each port took about an hour and a half, so really not a very time consuming or expensive project as boat projects go. The major part was getting the frame clear of the old sealants and then making sure the goo be gone was properly cleaned up so the butyl could adhere. I was really impressed with the ease of working with the butyl  and what I've read about it. I'll definitely keep a role around.

4

Engine and Drive Train / Engine Zinc?

« on: November 14, 2013, 11:56:53 AM »

I've got the Volvo MD11C, raw water cooled in my 323.  Just wondering from other owners if there is a zinc in the raw water cooling system somewhere that I am missing?  I see no mention of it in the shop manual....

Thanks,
Bill

5

Plumbing and Galley Systems / Fuel system questions

« on: October 25, 2013, 04:16:06 PM »

Hi there. 

I have a bizarre little bottle in the hanging locker across from the head (see picture 1).  This bottle is attached to a black hose which I've traced back under the galley sink and under the cockpit to the fuel tank!  Inside the bottle is some red liquid that looks like diesel though doesn't really have an odor.  In line with this hose is a little valve (see picture 2) and then further along is what appears to be a 12v pump with some wires attached.  There is a switch on the 12v panel labeled "heater", could this be an old diesel heating line?  Anyone else have something like this on their boat?

My other questions pertaining to the fuel line is the "marine fuel valve" in the second picture.  Anyone know if this works like a solenoid where it opens when there is a demand for fuel and closes when it stops?

Any advice appreciated!

6

Engine and Drive Train / Shifting

« on: October 18, 2013, 06:22:23 PM »

I find the shifting on my 323 with Volvo MD 11 a little odd. It does not give a satisfactory "clunk" when changing gears, and it is hard to find neutral. It's making maneuvering in tight quarters very interesting (read: scary).

I've removed the cable from the transmission and that engages the gears fine. I think the problem is that the cable is getting resistance on its run down the pedestal in the cockpit. It seems to rub on the steering post when in one gear and on the pedestal in the other. Has anyone else experienced this?

I'd try to re-route the cable, but the shift control lever doesn't have any play into or out of the pedestal.

7

Sails and Canvas / Arches (not golden ones)

« on: October 02, 2013, 07:43:26 PM »

Has anyone installed an arch system on their 323? 

I really like the idea of having one to mount solar and use for davits but I can't seem to find any pictures of an arch on a 323.  So, if you've done it, please share a pic!

Thanks,
Bill

8

New Member Introductions / New Owner

« on: September 30, 2013, 08:04:24 PM »

Hi all!  Just bought hull 193 in Miami this weekend after lusting after her for 2 months. Had a great time bringing the boat back to its new home port in Key Largo, FL!  My wife and I are in our early 30s and VERY excited to have our first "real" cruising boat. We've owned a series of smaller O'days for the past 7 years or so. Have taken ASA courses, and done several offshore deliveries, but have yet to cruise on our own boat.

Fortunately for us, hull 193 shows lots of love from her previous owners. There is a brand new main with stack pack, 2 yr old jib, a ton of spare parts, and a newer dodger as well.

We plan to spend a few months adding some features like a davit system, solar, refrigeration, and a propane stove. Hopefully we will be spending part of next year in the Bahamas!

This site has been very informative and I look forward to being part of the community.

-Bill