Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

[chris in va]

Any tips/tricks on how to get my Volvo fixed before the summer is over? All the local shops are backloged at least a month, and being a Volvo hardly anyone wants to work on it.<br /><br />Far as I know it needs a new flywheel, at the least.

 

[hondon]

Re: Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

It is not rocket science to remove this drive or pull that engine.What gave you the idea that the flywheel needed replacement?Not a common failure.

 

[chris in va]

Re: Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

Well, when the motor hydrolocked and the guy helping me out tried to start it (many, many times) I took it home, drained out all the water and the motor would turn over most of the way then CLUNK. I'd manually tweak the prop about 1/4 turn, then the same thing would happen when trying to start it. <br /><br />The mechanic has seen this a few times where flywheel teeth break off first before the rods bend, etc. <br /><br />I've been told to have a marine mechanic yank the motor instead of an auto shop.

 

[anesthes]

Re: Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

Chris,<br /><br />verify that the teeth are broken.. You should be able to see them. Crank it until the CLUNK or whatever and go look at the damn thing.<br /><br />Owning a boat requires mechanical skills, or a fat bank account. <br /><br />-- Joe

 

[chris in va]

Re: Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

Oh, I know. I do have pretty good mechanical skills, but taking off that starter is something I hope I NEVER have to do again. The mechanic concurred with me about the diagnosis and he was going to start with that first. Either way, the motor has to be yanked and I just don't have any sort of massive lift to do it with.

 

[magster65]

Re: Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

That's too long of wait... our local boat lift is 6 weeks too at the moment. I've found that if you want something done right... you know. Get a buddy and an engine hoist and dig in. Do a methodical disassembly, replace the parts needed and put 'er back in. I bet the job goes quicker than you thought. If you really don't want to take it on, have an auto mechanic do it, a skilled wrench is a skilled wrench.

 

[hondon]

Re: Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

I'dd be more worried about why this thing hydroed.Where is the water coming from?

 

[McKenzie]

Re: Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

Got a friend with a backhoe or access to one? I'm told its really easy way to pull an engine.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

For about $120, you can build a 12'x12' wide huge "sawhorse" to park the boat under and get a $40 2ton hoiset from HarborFreight.com. Worksed like a champ to pull the v8 out of my 19' bow rider. Has also come in handy for removing the outboard from my fishing boat and flipping the hull for painting. When finished with projects, I may hand a swing under it until its needed again.

 

[anesthes]

Re: Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

I used a chain hoist (chain fall?) and an automotive lift (14 feet height).<br /><br />You could prolly use a good tree, or maybe the main beam in your garage.. <br /><br />Or maybe its time to mount a lifting hoist to the outside if your garage/house.. You know, like old barns have..<br /><br />-- Joe

 

[chris in va]

Re: Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

Well, that's the problem. I don't have a garage/detached house like the rest of the world. I live in a townhouse community and they limit what I can do in regards to repairs. Trying to fabricate a massive wood hoist or use a backhoe is out of the question, much less pulling a motor out of the thing. <br /><br />I'm entertaining the idea of a mechanic yanking the motor...

 

[chris in va]

Re: Well shoot, repair backlog is over a month...

I gave the current shop a call and to my suprise they may have the boat ready by tomorrow! Somehow they're caught up with work and got the engine out. Let's hope it's just the flywheel.