would like to know what engine was standard with the CD31 and whether it was a straight or V drive. Also, is it easily worked on and is able to be removed. Thanks.
bax@userdesign.com
CD31 engine
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Tom
Re: CD31 engine
On the CD 31 you had a choice of engines. Many of them -- or perhaps most -- Had the Universal 3 cylinder diesel model 25 which was originally 18 horsepower and later configured to 21 horsepower. It is "easily" removed (I've had mine out and in 3 times). It is a straight through Hurth model HW50 crash box transmission - not a v drive.brian axup wrote: would like to know what engine was standard with the CD31 and whether it was a straight or V drive. Also, is it easily worked on and is able to be removed. Thanks.
Tom Coons
CD 31 # 15
"Heiress"
To remove it you put a 4 by 4 across the opening, put a chain through the lifting eyes and lift the engine into the air with a comealong. Once it's clear of the motor mounts you slip a couple of two by fours under it or a piece of plywood and set it down on the wood. Then you grab hold of it and pull it forward out of its compartment. Now you rig your comealong onto the boom and swing it over onto the dock and set it down. Most of the job is removing everything, the actual lifting takes less than an hour. The engine weighs about 250 pounds so a couple of guys can almost manhandle it out except that it's kind of awkward and you don't want to scar your brightwork.
When you ask is it easy to work on, one has to ask compared to what? It's a very simple engine and most of the things that require maintenance are on the forward side facing the cabin so you can kneel down and get to most things without crawling through cockpit lockers. The raw water pump, the coolant pump, the alternator, the oil filter, all the belts, the dipstick and oil fill face forward and there is enough room for you to lean over the top of the engine. The starter motor, transmission, heat exchanger and fuel filter are accessible via the cockpit locker which is a little fuss to unload and reload every time but readibly accessible once you're in there. For a boat this size I think the access is exceptional, but notice that I said "for a boat this size" because in a 31 foot boat there are a lot of tight fits.
If you get serious about a 31 I can give you some more information and some tips to make it easier. I redesigned the muffler platform because it was wearing a hole in the hull. Also moved the fuel filter bracket to improve accessibility, there is one motor mount that HAS to be installed separately, and if you ever take it out fix the poor design of the shift lever while it's out, and check the alignment of the bell housing. Basically it's a terrific engine (although a little under powered) and easy to work on as engines in small boats go. Important parts are readily available and not as expensive as Volvos. Email directly with specific questions if you like.
TomCambria@mindspring.com