Date: May 11 2005

From:     Richard Cassano, S/V Gray Eagle, and Tashiba 40.
Subject: Engine Repair, Damper Plate & Fan.

The original thread on the forum was “Transmission failure!” As it turned out the noise was not from a failed transmission but from a broken fan bolted to the flywheel. Noise from the failure was unbelievable and sounded like nuts and bolts in a steel garbage can with a mixer blending them around.

The engine was moved forward into the entryway adjacent to the galley. The transmission was separated and the faulty parts removed and new parts installed. Once you are this far into a 17 year old engine I advise replacing all bolts with new and replace both the damper plate and fan even if not broke. These parts are not expensive and after this long they should be changed. 

In my situation, the fan developed a crack between the three screws that hold it onto the flywheel. When I went to full throttle the centrifugal force pulled the blades of the fan out and the broken fan caught the bell housing and disintegrated. Lots of little pieces were found in the bell housing. In the end the damper plate was not faulty; however we changed it for a new one anyway. This is a full ten hour day’s work for two people. The second person is needed to insure safety when moving the 550 lbs engine. Unfortunately, Gray Eagle had just been launched for the season and this was performed while at the dock. Much safer conditions would be while hauled out and would allow one person to work whenever they had time. Also, if in the yard there is a strong possibility the engine would not need to be moved. Removing the prop and pulling the shaft aft may give enough room to pull the bell housing/transmission back for access to the fan/damper plate.